The Chicago Bears' new regime of coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace are off to a fast start in trying to change the team's culture by agreeing to send wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets in exchange for a fifth-round pick this year. From a draft perspective, however, this immediately pushes the receiver position toward the top in terms of team needs.
Tight end Martellus Bennett (90 catches, 916 yards) and running back Matt Forte (102 catches, 808 yards) are heavy contributors in the passing game, while wide receiver Alshon Jeffery continues to play at a high level, posting his second straight 80-catch, 1,100-yard season. However, Marshall's departure leaves a major void opposite Jeffery.
While the trade gives Chicago, which has the No. 7 overall pick, more options to think about, infusing the defensive front with talent remains more of a pressing need for a unit that ranked near the bottom of every major statistical category last season. In addition, new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will be transitioning to more of a base 3-4 scheme, a significant change from the traditional one-gap scheme that relies on quickness and penetration we have grown accustomed to seeing in Chicago.
Here is a look at a few options on the defensive front and at receiver that the Bears could be targeting with their seventh overall pick, or on Day 2 of the draft.