After being able to sit back and fully digest the draft, there still seems to be one pressing issue on the defense: free safety.
Charles Tillman and Corey Graham are excluded from this list, because until proven otherwise, they seem to be the two most likely candidates to start at corner. If Nathan Vasher regains his old form, maybe Graham does become an option to make the transition to free safety.For now, let's examine every possible candidate currently on the roster:
Craig Steltz -- A fourth-round pick in 2008, Steltz was inactive for the first five games his rookie season before seeing the field in limited fashion and special teams. He made a few decent plays, including a big interception at home versus Detroit, but for the most part he looked fairly mediocre. Jerry Angelo still says Steltz has the ability to play free safety. Do you buy that? Steltz would seem a better fit playing in the box given his average speed. He appears miscast being asked to play the deep middle of the field.
Josh Bullocks -- His YouTube fame aside, Bullocks did start 51 games (including playoffs) during his four seasons in New Orleans. However, there was a reason the Saints never made an attempt to re-sign Bullocks. Despite being an extraordinary athlete, Bullocks was wildly inconsistent in deep pass coverage. What's the most important part of being a free safety? Deep pass coverage. The fact he only was given a one-year deal illustrates the Bears' level of trust in Bullocks.
Kevin Payne -- Payne is a strong safety. Plain and simple. He took way too many false steps in coverage when forced out of the box. But it wasn't his fault. Payne was a good soldier when the switch was made to accommodate Mike Brown, who wasn't quick enough to provide help over the top. Payne also played with a nagging shoulder injury that limited his ability to wrap up. He needs to be close to the line of scrimmage to be truly effective.
Danieal Manning -- The original plan in the aftermath of the Bears' season-ending loss to Houston was for Manning to be the starting free safety in 2009, then move to nickel in passing situations. Somewhere along the way that plan changed. But is Manning really out of the mix? He started the bulk of his first two seasons at free safety, also playing corner for a short time before settling in at nickel. Like Bullocks, Manning has made a few costly coverage mistakes. But he is an incredible athlete and has all the traits necessary to play the position, except for those mental breakdowns. Many argue it would be best to keep Manning at nickel, I agree, but he might be forced to move again out of necessity.
Zack Bowman -- Bowman could be the wild card. Although his preference is to play corner, he has the make-up ideal for free safety. With good size for the position (6-1, 195 pounds), Bowman is said to running about a 4.40 40-yard dash, with aspirations of lowering that time before training camp starts. He's intelligent and possess all the necessary pass-coverage skills. But durability is an issue. Bowman carried medical red flags when the Bears drafted him in the fifth round out of Nebraska, and ruptured a biceps muscle during the Vikings' game last year. However, Bowman made several key plays versus Minnesota, and continued to play even after trainers told him the muscle was torn. Getting healthy is the key for Bowman. If that happens, don't be surprised if Bowman puts himself on the map with a big summer in Bourbonnais.
Al Afalava -- Bears college scouting director Greg Gabriel says Afalava also has the traits to play the free spot. But he seems like a pure in-the-box player, known for his hitting ability. Gabriel even conceded the Bears will look at the rookie as a strong safety first. However, Afalava tested remarkably well in pre-draft drills, so there is no doubting his athleticism. Let's first see if Afalava makes the team (which seems likely since he fits the mold of a top-notch special-teamer), then to steal a phrase from Lovie Smith "we'll go from there."
Glen Earl -- Earl hasn't played since 2006. Any contribution he makes would be a bonus. However, maybe Bears (and former Texans) secondary coach Jon Hoke feels that Earl can rediscover some magic. He did have three productive seasons in Houston before the injuries.