Chicago Bears 2014 NFL Draft Needs
In order for the Chicago Bears to go from play-off pretender to championship contender they must revamp their less than stellar defense. The main way to do this is by drafting well in the upcoming 2014 NFL draft. The Achilles heel of the defense last season was clearly the defensive line. With the 14th pick in the upcoming draft, the Bears absolutely must look for a run stuffing defensive tackle. There are four defensive tackles that warrant attention from the Chicago Bears. These players are Louis Nix III (Notre Dame), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), Timmy Jernigan (Florida State), and RaShede Hageman (Minnesota). The top choice for the Bears out of these four is Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh. While Donald is undersized, at 6’1 285 pounds, when compared to the other defensive tackles in the class, he more than makes up for it in athleticism. With a strong showing at the NFL combine and Senior Bowl Donald has become widely considered as the top defensive tackle talent in the 2014 NFL Draft. His excellent footwork and use of leverage is what allows him to excel at his smaller stature. The only other defensive tackle that warrants using the 14th pick is RaShede Hageman of Minnesota. Hageman is just as athletically capable as Donald, but with more size. Distinguishing and deciding between the two will come down to system fit. Whichever defensive tackle taken by the Bears at this pick will be decided on terms of their fit in the defensive scheme.
If the Bears go a different route with a first round pick than defensive tackle, a few second round level defensive tackles that would be on their radar includes Stephon Tuitt (Notre Dame) or Dominique Easley (Florida). The other route that the Bears could go with the number 14 pick is to draft a corner-back. This decision would be between Darqueze Dennard (Michigan State) and Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State). Gilbert would bring a big play aspect that the Bears covet in their secondary. He could also step into the role as returner due after the loss of long-time return man Devin Hester. Denard is the more consistent of the two corners and could help stabilize a secondary that was shaky this past year. A few second round corner-backs that the Bears could have on their radar would include Lamarcus Joyner (Florida State) or Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech). Regardless of whether the Bears draft a defensive tackle or corner-back with their first round pick, they must draft the best young defensive prospect available at either position. Who the Bears draft will come down to who is available when they are on the clock.