Chicago Bears' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future
The NFL draft is quickly approaching, and the Chicago Bears have plenty of needs they still need to address this offseason if they want to be competitive in 2015.
General manager Ryan Pace acted quickly in free agency, signing outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, wide receiver Eddie Royal and safety Antrel Rolle to long-term deals in the first couple of days of the new league year, and he has signed a total of 11 new players this offseason.
Even with all of the team's new additions in free agency, the Bears will head into the draft with plenty of needs on both sides of the football.
Here are the Chicago Bears' top needs and fits in the 2015 NFL draft.
Wide Receiver
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Even though the Bears added Royal in free agency after trading Brandon Marshall and a seventh-round pick to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick, the team still has a need at the wide receiver position.
Amari Cooper, Alabama
Arguably the most well-rounded receiver in this year's draft, Alabama's Amari Cooper could potentially slip to the Bears at No. 7 overall.
He was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season and finished the year with 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. He is an impressive route-runner, has deceptive speed and is one of the most fluid receivers in this year's draft. He has the ability to step in on Day 1 and immediately become the team's No. 2 receiver.
Kevin White, West Virginia
Cooper may be the most well-rounded receiver in this year's draft, but West Virginia's Kevin White is one of the most explosive.
White ran an impressive 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the combine in February and showed off that speed last season. He finished the year with 109 catches for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he has been quickly rising up draft boards this offseason.
He does a great job of creating separation with his speed, but he also possesses strong hands and is unafraid to attack the football at its highest point. Even though he was productive at the collegiate level, he will need to work on his route running in the NFL.
Phillip Dorsett, Miami
If the Bears want to find a speedy receiver to complement Alshon Jeffery in the passing game, Miami's Phillip Dorsett could be an option.
Dorsett ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine and averaged 24.2 yards per catch last season. He still needs to improve his route running, but he is fast enough to beat most cornerbacks off the line of scrimmage. He could stand to get a bit stronger, but he could give Chicago its first real speed threat at the position since Johnny Knox.
Outside Linebacker
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Chicago announced this offseason that it is making the move from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, and the team quickly signed McPhee to a five-year deal in free agency to help bolster its pass rush.
In addition to McPhee, the Bears plan on using Lamarr Houston, Sam Acho, Jared Allen and Willie Young all at outside linebacker this season. Even with the new additions, the team could still be in the market for a pass-rusher in this year's draft.
Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Once viewed as the top edge-rusher in this year's draft, Nebraska's Randy Gregory will likely slide down draft boards after he admitted to testing positive for marijuana at the scouting combine in February, according to Kimberly Jones of NFL.com.
"I blame myself," Gregory told Jones. "And I know it sounds cliche, but there's really no one else I can blame."
His positive test may push him all the way out of the first round, and if it does, he could be an option for the Bears in the second round. He finished last season with 55 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He is explosive and strong at the point of attack, but he is still relatively raw and needs to improve his technique.
Even with his off-field issues, Gregory has a lot of potential and could be a steal for the Bears in the second round.
Vic Beasley, Clemson
With Gregory sliding down draft boards, Clemson's Vic Beasley has been quickly climbing up them. He was dominant at times last season, registering 34 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in 13 games.
He is explosive off the snap, but he will need to get stronger at the point of attack in order to be successful in the NFL.
Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
Despite tearing his ACL in both 2011 and 2012, Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha was one of college football's most consistent pass-rushers between 2013 and 2014. In his final two seasons, Kikaha registered 32 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss.
He lacks the ideal strength to be an every-down linebacker, but he is quick and explosive and uses his hands better than any other pass-rusher in this year's draft.
Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
Likely an option for the Bears in the middle rounds, Louisville's Lorenzo Mauldin registered 30.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in three seasons as a starter.
He is active with hands, has a quick first step and possesses a relentless motor. He plays a bit stiff at times and will need to develop better pass-rushing moves in order to evolve into something more than just a situational pass-rusher.
Quarterback
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Earlier this offseason, Pace announced the Bears are set to move forward with Jay Cutler in 2015.
“We're moving forward with Jay Cutler as our starting quarterback," Pace said in March, according to John Mullin of CSNChicago.com.
He also denied trying to trade Cutler this offseason.
“Zero; we never did that,” Pace said, according to Mullin. “Those [trade] things never occurred. Jay is our quarterback, and that’s what we’re doing, that’s what we’re looking forward to and I’d just like to keep it at that.”
Even though Cutler is set to be the team's quarterback in 2015, the Bears will need to start looking toward the future in this year's draft.
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
The Bears could potentially make a big splash in this year's draft if they decide to take Oregon's Marcus Mariota with their first pick.
Mariota won the Heisman Trophy last season and finished the year with 4,454 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, and he also ran the ball 135 times for 770 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Pace made it known at the owners meetings late last month that he has evaluated Mariota's tape.
“I think you have to watch a lot of tape on those guys to feel good with it,” Pace said, according to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times. “And we’ve done enough research on [Mariota] that I think he’s a good quarterback. That [system] doesn’t scare me away from it at all.”
