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What is the Chicago Bears biggest draft need at 14?

With Chicago Bears fans finally settling down after this morning's huge free agent signing, we thought we'd turn our attention back to the draft. They've made a number of free agent moves on the defensive side of the ball, which should give them some flexibility at 14.

By Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.
Andy Lyons

I think it's safe to say that Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery was focused on improving his defensive line this off season.

First the they re-sign defensive tackles Jeremiah Ratliff and Nate Collins. Then they add defensive ends Lamarr Houston and Willie Young. They bring back Israel Idonije for some defensive line depth. But the big shocker was their acquisition of Jared Allen this morning.

You factor these moves along with the safety depth they added, and the return of Charles Tillman, and Emery has more first round options in the draft.

What direction would you go if you were drafting?

If I were tasked with picking for the Bears, I'm sticking with the defensive line. My #1 choice remains the athletic Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh. In my opinion the Bears still lack that dynamic 3 Technique defensive tackle, and Donald has both the collegiate production and the eye popping combine numbers to warrant his 1st round status.

Depending on how the draft falls, Donald may be the only DT I'd take at 14. I like a few other tackles in the draft, but if Donald is gone, I'd turn my attention to safety.

The two safeties atop most teams draft boards are Hasean Clinton-Dix of Alabama and Calvin Pryor of Louisville. Scouts say Clinton-Dix has better ball skills, whereas Pryor is more physical. I think I'd prefer Clinton-Dix, but both appear to have bright futures.

The other need spot for the Bears defense is corner. Charles Tillman is coming off an injury plagued 2013 season, and Tim Jennings is on the wrong side of 30. They could definitely use some youth at the position.

There are two corners at the top of most scout's lists, although there could be as many as five taken in the 1st round. The top two guys are Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard and Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State. Gilbert ran a blazing 4.38 40 at the NFL Combine, which cemented him as the #1 CB by many.

Be sure you vote in the poll and tell us what position you'd like to see the Bears target at 14, but also tell us in the comment section which guy you'd like to see them draft.

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