Chicago Bears: 6 Positions to Address Other Than Wide Receiver

We all know that the Chicago Bears desperately need a legitimate starting wide receiver. However, the team still has holes at other positions that they need to fill. While they may not be as important as signing a big-play receiver for Jay Cutler to throw to, here are six positions the Bears should look to improve for their upcoming season.

1. Offensive Line

This shouldn't be a surprise to Bears fans. Gabe Carimi is definitely a step in the right direction, however there are still spots on the offensive line that the team needs to address in free agency. If the Bears can pick up a decent guard, it would help Jay Cutler sleep at night. A guy like Davin Joseph would be hard to get, but he would significantly improve the Bears line.

Available Free Agents:

1. Davin Joseph - TB

2. Harvey Dahl - ATL

3. Daryn Colledge - GB

2. Cornerback

Not too much is needed on the Bears' defensive side of the ball, however a good cornerback would instantly upgrade the Bears' passing defense that was ranked 20th in 2010. While Nnamdi Asomugha and Champ Bailey are probably out of the question, a guy like Ike Taylor seems like he would be a good fit with the Bears defense and would really help take pressure off Brian Urlacher and Charles Tillman in passing situations.

Available Free Agents:

1. Ike Taylor - PIT

2. Jonathon Joseph - CIN

3. Fabian Washington - BAL

3. Linebacker

Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs don't need to worry about losing their positions anytime soon; Pisa Tinoisamoa does though. The former standout linebacker from the Rams is often injured and doesn't make too much of an impact when he's actually on the field. The Bears don't need a Pro Bowler, just a solid guy who can stay healthy and take pressure off of Urlacher and Briggs. Kamerion Wimbley would be a great, albeit unlikely, pick up for the Bears.

Available Free Agents:

1. Kamerion Wimbley  - OAK

2. Keith Ellison - BUF

3. D'qwell Jackson - CLE

4. Safety

With Danieal Manning leaving (and even if he doesn't), the Bears should look to pick up a safety in free agency. Major Wright has great potential, however so did Al Alfalava and Kevin Payne, and both are no longer on the team. Many Bears fans are not completely sold on Chris Conte and Josh Bullocks, and this free agency class is deep enough at the safety position to help boost the Bears secondary. Dawan Landry would be an ideal pickup, however Chicago native Tom Zbikowski could also be in the mix.

Available Free Agents:

1. Dawan Landry - BAL

2. Tom Zbikowski - BAL

3. Eric Weddle - SD

5. Defensive Tackle

The nose tackle position should be locked up by the Bears' second-round pick Stephen Paea, but with Tommie Harris (and possibly Matt Toeaina) gone, the Bears should look to sign another solid player at the defensive tackle position. Anthony Adams played great last year and is probably the most ideal man for the job, however, a younger tackle may be the smarter solution for the future.

Available Free Agents:

1. Anthony Adams - CHI

2. Brandon Mebane - SEA

3. Nick Hayden - CAR

6. Defensive End

The Bears don't need a starting defensive end so much as they just need depth at the position. Julius Peppers played fantastic as always, and Israel Idonije was a pleasant surprise. With Corey Wootton and Henry Melton as the only two backups, the Bears should look to sign another end to help give Peppers and Idonije a breather every now and then, and still be a threat to rush the quarterback.

Available Free Agents:

1. Dave Ball - TEN

2. C.J. Ah You - STL

3. Tim Crowder - TB 

The End

While the Bears already have a great team, I think they could only get better by adding some of the guys I listed, along with a big-play receiver. Thank you for reading my first article, I hope you enjoyed it.