Chicago Bears Offseason: Defensive End

Defensive End

One position the Bears definitely have a need at is defensive end. Before the Bears played the St. Louis Rams in week 12, Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye had combined for 5 sacks the whole season. Through 11 games. 5 sacks. 11 games. 5. Through 11 games. Not cool. At season end the Bears had 28 total sacks, good for 22nd in the NFL, thats not good enough. The Bears need a good pass rush if they want to keep running their cover 2 (which they will continue to run as long as Lovie Smith is there, and he's going to be there for every dollar of that contract). With Rod Marinelli as the new defensive line coach and token Vietnam Vet, I would think they are going to make improving that line a top priority.

Currently on the roster:
Alex Brown
Adewale Ogunleye
Mark Anderson
Ervin Balwin*
Joe Clermond*^

*rookie
^practice squad

Top prospects at defensive end:
Brian Orakpo, Texas
Everette Brown, Florida State
Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
Aaron Maybin, Penn State
Paul Kruger, Utah
Clint Sintim, Virgina
Tyson Jackson, LSU
Conor Barwin, Cincy

The Bears could conceivably draft Everette Brown, I know Bell loves that idea however I'm not so sure he falls to 18. Michael Johnson will be there at 18. Looks as if Aaron Maybin will go early round two, but Paul Kruger, Clint Sintim, and Tyson Jackson (Clint Sintim and Tyson Jackson are both better suited for a 3-4) would be available for the Bears in the second round. Conor Barwin is probably looking at a third round selection, barring an incredible combine preformance. I heard from a little bird that Mel Kiper's hair believe's the Bears will draft Tyson Jackson with their 18th pick, so there's that.

Top free agents at defensive end:
Terrell Suggs
Julius Peppers
Kevin Carter
Bertrand Berry

I don't know if the Bears are going to go out and try to get Suggs, but who knows. I wouldn't be completely surprised if they try to sign Julius Peppers, but he doesnt want to play in a 4-3 defense. Neither Kevin Carter nor Bertrand Berry are really upgrades over 'Wale or Brown.

My Take:

If the Bears take a defensive end with the 18th pick it should be Everette Brown or Michael Johnson, if its the second round they should take Paul Krueger. Anything after that is a crap shoot until after the combine. Terrell Suggs would be nice, but he comes with a big price tag. The Bears would have to overpay for Julius Peppers to come play in a 4-3.

Take Everette Brown if he's there, if not think hard about taking Michael Johnson or move on to another position and take a defensive end in another round.