Mariota ran a spread offense at Oregon and will have to learn to play in a pro-style offense, but he has a strong arm, great athleticism and rarely forces a ball into coverage.
Bryce Petty, Baylor
If the Bears want to wait until the middle rounds to address the position, Baylor's Bryce Petty could be an intriguing option.
In two seasons as a starter, Petty threw for 8,195 yards with 62 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. He knows when to step up in the pocket, has the ability to roll out of the pocket to pick up yards and possesses above-average arm strength.
Muck like Mariota, Petty is going to have to prove he can function in a pro-style offense. He has all the tools in place to develop into a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he would likely benefit from sitting behind Cutler on the bench for a season or two.
Garrett Grayson, Colorado State
A two-year starter at Colorado State, Garrett Grayson completed 270 passes for 4,006 yards and 32 touchdowns last season for the Rams.
He does not have the strongest arm, but he is accurate and throws a good deep ball. He displays great mechanics, but he struggles with feeling pressure and stepping up in the pocket.
He will likely be a mid-round pick, but he could develop into a starting quarterback if given the opportunity to learn and grow in Adam Gase's balanced offense.
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Safety
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The Bears addressed the safety position this offseason with the addition of Rolle, but the team needs to get younger at the position. Rolle is a lock to be a starter in 2015, but the only other safeties currently on the roster are Ryan Mundy and Brock Vereen.
Landon Collins, Alabama
Alabama's Landon Collins is undoubtedly the best safety prospect available in this year's draft. He's a hard-hitting, downhill defender who has a nose for the ball-carrier. He works well up in the box against the run, but he also has the ability to drop back into coverage.
He needs to improve his hands and decision-making, but he has the ability to be a starter from Day 1.
The Bears could entertain the idea of taking him seventh overall, but he would likely be a better option later in the first round if the team is able to trade back and acquire more draft picks.
Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
If the Bears want to wait until the later rounds to address the strong safety position, Samford's Jaquiski Tartt could be an intriguing option in the third round.
Tartt is a prototypical box safety who excels against the run, but he will need to prove he can cover opposing tight ends and running backs at the NFL level. He has been climbing up draft boards because of his instincts and physical tools, but he will need to improve his technique and find a way to fix his overaggressiveness.
Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
A four-year starter at Ole Miss, Cody Prewitt has the athleticism to be a single-high safety, but he can also come up in the box and play against the run.
He takes good angles and has solid closing speed, but he struggles in man coverage and is at his best when given the freedom to roam from sideline to sideline. He likely would not be an immediate starter, but he could help push Vereen in training camp.
Derron Smith, Fresno State
In 43 games at Fresno State, Derron Smith registered 293 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and 15 interceptions. He spent the majority of his career as a free safety, but he could transition to a hybrid safety role in the NFL.
He plays physical at the line of scrimmage and has the ability to play nickelback and safety in Vic Fangio's 3-4 defense because of his coverage skills.
Offensive Line
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Chicago's offensive line took a big leap in terms of production from 2012 to 2013, but the group struggled as a whole last season.
The team released veteran Roberto Garza and signed Will Montgomery to replace him at center, but the team still has a need at the right tackle position.
Brandon Scherff, Iowa
Iowa's Brandon Scherff is arguably the best offensive lineman in this year's draft, and he could be an option for the Bears in the first round.
Scherff is strong and powerful, displays good footwork and was one of the best run-blockers in the country during his time at Iowa. He is not the quickest or the most athletic, but he proved he could hold his own against dynamic pass-rushers in the Big Ten.
Ty Sambrailo, Colorado State
If the Bears decide to look for offensive line help in either the second or third round, Colorado State's Ty Sambrailo has the talent to be a starter in his rookie year.
He is athletic enough to play left tackle, but he also has the strength at the point of attack to be an effective right tackle. He still needs to improve as a run-blocker, but he could be an instant starter at right tackle next season.
Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
Cedric Ogbuehi tore his ACL this past January in Texas A&M's bowl game, but he could be a steal for the Bears in the third round.
He has experience at both tackle positions, and he could win the right tackle job in training camp if he can fully recover from ACL surgery. He is strong and athletic and is at his best when asked to be a run-blocker.
Defensive Line
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The Bears bolstered their defensive line with the signings of Ray McDonald and Jarvis Jenkins this offseason, but they lack depth at both the defensive end and nose tackle positions.
Arik Armstead, Oregon
Oregon's Arik Armstead might not be the flashiest prospect in this year's draft, but he has the strength and size (6'7", 292 lbs) to anchor a defensive line for years to come.
He is explosive off the line of scrimmage, uses great technique to gain leverage and does an impressive job of shedding opposing offensive linemen. In addition to being strong at the point of attack against the run, he also has the ability to apply pressure to the quarterback.
He plays a bit upright at times, but he could develop into a dominant force in Fangio's defense, much like Justin Smith did during his time in San Francisco.
Henry Anderson, Stanford
A versatile defender who played both nose tackle and defensive end at Stanford, Henry Anderson will likely hear his name called sometime in the third round.
