2017 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Team Needs
By Jon Dove
The Chicago Bears made a flurry of moves during the early part of free agency but still have plenty of needs to fill.
Free agency provides teams the opportunity to build their roster and potentially add some meaningful pieces. The Chicago Bears attempted to land some big-name free agency but missed on some of their bigger targets.
They basically added some stopgap solutions with the likes of Mike Glennon, Prince Amukamara and Quintin Demps. Below is a breakdown of their top three needs as they head into the 2017 NFL Draft.
No. 1- Cornerback
Chicago’s cornerback depth chart features average veterans and under performing youngsters. Amukamara was a solid signing but should only be seen as a temporary solution. This team needs to find elite talent at the position that they can build around.
More from With the First Pick
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
Kyle Fuller’s lack of development is of the reasons why the Bears are in such a bad spot in the secondary. It appears Chicago will give him one last shot to live up to expectations, but the franchise as a whole has soured on him.
Luckily, the 2017 NFL Draft has a ton of cornerback talent which will give the Bears a chance to address this need in several rounds.
No. 2- Wide Receiver
The loss of Alshon Jeffery has left a big void in the receiving corps. However, it could be argued that Jeffery’s injury issues meant the Bears needed to address this position no matter what. Their free agency moves were basically lottery tickets.
Marcus Wheaton and Kendall Wright have both shown flashes of their play making ability. However, they have both dealt with injuries and lack of consistency.
Another factor in this position being a major need is Kevin White’s injuries. Chicago drafted White hoping he’d instantly become the team’s most explosive pass catcher. It’s too early to say White’s career is over, but he’s running out of time.
Chicago will be in solid position at the beginning of the 2nd and 3rd rounds to add a wide receiver. Someone like East Carolina’s Zay Jones would make a lot of sense.
No. 3- Safety
The Bears signed veteran Quintin Demps to come in and provide some stability to the safety position. He’s coming off a good year with the Houston Texans where he showed the ability to generate turnovers.
Demps will be 32 years old this season and is obviously on the back end of his career. Chicago not only needs to plan ahead but also find someone to lineup next to Demps.
This need differs from the others because Chicago has a few younger players at the position with upside. What they need is an elite talent and may only find that in the 1st round. LSU’s Jamal Adams is someone they could target with the No. 3 overall pick.