Peppers, who started all 16 games this year, tallied his lowest number of sacks in a Bears uniform with 7.5. Missouri’s Kony Ealy could be the possible successor to Peppers. Ealy’s athleticism and speed, combined with his 6-foot-5, 275 pound frame, could be what the Bears need to bolster their pass rush.
Don’t be surprised to see Chicago use their 14th overall pick to replace their last line of defense. Louisville’s Calvin Pryor is a hard-hitting safety that can make his presence made across the middle.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has been a ball-hawking safety for Alabama. He has the size (6-foot-1, 208 pounds) and skillset to compete against Chris Conte for the starting spot in 2014.
Chicago’s biggest weakness was stopping the run, and Florida State’s Timmy Jernigan could be the answer to that problem. Jernigan was a huge part of FSU’s National Championship run, and could bring that winning mentality to team that’s been in search for a title.
There's still no answer to whether the Bears will switch defensive schemes after cutting ties with their linebackers and defensive line coaches. Regardless of what Chicago does, Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix III will be a perfect fit. In either the 4-3 or the 3-4, Nix’s 6-foot-2, 345 pound frame can eat up most of the interior, leaving open pastures for Bears linebackers to make tackles.
