Chicago Bears Day 1 2014 NFL Draft Primer

After months of speculation and rumors, the fate of the Chicago Bears' first draft pick of 2014 will finally be known on Thursday night.

In order to get a grasp on where this team is headed and what it wants to address in the draft, we will  take a look at some of the team's key offseason additions and departures as well as how that will affect general manager Phil Emery's draft plan.

To better understand which direction the Bears will take in the first round, the team's positional needs are addressed and used to determine whether Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald or another prospect is a perfect fit in the first round.

Finally, a list of NFL experts' picks for the Bears, rumors surrounding which positions they will and won't address, and an updated seven-round mock draft are all included to best understand which direction the Bears will go in on Thursday and beyond.

Here is a primer for the Chicago Bears' first day of the 2014 NFL draft.

Key Offseason Additions and Departures

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Phil Emery had his work cut out for him this offseason, with a bevy of expiring contracts to decided upon and a need to drastically improve a defense that struggled mightily in 2013.

Due to his creative signings and maneuvers, Emery was able to manipulate the team's cap space and bring in a handful of impact players on the defensive side of the football as well as re-sign many of his own players.

Because of his approach to the offseason and free agency, Emery has given this team flexibility when its turn comes at the podium in New York City.

Departures

One of the biggest departures this offseason was Julius Peppers, who was released in early March. His release helped save $9.8 million against the salary cap.

In an attempt to save even more money, the team released veteran wide receiver Earl Bennett after he declined a pay cut from the team, along with punter Adam Podlesh and running back Michael Bush. 

After a poor 2013 season, the Bears did not re-sign veteran safety Major Wright and he reunited with former head coach Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay.

Considered by many as the best return man to play the game, Devin Hester signed with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason after spending the past eight seasons in Chicago.

Additions

Some of Emery's biggest splashes this offseason came in the form of re-signing some of Chicago's own players. Just after the conclusion of the 2013 season, the team signed veterans Jay Cutler, Tim Jennings and Matt Slauson to long-term deals.

As the offseason wore on, the team re-signed veteran defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff to a two-year deal and also re-signed veteran cornerback Charles Tillman to a one-year deal.

Emery and the Bears wasted little time addressing the team's need at defensive end once free agency began, signing Lamarr Houston to a five-year deal on March 11. In addition to inking Houston on the first day of free agency, the team also struck a deal with former New York Giants safety Ryan Mundy.

The team was not finished at the defensive end position, and not long after the addition of Houston, the team added another starting-caliber defensive end in former Detroit Lion Willie Young.

The Bears made their biggest splash in free agency in the form of Jared Allen, who they signed to a four-year contract in late March.

While the team lost a couple of big-name players in Peppers and Hester, Emery greatly improved the team's defense with the additions of Allen, Houston and Young, and also improved the team's future on offense by re-signing Cutler and Slauson.

Emery's additions should allow the team to be able to choose from a plethora of players and positions when selecting 14th overall in the first round.

He's also allowed the team to take more risks as the draft continues through the weekend.

Positional Needs

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Phil Emery did a good job this offseason of improving his team via free agency, particularly along the defensive line, but there are still areas of concern.

There is no way of knowing which players the team is going to select, but we do have a pretty good idea of which positions need improvement.

Here are five of the team's biggest positional needs that Emery will need to address in the draft.

Safety

After a disappointing season in 2013 from the starting safety duo of Major Wright and Chris Conte, the safety position will likely look vastly different in 2014. Despite the team's addition of Ryan Mundy to compete at the strong safety position, there is still a need for a young, dynamic safety that has the ability to be a playmaker.

Luckily for the Bears this draft is full of talent at the position and they could potentially find a competent starter in any of the first three rounds. Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix or Louisville's Calvin Pryor could be an option for the team at No. 14 or they could look in the second or third round at Washington State's Deone Buccanon, Florida State's Lamarcus Joyner or USC's Dion Bailey. 

Defensive Tackle

While much focus and attention was paid to the defensive end position in free agency, the team currently sits with just Stephen Paea, Jeremiah Ratliff, Nate Collins and Israel Idonije as the only defensive tackles on the roster.

Despite having four veterans with extensive experience, the team desperately needs a young, effective inside pass-rusher, and this draft has a lot of talent at the position.

The first round features talented players like Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald and Florida State's Timmy Jernigan, but there will be talented players such as Arizona State's Will Sutton, Tennessee's Daniel McCullers and Princeton's Caraun Reid available in the second round and beyond with the potential to make an impact in their first year.

Cornerback

Despite bringing back both Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman for the 2014 season, the Bears lack depth at the cornerback position for next season and beyond.

Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert, Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard and Virginia Tech's Kyle Fuller are all expected to be options in the first round.

