Chicago Bears’ Defensive Positional Grades Post-Free Agency

Defensive Line

One of the most underrated parts of the Chicago Bears’ impressive 2018 defense was their defensive line. A variety of talented guys on the roster made their defensive line extremely loaded. In 2019, it was a lot different. The Bears lost their glue on the defensive line, Akiem Hicks, early in the year to an elbow injury and the line fell from there. The line didn’t get as much push. The Bears had a solid fill-in for Hicks when he was hurt in Nick Williams, but he left for a new deal with the Detroit Lions. This defensive line has the same starters as the 2018 season as long as everybody stays healthy. Eddie Goldman, Hicks, and Bilal Nichols make for a mean front three with Roy Robertson-Harris as a rotational defensive lineman. This group plays extremely well together when healthy.

Grade: A-

Outside Linebacker

The Bears already have Khalil Mack who is arguably one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Unfortunately for him, the Bears never game him some help on the other edge with Leonard Floyd rarely providing sacks for the team. The Bears went out to help their star by adding a monster on the outside in Robert Quinn who had 11.5 sacks for the Dallas Cowboys last season. After those two, there isn’t a great deal of depth talent with just Barkevious Mingo, James Vaughters, and Devante Bond. Besides the rather weak depth, this group is elite.

Grade: A

Inside Linebacker

The Bears made a vital decision this offseason to retain Danny Trevathan over Nick Kwiatkoski. It remains to be seen if the Bears made the right choice, but if the Bears want to win now, this was the best choice in picking the proven veteran over the young-buck. Opposite of Danny Trevathan is former first-round pick, Roquan Smith. Smith struggled last season to stay on the field early going through some undisclosed issues, but when he is healthy, Smith flies across the field and is hard to stop. Behind those two is two proven special teamers in Josh Woods and Joel “Iggy” Iyiegbuniwe. There isn’t a lot of proven talent behind them, but the Bears have a solid starting inside linebacker duo.

Grade: A-

Cornerback

Cornerback may be the weakest position on this Bears’ defense currently. Kyle Fuller is a proven talent at the main corner position, but outside of him, there isn’t a whole lot. Starting opposite of Fuller this season remains to be unknown. The Bears have their promising undrafted free agent Kevin Toliver II, who has played well in a limited capacity. He is the expected starter. Battling him is Canadian Football League star Tre Roberson who was just added this offseason. Additionally, the Bears added former first-round pick, Artie Burns, to compete with them as well. It should be an interesting battle there. The Nickel corner position is expected to be retained by Buster Skrine, but Duke Shelley is a solid option to compete with him for the starting job.

Grade: B-

Safety

The other question mark on the team is safety. Clearly, Eddie Jackson is expected to start this season at free safety, but who will be starting at the strong safety position? Last season, Jackson started at strong safety while Ha Ha Clinton-Dix started at free safety. With that being the case, Jackson played out of position for Clinton-Dix. Now, the Bears will give Deon Bush his shot to start and competing with Jordan Lucas. It’s a risk, but Chuck Pagano raved about Bush last season, so maybe he deserves his shot.

Grade: B+

Overall

This Bears’ defense has a real shot to be better than the 2018 defense that was ranked number one in the NFL. If the Bears add a few more pieces by possibly adding a veteran strong safety or addressing strong safety and cornerback in the draft, this is a guaranteed top-five unit. Expect Mack to have a great improvement from last season as well along with the whole defense as long as everyone stays healthy.

Grade: A–

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