Chicago Bears Offseason: Free Agency Won't Fix This Mess

"We need Michael Turner!"

"How didn't we get Faneca?!!?"

"We can't survive next year without Berrian!"

If you tuned into sports radio in Chicago over the past couple days, then this is only the tip of the iceberg to what you will hear. 

The problem with the Chicago Bears this off-eason can't be fixed with free agency.  Name one player that the Bears can go and sign that will make them a few wins better in the 2008 season.  Those few wins could buy them a ticket to the playoffs.

The issues that face the Bears will have to be handled in this years NFL Draft.  Seemingly, everyone is concerned with what the Bears decided to do with their first round pick, which will be the 14th overall in April's draft. 

Don't get me wrong, the first round will be an important pick for the Bears, but the draft is so much deeper than the first 32 (or in this year's case, 31) picks. 

Bears fans need to take a look back on what made the defense what it is today.  Was it all first round draft picks that turned into the machine it was, especially during the '06 season?  Not whatsoever. 

Charles Tillman (2nd Round), Nathan Vasher (4th Round), Lance Briggs (3rd Round), Alex Brown (4th Round), and Mark Anderson (5th Round) are prime examples of how important the mid to later rounds in the draft are.

It's not important that the Bears draft a running back, wideout, or offensive lineman in the first round.  What is important is that the Bears evaluate the talent in this year's draft, and fill the needs at these positions.  Will the Bears return to the postseason happen overnight?  Absolutely not.

The Bears have had issues drafting offense in the past years.  However, Jerry Angelo and company have done an excellent job drafting defense in the drafts of years past, especially in the later rounds. 

It's safe to say that Rex Grossman is not at the level of play the Bears hoped he would be at during this stage of his career.  Mark Bradley has not produced the way you see second round draft picks on the defensive side of the ball perform for the Bears. 

Cedric Benson has been an utter failure after being taken 4th overall as well.  The Bears need their luck with drafting offense, or lack there of, to change this year.

It will be interesting to see how the Bears go about this offseason.  The experts seem to agree neither Lance Briggs or Bernard Berrian will be back in Bears uniforms next year. 

Many issues remain in place, so obviously there is much work to be done by the front office. There may be names that sound appealing to the Bears in order to fill some of their needs in free agency.  There is nothing wrong in doing this, but don't rely solely on the free agents, start thinking offense in the draft please Jerry Angelo.