Meanwhile, Nebraska's Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Utah's Keith McGill and Clemson's Bashaud Breeland are all likely to go between the second and fourth rounds and could provide immediate depth at the position.

Wide Receiver

Despite having two 1,000-yard receivers from 2013 returning again in 2014 in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, the team lacks depth behind its Pro Bowl duo.

The team seems likely to head into 2014 with Marquess Wilson as its third receiver, but he is an unproven player who will likely benefit from added competition.

It is unlikely that the team would address the position in the first couple of rounds because of greater team needs and solid depth at the position in this year's draft class.

Alabama's Kevin Norwood, Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis, Oregon's Josh Huff and Oklahoma's Jalen Saunders are all mid-round wide receivers who could push Wilson in 2014.

Running Back

Fresh off his second Pro Bowl appearance, Matt Forte will once again be a key figure for the Chicago Bears not only in the running game, but also in the passing game.

While Forte has proven he can carry the load, the team needs to find a backup that can spell him at times.

2014 is a down year for the running back position in the draft, but the Bears may be able to find an effective backup in the later rounds of the draft. Towson's Terrance West, Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey and West Virginia's Charles Sims could all be options for the team in the third round and beyond.

Top Targets

At his predraft press conference late last week, Phil Emery revealed that he currently has six players on his big board.

“I’d be happy if two out of the six were on the board at our pick, and I’d be ecstatic if three out of the six were on the board at our pick,” Emery told reporters.

It is hard to get a good read on Emery and determine who his top six are, but here are six players I believe the team should be targeting.

1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Safety, Alabama

The need at the safety position is more evident than ever for the Bears after the team announced on its official website that Chris Conte will be out four-to-five months after undergoing shoulder surgery in late March.

Conte certainly had his share of struggles in 2013, but his injury makes the need for an impact player at safety all the more important.

Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has the ability to step in and make an immediate impact at the free safety position. He would give the team the playmaking safety it desperately needs in the passing game while also providing the ability to make an impact against the run.

2. Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh

Few have jumped up draft boards as quickly as Aaron Donald has this offseason. He had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and proved himself even more at the combine by running a 4.68 40-yard dash.

The Bears have a need at the 3-technique position and Donald could be a perfect fit. 

Despite his size (6'1", 285 lbs), Donald is extremely disruptive and uses his short stature to play with a low pad level that is hard for offensive linemen to counteract.

He is a relentless pass-rusher and uses his quickness and good hands to fight off opposing linemen.

Donald's rising stock may cause him to be taken before the team selects 14th overall, but if he is available when the Bears are on the clock, he may be too tough to pass up.

3. Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State

The Bears currently sit with two former Pro Bowl cornerbacks penciled in as their starters in 2014, but there is still a big need at the position for 2014 and beyond.

Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert combines great athleticism and footwork and is one of the most fluid defensive backs in this draft. He showed off his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, registering a 4.37 40-yard dash.

His combination of size, speed and athleticism allows him to shut down opposing wide receivers and NFL.com's Nolan Nawrocki calls him the best cover corner in this year's draft.

Gilbert would immediately upgrade the team's depth and he could fight for a role as a nickelback in his rookie season before possibly taking over a starting role in 2015.

4. Calvin Pryor, Safety, Louisville

If Clinton-Dix is off of the board when the Bears select at No. 14, Louisville's Calvin Pryor is the next best option at safety.

While Clinton-Dix is viewed as a playmaking, coverage safety, Pryor is a hard-hitting strong safety that has the ability to come up in the box and make tackles. However, also possesses the athleticism and ball-hawking abilities of a free safety.

He plays with great instincts, has fluid hips that allow him to turn on the ball and is one of the most feared hitters in this draft class.

Pryor is viewed as more a project with a high ceiling, but has the potential to develop into one of the league's best safeties if put into the right situation.

5. Kyle Fuller, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech's Kyle Fuller impressed with his speed at the combine, running a 4.40 40-yard dash, and that speed translates on film.

He has great awareness and reads and reacts well, but will need to work on his footwork at the next level.

Fuller has also played safety in the past, something that Phil Emery said the team was looking for in a cornerback. “We’ve looked at every corner that has length as a possible safety,” he told Kevin Fishbain of ChicagoFootball.com.

Fuller has experience as a cornerback, safety and nickelback and excelled in all three roles for the Hokies during his collegiate career.

Drafting him at No. 14 could be a reach, but his versatility lends well to a team that needs more youth and depth in the secondary. He would give the team more flexibility later on in the draft.

6. Ra'Shede Hageman, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota

In Phil Emery's first two drafts, he thought outside of the box and drafted Shea McClellin and Kyle Long with his first-round picks. Both McClellin and Long were drafted higher than expected and both were characterized as very athletic players with high ceilings.

