Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on May 22, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Lost in all of the talk about the Jay Cutler trade is the fact that the Bears have done some things to rework their defense during the offseason, and hopes are high that the defense will be much more improved from last season. Here is a brief look at the players the Bears have brought in to help their defense out and how these players can help bring Chicago’s defense back into prominence.

Glen Earl, Safety

Earl hasn’t played a game in almost two years after suffering a serious foot injury, but Chicago felt that he still had enough left to come in and compete for a spot at the safety position. All told, with his experience and ability (providing he can come back from his injury successfully) he will be vital to the Bears, but he looks like a better fit in a backup role at safety, rather than a starting spot at the moment.

Josh Bullocks, Safety

Bullocks, a free agent acquisition who had been released by the New Orleans Saints, comes onto the team with a lot of promise and a good possibility of being a starter at one of the safety spots. He has a lot upside and may work well in the Bear’s cover two system. Look for him to be right in the thick of the competition for a starting job and most likely start at one of the safety spots this season.

Jarron Gilbert, Defensive Tackle

Gilbert, the Bears first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, brings a ton of athleticism to the position and should help improve an anemic Bears pass rush. Gilbert may not start right away, but it’s assured that he will get a chance to rotate in at the defensive tackle position and could make a lot of plays in 2009.

Henry Melton, Defensive End

Melton, a converted running back, will be a bit of a project player, but if the Bears can get something out of him, they should be able to improve their pass rush. Melton is most likely going to compete with Mark Anderson, a player who has fizzled out since his hot rookie start in 2006 and could be the motivation that Anderson needs to get back to his rookie form.

Al Afalava, Safety

If anything, Afalava will be a pretty good special teams player in the interim while he works his way into a backup role at the safety position. Afalava was pretty solid in college but has some learning to do now that he is in the NFL. Still, he does have the skill to be a starter someday—just not in year one.

D.J. Moore, Cornerback

A lack of good size caused Moore to drop in the draft, and the Bears could have wind up with a pretty significant steal if Moore can play bigger than he is. Moore should get a chance to compete for a starting spot on the team but this season, he will most likely be a backup and a special teams player.

Dahna Deleston, Cornerback

Deleston, an undrafted free agent, will provide some competition at the cornerback position, but he is a long shot to make the final roster.

Kevin Malast, Linebacker

Malast is yet another undrafted free agent who will get a shot at making the roster this summer.

Mike Rivera, Linebacker

The Bears signed another undrafted free agent linebacker to help add some competition in training camp. Rivera has the skills to surprise a few people, but he doesn’t have enough to make the active roster this season.

Turenne Woodny, Cornerback

Chicago brought in Woodny to help with the competition at the cornerback spot. He is talented but won’t make the final roster.

Rod Marinelli

I can’t forget one other move the Bears made during the offseason to help shore up their defense. Former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli was brought in to help give the Bears defensive line a boost, and, knowing his background, he is going to get a lot out of this group. This may be the Bears most important off season acquisition yet.

So look for these new defensive players to help make this a much better defense than last season.  With the new offensive firepower the Bears have, it would be a shame to see them lose games because their defense wasn’t up to par. 2009 looks to be a better year for this unit.