5 NFL Draft Prospects Bears Fans Should Already Be Watching

NFL draft season is still a few months away for most teams, but the Chicago Bears are one of a handful of teams that can probably start thinking about the offseason already. 

The following list highlights five prospects who could be early targets of the Bears depending on where they end up making their first selection on April 30.

While the Bears have some major questions to address—and quarterback is certainly an issue that should be discussed this offseason—for the sake of this list, we'll assume the offense returns mostly intact for 2015 and focus on fixing the defensive side of the ball.

Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

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Landon Collins and the Bears seem like a match made in heaven. In fact, he could probably help them out right now if they could find a way to steal him from Alabama. 

Ryan Mundy has been burned in coverage far too often this year, and it's hard to see a scenario in which the Bears bring him back in a starting role in 2015. 

Collins is the prototypical strong safety due to his abilities in man coverage and against the run. 

He's capable of jamming receivers and is also a threat to blitz when lined up near the line of scrimmage, giving his defensive coordinator the ability to get creative with disguising the pass-rush.

Cody Prewitt, FS, Ole Miss

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While Collins would be a strong first-round pick for the Bears, they could come right back on Day 2 and scoop up Cody Prewitt.

Prewitt is better suited for the role of free safety, currently occupied by Chris Conte in Chicago. 

As the free safety, Prewitt does a great job reading the quarterback and putting himself in position to protect his cornerbacks down the field. Given the Bears' lack of production from the corners this season, this type of protection over the top could be critical to the Bears' success in 2015. 

Prewitt is more than just a center fielder roaming the outfield, however. He's also capable of delivering some big hits and will make receivers cautious when roaming over the middle of the field. 

Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest

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Wake Forest football doesn't get much recognition, but Kevin Johnson is starting to call attention to his game. 

Johnson is coming off of a strong performance against Clemson this past weekend, and his stock is reaching its peak at the right time. 

He's a little on the skinny side (6'0", 175 pounds), but Johnson makes up for his lack of size with elite quickness on the outside. He has the tools to stay with the faster receivers in the league and also has the leaping ability to hold his own against the bigger possession receivers down the field.

"

First exposure to Kevin Johnson tonight. He's lean but will be very appealing to teams looking for a pure cover CB. Flexible and moves easy.

— Kevin Weidl (@KevinW_ESPN) November 7, 2014"

Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

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If the Bears don't address their secondary early in the draft, they need to help out their defensive backs by bolstering the pass rush. 

Shawn Oakman is a fascinating prospect due to his combination of athleticism and size. 

His 2014 season hasn't been as dominant as many had hoped, and his character concerns stemming from an arrest that resulted in his dismissal from the Penn State program may affect his draft stock. However, his upside is almost sure to land him in the first round. 

Despite the Bears' defensive struggles, the leadership is in place on defense for them to bring in a player like Oakman and help him reach his full potential.

Vic Beasley, DE/LB, Clemson

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Vic Beasley is probably best suited to play the Shea McClellin role in the Bears defense, but a lot could change in terms of coaching and player personnel between now and April's draft.

Depending on who returns, Beasley could become an intriguing option for the Bears as they look to improve a struggling and aging front seven. 

Beasley may not be the complete three-down player that Oakman has the potential to become, but he's an explosive edge-rusher who could carve out a role for himself immediately. 

If the Bears were to make an adjustment to a 3-4 scheme over the offseason with a new coaching staff, the odds of them having an interest in Beasley would rise.