Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on March 15, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

There hasn’t been a lot of news coming out of Lake Forrest lately. It’s probably due to the fact that the NFL still doesn’t have a collective bargaining agreement put into place, and this keeps a tight noose on what teams are able to do.  The free agency period can’t begin until everything is settled, and there isn’t much indication as to who might be a free agent this year when—and if—it does begin.

The Bears could use some help out of the free agency group that should come out when—and if—the free agency period begins.  There are several decent prospects remaining that could help the Bears out instantly next season, and if free agency works out the way that it has in the past, Chicago could be in line for a big name or two out of this group.

We all know what the Bears need the most heading into the next season: Help on the offensive line is crucial. Getting some additional depth on the defensive line, as well as at the wide receiver position, would also go a long way towards making this team better.  The Bears also need some additional depth at the cornerback position and could get that help in free agency.

So, let’s assume that all is well with the CBA and free agency is getting ready to start.  Let’s assume that the Bears are willing to spend a little money on some free agents, as they realize that this is going to be an important part of their strategy for getting back into the playoffs and possibly going to the Super Bowl next season.

Let’s take a quick look at three players at the offensive tackle, offensive guard, defensive tackle and cornerback position that are slated to be free agents and see which ones might be best suited to help the Bears out in 2011.

Offensive Tackles

The top three offensive tackles that will be available in free agency include New England’s Matt Light, Atlanta’s Tyson Clabo and New Orleans’ Jermon Bushrod (he was tendered an offer).  The Bears could easily have any of those three players.  All they have to do is spend the money, take the time and effort to bring them in and sign them.

Offensive Guards

The top three offensive guards that will be available include the Saints’ Carl Nicks (who did get a tender offer from the Saints), Tampa Bay’s Davin Joseph (who was offered a tender by the Buccaneers) and Atlanta’s Harvey Dahl.  The Bears could use any one of these three players to help boost the play on their offensive line and make it much better.

Defensive Tackle

To be honest, there isn’t a lot of talent in this group, and two of its top players—Oakland’s Richard Seymour and Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata—are not going to be part of it now, so it’s slim pickings.  The Bears may find some help in guys like San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin, Carolina’s Nick Haden and Dallas’ Marcus Spears.

The Bears may also end up drafting this position rather than spending time in free agency looking for someone to replace the departed Tommie Harris.  There just isn’t that much in the free agent market, and Chicago may decide to develop a younger player.

Cornerback

There are some experts out there that feel that the cornerback position is the Bears’ No. 1 need on defense heading into the draft.  There are even those that predict that the Bears are going to take a cornerback first in the draft.

If the Bears could swing it, they could find a good starting cornerback in free agency.  The top three cornerbacks available (and those that would fit in their system well) include Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha, Washington’s Carlos Rodgers and Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor.

Any of these guys, especially Asomugha, would be a nice addition to the team and would certainly give the Bears a shutdown cornerback—something that the Bears haven’t had for years.

So, as we wait to see if free agency is going to take place—and, if it is, when—we can at least get some idea of what direction the Bears may choose to go in, and what players they might be interested in.  Granted, the fastest way to success is to use free agency to fill your needs. The Bears could use what is available out there to reach the playoffs again in 2011 and possibly see more success.

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