If Emery continues that trend in 2014, Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman will be a perfect selection at No. 14.

At 6'6" and 310 pounds, Hageman has an unbelievable combination of size and athleticism. He shows a great burst off the football and has the ability to play nose tackle or the 3-technique in a 4-3 defense.

He does need to work on his pad level against the run, as he is often caught standing up. His work ethic is questionable, but when he puts forth a full effort, he is a force to be reckoned with.

What Are the Experts Saying?

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Once one NFL draft ends, the mock draft season begins. For months leading up to the draft, NFL draft experts analyze each prospect and produce mock draft upon mock draft, doing their best to predict which player goes to which team.

Here is what some of the experts are saying about what the Bears should do with the 14th overall pick.

Hub Arkush, ChicagoFootball.com: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

"

Nobody sees this coming but the safeties just don’t fit this high and Emery knows this is a need, and possibly a steal at 14.

"

It is hard to agree with Arkush's selection here. While Lewan is a talented player who would likely beat out Jordan Mills at right tackle and eventually develop into the team's future left tackle, the team has far more pressing needs than its offensive line.

In Arkush's mock, he has both Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Calvin Pryor available when the Bears select. However, he does not believe that Emery views either safety as a legitimate option at No. 14. 

Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN.com (subscription required): Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

"

Maybe the Bears won't get their first choice among some pretty big need options, but in Gilbert, they certainly check off one. I like Donald here if he's around, and I also think the Bears can't go wrong if they add a safety, as that's been a problem position going back beyond 2013. They have to add a corner, maybe two, and Gilbert gives them a special athlete who could learn the finer points of physical football from the position by practicing with Charles Tillman. Gilbert is also a weapon in the return game, which is worth noting now that Devin Hester is no longer around."

"

Kiper brings up the point that it would be difficult to pass on Donald or a safety here, but because the team is getting older at the cornerback position, Gilbert may be too difficult to pass up.

Gilbert is viewed by many as the best cornerback in this draft and could potentially challenge to be the team's nickelback in 2014 while developing into a starter for the 2015 season.

Todd McShay, ESPN.com (subscription required): Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

"

Donald could be off the board by the time Chicago picks at No. 14, but in this scenario, he's an easy choice. He'd be a perfect fit as a 3-technique defensive tackle in the Bears' Tampa 2 scheme due to his ability to disrupt opponents' backfields with his snap anticipation, first-step quickness and ability to finish off plays. Chicago can address its needs in the secondary on Day 2."

"

It is tough to argue with McShay's selection, as Donald fills a need at the 3-technique position and would be a welcome addition to a defense that struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2013.

There are concerns about Donald's size and whether that will translate at the next level, but he has proven in the past that he can dominate various levels of competition.

Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

"

The Bears addressed the defensive line in free agency and if Aaron Donald is gone, Chicago will mostly likely look to upgrade the secondary. Cornerback is a possibility, but Pryor gives the Bears a quick fix at strong safety.

"

Brugler addresses where the Bears will go if Donald is not on the board and thinks Louisville's Calvin Pryor is the best fit. While Pryor is an upgrade at the strong safety position, the team may look elsewhere if Phil Emery believes that Ryan Mundy is the short-term answer at strong safety.

Pryor is a hard-hitting strong safety who would immediately upgrade the secondary, but if Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is off of the table, Chicago may feel it can get an equally disruptive safety in the second round.

Rob Rang, CBSSports.com: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama

"

Given the additions of defensive linemen Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen and Willie Young via agency, the Bears are likely to focus on the back seven in the draft. Possessing rare read and react skills and fluidity, Mosley is capable of starring at virtually any of the three linebacker roles in Chicago's 4-3 alignment.

"

This may end up being one of the more under-the-radar picks that the Bears could make in the first round.

While the team is set for the near future with Lance Briggs at weak-side linebacker and D.J. Williams at middle linebacker, Mosley has the ability to immediately step in and contribute at strong-side linebacker. He could also force Williams outside while he takes over the middle.

Latest Rumors, Reports and Analysis

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Are the Bears Willing to Trade the No. 14 Pick?

According to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Bears are taking phone calls about possible trades, but Phil Emery is unsure if it is worth it.

"

Could the #Bears trade their draft pick? They've fielded calls, but moving down is tough and moving up is pricy http://t.co/YayOhDzidj

— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) May 1, 2014"

Trading down from No. 14 seems like a logical idea for a Bears team that has plenty of needs on defense. The team would benefit from additional picks, but Emery is unsure if he will be able to get the best value for his pick.

Many teams would like to trade back in the draft, making it harder for a team wanting to gain additional picks to actually find a partner to trade with.

Emery also commented on how pricey it can be to move up in the draft. “Trade-ups are expensive, obviously, and you just have to feel like that that player you’re trading up for makes a dynamic difference in your team,” he told Finley.

