The Chicago Bears finished the 2015 season ranked just No. 22 in total sacks (35.0), and despite shelling out a total of $38.7 million in guaranteed money during free agency, they have yet to add someone who can improve their pass rush.
That doesn't mean the Bears won't be better on defense in 2016. New inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, along with defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, should help boost the front seven next year. If nothing else, Chicago's run defense should be superior. But Hicks, Freeman and Trevathan have just 24.5 regular season sacks combined.
That's not going to cut it.
The trio of Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young needs help getting after opposing QBs, and they may get it in the 2016 NFL Draft. Bears head coach John Fox hinted that Chicago may target pass rushers this year with its nine total picks.
"We'll just keep marching. It's very fluid," Fox said. "We think it's a good year in the draft in that area. A lot of times in free agency you still do measure how you rate the draft; so we think that's a deep spot in the draft. I don't know about elite pass-rushers, but defensive front help is obviously a deep area. Those elite pass-rushers are hard to find. They don't come around very often."
Who could the Bears target to help out in this area? Lucky for them, there are a handful of options that may be available when they're on the clock at No. 11.
Clemson's Shaq Lawson put up 12.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for a loss last year. He's been compared to Ravens' pass-rusher Courtney Upshaw. Oregon's DeForest Buckner posted 10.5 sacks in 2015 and plays like Calais Campbell. However, he may be taken off the board within the first five picks. UCLA's Myles Jack is another option, though he's known more for his run defense. Georgia's Leonard Floyd would be a nice addition as well.
Bottom line: The Bears have options, and Fox seems to know it. Look for them to address the need quickly once the draft rolls around in April.
