2015 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

2015 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

By Shawn Spencer

April 6, 2015

Chicago Bears' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

John Fox Bears — After a last place finish in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have made some significant changes this offseason. John Fox is now the head coach, while veterans Brandon Marshall, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman have either been traded or allowed to hit free agency. With an eye towards the draft, here are the biggest needs left to fill on the Bears' roster.

After a last place finish in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have made some significant changes this offseason. John Fox is now the head coach, while veterans Brandon Marshall, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman have either been traded or allowed to hit free agency. With an eye towards the draft, here are the biggest needs left to fill on the Bears' roster.

5. Quarterback

Jay Cutler Bears

5. Quarterback

Jay Cutler Bears — With all the recent changes the team has made, many fans would like to see a change at the quarterback position. After six seasons in Chicago, the Jay Cutler experiment has failed. Will the Bears have an opportunity to move on this year? Despite all the money the team has invested in Cutler, will the team make a run at Marcus Mariota? With the draft in Chicago, there will be a lot of drama if he's on the board at No. 7.

With all the recent changes the team has made, many fans would like to see a change at the quarterback position. After six seasons in Chicago, the Jay Cutler experiment has failed. Will the Bears have an opportunity to move on this year? Despite all the money the team has invested in Cutler, will the team make a run at Marcus Mariota? With the draft in Chicago, there will be a lot of drama if he's on the board at No. 7.

4. Edge Rusher

Jared Allen Bears

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4. Edge Rusher

Jared Allen Bears — With the Bears now switching to a 3-4 defense, it will be interesting to see how the team utilizes Jared Allen. Allen and the newly-acquired Pernell McPhee are the projected starters at OLB, but Shea McClellin is an ideal fit in the system. He's underwhelmed so far, but the change should be for the best. Rather than hope one of the two pan out, the team may look to add one of the star edge rushers in the draft.

With the Bears now switching to a 3-4 defense, it will be interesting to see how the team utilizes Jared Allen. Allen and the newly-acquired Pernell McPhee are the projected starters at OLB, but Shea McClellin is an ideal fit in the system. He's underwhelmed so far, but the change should be for the best. Rather than hope one of the two pan out, the team may look to add one of the star edge rushers in the draft.

3. Offensive Tackle

Jordan Mills Bears

3. Offensive Tackle

Jordan Mills Bears — Whether the QB is Cutler, Mariota or even Jimmy Clausen, the protection up front has to get better. Will Montgomery will take over the center duties, but there's still a need at tackle. Despite having three years left on his contract, the Bears may want to part ways with Jermon Bushrod sooner rather than later. At RT, an upgrade over Jordan Mills is a priority. It may not be in Round 1, but expect the Bears to draft a tackle fairly early.

Whether the QB is Cutler, Mariota or even Jimmy Clausen, the protection up front has to get better. Will Montgomery will take over the center duties, but there's still a need at tackle. Despite having three years left on his contract, the Bears may want to part ways with Jermon Bushrod sooner rather than later. At RT, an upgrade over Jordan Mills is a priority. It may not be in Round 1, but expect the Bears to draft a tackle fairly early.

2. Cornerback

Kyle Fuller Bears

2. Cornerback

Kyle Fuller Bears — The Charles Tillman era in Chicago appears to have come to an end. Although he's still unsigned, it looks like the team has moved on. Alan Ball was signed via free agency, but a starting duo of Kyle Fuller and Tim Jennings won't scare any of the pass-happy offenses in the NFC North. While No. 7 is too early for any of the top corners in this draft, the Bears could either trade down or wait until Round 2 to find a potential starter.

The Charles Tillman era in Chicago appears to have come to an end. Although he's still unsigned, it looks like the team has moved on. Alan Ball was signed via free agency, but a starting duo of Kyle Fuller and Tim Jennings won't scare any of the pass-happy offenses in the NFC North. While No. 7 is too early for any of the top corners in this draft, the Bears could either trade down or wait until Round 2 to find a potential starter.

1. Wide Receiver

Alshon Jeffery Bears

1. Wide Receiver

Alshon Jeffery Bears — After trading Brandon Marshall to the Jets, who will be the starting WR opposite Alshon Jeffery? At this point, all signs point to Marquess Wilson who has 19 career receptions. With Kevin White, Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker all likely to be top-10 picks, the Bears will have a chance to select a Day 1 starter at No. 7. Fortunately for Bears fans, this is a deep WR class and starters will be available in Rounds 2 and 3 as well.

After trading Brandon Marshall to the Jets, who will be the starting WR opposite Alshon Jeffery? At this point, all signs point to Marquess Wilson who has 19 career receptions. With Kevin White, Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker all likely to be top-10 picks, the Bears will have a chance to select a Day 1 starter at No. 7. Fortunately for Bears fans, this is a deep WR class and starters will be available in Rounds 2 and 3 as well.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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