Despite the fact that it may make sense to move up to grab a player the Bears covet or to move back to gain additional picks, Emery appears unlikely to move out of the No. 14 spot.

Bears Appear to be Interested in Drafting a Running Back

According to ESPN's Jon Gruden (via Patrick Finley), the Chicago Bears will likely be looking for a running back in this year's draft, particularly one similar to Matt Forte:

"

I’m sure [Trestman] is looking for a young back that has some similar traits to Forte. To be a running back for the Bears in this current system, you’ve got to be sharp. You’ve got to be able to handle a lot of offense: picking up blitzes, understanding protections, audibles. You’ve got to be able to catch the football and do something after you do that. And you’ve got to be able to run an array of different runs.”

"

Gruden points out that Trestman is likely looking for a young back similar to Forte considering he will be turning 29 later this year. He has been a workhorse for the Bears in recent years and would benefit from having a talented running back on the roster that could spell him for a series or two per game.

Bears Are Unlikely to Draft a Quarterback

According to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com, Phil Emery does not plan on drafting a quarterback in this year's draft:

"

Emery said earlier in offseason they'd consider drafting a QB. Now it doesn't sound like he's very interested in doing that.

— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) May 1, 2014"

Despite locking Jay Cutler up for another seven seasons, he has a history of missing time. Last season showed it is important for the Bears to have a capable backup quarterback.

The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs suggests the team appears confident moving forward with Jordan Palmer as its No. 2 quarterback:

"

Emery talking up Jordan Palmer as No. 2 QB option. Says feels similarly about Palmer to how he felt about Josh McCown this time last year.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) May 1, 2014"

Emery has been rather forthright about what he wants to do in the draft, and it seems unlikely that a quarterback will be in the team's draft plans.

7-Round Chicago Bears Mock Draft

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Round 1, Pick No. 14: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

Despite needs at both defensive tackle and cornerback, the safety position has been a thorn in the Bears' side for years.

Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has the ability to step in and immediately improve a secondary that struggled mightily in 2013. He has the range to cover all areas of the field and can drop down and play effectively against the run.

Round 2, Pick No. 51: Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State

After addressing the safety position with the team's first pick, Phil Emery will look to add youth to the team's aging defensive tackle position.

Arizona State's Will Sutton will likely drop to the second round because of concerns over his weight, but his game tape—particularly from his junior season—shows a force at the 3-technique. He could immediately step in as a rotational player in 2014 and develop into a starter in 2015.

Round 3, Pick No. 82: Bashaud Breeland, CB, Clemson

Despite having Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman locked up for the 2014 season, there is very little depth at cornerback and the team needs to start developing a young player to succeed Tillman in the future.

Clemson's Bashaud Breeland is a rangy athlete with fluid hips that uses his good footwork and length to match up with bigger receivers. He could push Isaiah Frey and Kelvin Hayden for the nickelback job in 2014 and could take over in 2015 as a starter if Tillman is gone.

Round 4, Pick No. 117: Telvin Smith, LB, Florida State

Despite drafting Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene last season and moving former first-round pick Shea McClellin to linebacker this offseason, the Bears still have a need at the linebacker position.

Florida State's Telvin Smith is an instinctive linebacker with great vision. He plays well against the run, but will need to add bulk to become a more effective tackler in the NFL.

Round 5, Pick No. 156: Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU

Even though I have the team addressing the defensive tackle position in the second round, there is still a need for youth at the position.

LSU's Anthony Johnson did not pop off of game tape like his teammate Ego Ferguson, but he has great feet and athleticism and could develop into a solid rotational player along the defensive line for many years to come.

Round 6, Pick No. 183 (via Tampa Bay): Antone Exum, CB, Virginia Tech

Phil Emery noted at his predraft press conference that the team is looking for cornerbacks with the ability to play safety, and Virginia Tech's Antone Exum looks to be a perfect fit.

Exum struggled with injuries at times, which will likely drop him into the later rounds. He possesses fluid hips, good athleticism and his flexibility to play both cornerback and free safety makes him an ideal candidate in the sixth round.

Round 6, Pick No. 191 : De'Anthony Thomas, WR, Oregon

The Bears have one of the most productive wide receiver duos in the NFL in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, but the Bears offense could benefit from a speedy threat.

Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas is one of the most exciting players in this draft, but his size (5'9", 174 lbs) and rawness will keep him from getting selected any higher than the sixth round.

He is the type of player that Marc Trestman can develop into a weapon out of the backfield or lined up in the slot. Thomas would be worth taking a look at this late in the draft.

All stats and combine information courtesy of NFL.com.

Matt Eurich is an NFL/Chicago Bears Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

Follow @MattEurich