Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Defensive End

Perhaps the greatest addition to the Bear’s defensive line during the offseason was the hiring of former Detroit Lion’s head coach Rod Marinelli. 

Marinelli has developed great defensive linemen in the past (see Warren Sapp) and should be able to get the most out of the 2009 Chicago Bear defensive ends. 

Adding a solid defensive end or two was an offseason priority, and the Bears did it with the drafting of Jarron Gilbert (who can play end or tackle) and Henry Melton. 

Both picks should contribute to the team sometime this season.  (Note: For the purposes of this posting, Gilbert will not be featured as a defensive end but covered with the defensive tackles)

So let’s take a look at the defensive ends that the Bears are taking into training camp this summer.  There is a brief look back at their performance in 2008, a look at what they have done so far this offseason and where they may end up at the end of training camp this summer.

Adewale Ogunleye

When Ogunleye came to Chicago, there was a lot of hope that he would be able to repeat the kind of production that he had while he was with the Miami Dolphins. 

This hasn’t been the case. 

While he is a pretty decent run stopper and one of the most reliable players on the defensive line, Ogunleye has failed to be productive in taking down the quarterback. 

His 2008 season, while solid, was unspectacular and he didn’t really help the Bears pass rushing deficiencies that much. 

His offseason has been quiet and by all accounts good but he is facing what could be his last season in Chicago.

His contract is up at the end of 2009.

Ogunleye had better have a great season or he might wind up looking for work elsewhere in 2009.  Look for Ogunleye to start this season.

Alex Brown

Playing on the other side of Oguleye, Brown has proved himself to be a much better run stopper than a pass rusher.

That fact has both helped and hurt the Bears. 

He had a quiet but solid season with Chicago in 2008 and is poised to have a good season this year thanks to the hiring of Marinelli (who should be able to get the most out of Brown). 

Brown should have a good season in 2009 and remain the starter on the right side of the line as well as contribute to what promises to be a fierce pass rush coming from the defensive line.

Mark Anderson

Anderson has been MIA since his breakout season in 2006 and may be on his way out of Chicago if he can’t step up and regain what he once had. 

With some help from Marinelli, it is hoped that Anderson will be able to regain his form. So far his offseason has been unspectacular and it looks like it may take some time for him to develop more in training camp. 

If he isn’t careful, he could fall behind in the race for a backup defensive end spot and may even see himself out of a job depending on who else steps up at the position this offseason. 

If Anderson doesn’t produce during training camp, he could end up being off the team before the first regular season game.

Israel Idonije

Idonije is primed to take over as a backup at one of the defensive end positions this coming season.

After dropping some weight and signing a contract extension, Idonije comes in ready to play.  He had a quiet 2008 season but proved his value time and again in being one of the more solid players on the team.

His ability to play both tackle and end makes him a very valuable commodity.

Look for Idonije to remain a valuable backup on the team, and contribute not only on defense but on special teams.

Ervin Baldwin

Baldwin has shown a lot of promise in offseason workouts, and the coaching staff seems to think that he can contribute often in 2009. 

Baldwin didn’t play in any games in 2008 but he has had a solid showing in the OTA’s, and looks to make a run at a backup job this season. 

If Anderson falters, he could stick with the team as a backup defensive end and special teams contributor.

Joe Clermond

Clermond hasn’t played a down yet for the Bears and didn’t have a great offseason, but he comes into camp hoping to earn a backup spot at the defensive end position. 

He will battle Melton who does appear to have an edge on Clermond. If Clermond loses that battle, he could wind up on the practice squad.

Henry Melton

Melton, the Bear’s second pick in the 2009 NFL Draft comes in as a bit of a project player. 

He has a lot of skill, and the Bears are hoping that he could become more than a situational pass rusher sometime in the future. 

Melton will battle with Clermond and Baldwin for a backup spot at defensive end and might have an edge thanks to his physical presence and ability to get up the field in a hurry. 

Look for him to make the final roster and contribute as a situational pass rusher and on special teams.

Summary

Chicago desperately needs to generate a much better pass rush than they did in 2008.

Look for an extremely motivated group that will not only pick up a lot of sacks this season, but work well against the run and help make the defense a success. 

It will be a much more improved group in 2009.