He registered 142 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in four seasons, but he will need to bulk up to be able to replicate those numbers in the NFL.
He would fit in Fangio's system as a 5-technique defensive end or even inside as a 1-technique in certain sub-packages.
Eddie Goldman, Florida State
Another prospect who has been climbing up draft boards this offseason is Florida State's Eddie Goldman.
He measured in at 6'4" and 336 pounds at the combine in February and has the ability to line up at nose tackle or even outside at defensive end. He has the ability to take up space and open up holes for his teammates, but he can also get after the quarterback when asked to rush the passer.
He has the ability to be utilized as a space-eater on the inside, or he can help set the edge against the run as a defensive end.
Carl Davis, Iowa
Fangio typically likes to use undersized, athletic nose tackles who can beat opposing linemen with speed in his 3-4 scheme, but Iowa's Carl Davis may be too difficult to pass on in the second round.
Davis is stout and powerful against the run, but he struggles as a pass-rusher because of his lack of athleticism. Even though he does not have the ability to get after the quarterback, he has a relentless motor and would help add much-needed depth to Chicago's defensive line.
Xavier Cooper, Washington State
If the Bears are looking for a defensive tackle who can penetrate gaps and apply pressure to the quarterback, Washington State's Xavier Cooper could be an option in the second or third round.
Cooper possesses a quick first step, has great lateral quickness and uses his hands well against opposing blockers. He lacks ideal strength for the position, but he could immediately contribute as a rotational pass-rusher from either the 0-technique or 5-technique position.
Running Back
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Even though the Bears have one of the best all-around running backs in the game in Matt Forte, they could try to add depth to the position in this year's draft.
They did add Jacquizz Rodgers in free agency and drafted Ka'Deem Carey in last year's draft, but this year's class may have too much talent to pass up on.
Tevin Coleman, Indiana
Indiana's Tevin Coleman opted to forgo his senior season after rushing for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns on 270 carries in 2014.
He is a north-south runner who hits the hole with power and uses his strong lower body to pick up extra yards after contact. He needs to improve his patience, but he has the chance to develop into a productive running back in the NFL if given the opportunity to ease into the position.
Mike Davis, South Carolina
South Carolina's Mike Davis saw a dip in his production last season, rushing for just 982 yards with nine touchdowns after rushing for 1,183 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2013. However, he impressed many at his pro day earlier this month, according to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller:
"South Carolina RB Mike Davis had a great showing today. Unofficial 4.38 in the 40. Patient RB with excellent hands and vision.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 1, 2015"
Davis is a physical runner who could immediately contribute in 2015.
Karlos Williams, Florida State
A former safety, Karlos Williams racked up 1,419 rushing yards on 241 carries with 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons at Florida State.
He is still raw, but he is a physical, one-cut runner who is quick through the hole and is unafraid to drop his helmet to try to pick up additional yards. He can be an immediate contributor on special teams and could develop into a reliable third-down running back in the future.
Cornerback
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Despite having Tim Jennings and Kyle Fuller on the roster, the Bears still have a need at the cornerback position.
Chicago signed Alan Ball in free agency and re-signed Sherrick McManis, Demontre Hurst and Al Louis-Jean this offseason, but the Bears will likely be looking to add depth and youth at the position in the draft.
Trae Waynes, Michigan State
If the Bears want to solidify the cornerback position for years to come, they could consider Michigan State's Trae Waynes with the seventh overall pick.
A prototypical bump-and-run cornerback, Waynes is a fearless defender who is not easily intimidated. In addition to playing physical, he has great speed (4.31 40-yard dash at the combine) and knows how to position his body between the football and the receiver.
If the Bears do take him with the seventh overall pick, he and Fuller would have the opportunity to develop alongside each other for years to come.
Jalen Collins, LSU
If the Bears are looking for a long, athletic cornerback, LSU's Jalen Collins could be an option in the second round.
He measured in at 6'1" and 203 pounds at the scouting combine and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash. He only made 10 starts while in Baton Rouge and is still a relatively raw prospect.
"They all have holes, but Collins is what you are looking for in an NFL cornerback with his length and speed," one NFC director of personnel said, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. "He isn't there yet, but he has the traits and ability to become a high-end starter and maybe the best cornerback from this draft."
Collins may be raw, but he has plenty of upside and could develop into a solid starter down the road.
Ronald Darby, Florida State
A former high school track star, Florida State's Ronald Darby ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine. He is smooth in his backpedal, has fluid hips and does a nice job of recognizing the play in front of him.
Despite his athleticism and speed, he struggles against the run, and his toughness is a concern.
"I worry about his toughness against the run," said an ACC assistant coach, according to Zierlein. "He's just fine in coverage, but he will have teams running at him every chance they get until he proves he's willing to step up and be tough."
He has the ability to step in and immediately contribute as a nickelback in sub-packages, but he will have to prove he can stop the run if he wants to eventually become a starter on the outside.
Statistical information courtesy of Sports-Reference.com. Combine numbers and measurables courtesy of NFL.com.
Matt Eurich is a Chicago Bears Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.
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