5 Chicago Bears in Line for Increased Roles in 2015

Next season is one of transition for a Chicago Bears team that is looking to establish a new identity and escape from mediocrity. 

John Fox and his staff have the difficult task of bringing about a culture change and making sure they get the most out of the personnel. This includes asking more out of players who aren't yet used to carrying a bigger load. 

With a new defense and drastically different philosophy on offense, the Bears need five players to have bigger roles in 2015. Here are the five guys you should watch out for as they take the next step. 

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker Pernell McPhee

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Former Baltimore Ravens reserve Pernell McPhee is the Bears' prized free-agent signing. He's only started six games in his four-year NFL career but will see a dramatic change in playing time after signing a five-year, $38.75 million contract. 

McPhee is expected to move around in the Bears' new 3-4 defense and be a three-down player. He's never had this many snaps before in the NFL and will have to mentally and physically prepare himself for a new type of grind. 

The Bears are expecting McPhee to turn into a perennial double-digit sack master because that's what they are paying him for. He will certainly have a spotlight on him once the season starts. 

Wide Receiver Alshon Jeffery

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Since coming into the league in 2012, Alshon Jeffery has never really been considered any more than a second wide receiver on the Bears. 

With Brandon Marshall traded to the New York Jets, Jeffery is now thrust into the role of the team's No. 1 receiver.

He will receive a different type of attention he's never seen before. Even if the Bears draft another receiver or sign a veteran, he won't be the caliber of player that Marshall was. 

In 2015, Jeffery is going to have to fight harder for the football, work through double-teams and run crisper routes if he wants to continue to put up Pro Bowl-type numbers. He's looking for a new contract, so it plays in his favor to do so. 

Defensive Tackle Ego Ferguson

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With the Bears moving to their 3-4 defense, they need a different type of defensive lineman than what this franchise is used to. 

It helps to have bigger bodies up front who can plug gaps and free up the linebackers to attack the football. Last season's second-round pick Ego Ferguson fits the mold. 

At 6'3'', 315 pounds, Ferguson can play either defensive tackle or defensive end depending on the down-and-distance situation.

Last season, he racked up two sacks and 12 tackles. Look for both of those numbers to at least double as he gets more snaps this year. 

Running Back Ka'Deem Carey

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Chicago drafted Ka'Deem Carey last year to spell Matt Forte but ended up getting only 36 carries in Marc Trestman's offense. 

New offensive coordinator Adam Gase isn't afraid to spread the football around in the backfield. Last year, the Denver Broncos had three different running backs carry the football for more than 50 carries. 

Considering Forte is getting up there in age (29) and is coming to the end of his current contract, the Bears will likely want to see more out of Carey. Expect his rushing attempts to go far above 50 in 2015. 

Linebacker Christian Jones

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Last season, undrafted rookie Christian Jones appeared in all 16 games and started five of them. He finished the season with 41 tackles and two sacks. 

Going forward, he has the potential to be a bright spot on an evolving defense. It's still too early to tell whether he will play primarily inside or outside, but it's safe to say he will get a ton of snaps and every chance to show his talent. 

Jones has the skills to rush the quarterback from the outside but could also but a nice fit next to Jon Bostic at inside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can use him as a Joker linebacker and line him up all over the field.

You should expect big things from Jones this year as he settles into his second season and grows into his talent.