BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – After starting 29 of 32 games in his first two NFL seasons, Danieal Manning no longer is part of the Bears’ No. 1 defense. But the 5-11, 200-pounder doesn’t mind a bit given the importance of his new role.

Manning is the Bears’ primary nickel back, replacing linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer in passing situations. It’s a job that will put the 2006 second-round draft pick from Abilene Christian on the field in a slew of crucial situations every game.

Danieal Manning possesses great speed, but he's also physical against the run as the Raiders' Justin Fargas discovered in 2007.

“I just want to play,” Manning said. “That’s basically what it’s all about. Once you make those plays, that’s what it’s about. What’s a start? It’s just the first play. As long as you’re on the field, it doesn’t really matter to me.”

Last season Manning was switched from safety to cornerback and then back to safety as the Bears tried to cope with injuries. Bears coaches later said they felt that moving Manning around so much probably hurt his development as a player. But the 25-year-old disagrees.

“They said that; I didn’t,” Manning said. “In the long run it’s only going to make it better for me, playing corner, safety and nickel. It makes me a better player all around. I just see the game different in different positions.”

Manning established career highs last season with 15 starts and 98 tackles, third on the team and the most among defensive backs. After registering two interceptions in each of his first two seasons, the Corsicana, Texas, native has lofty goals for the 2008 season.

“Individually, I want to get this nickel down where I can do more things, use my athletic ability and trust my instincts more,” Manning said. “I want to get at least eight picks this year and try to get into the Pro Bowl.”

Manning’s responsibilities are different at nickel than they were at safety.

“I have to be able to see the quarterback, set up on the quarterback, and take a peek at the receivers to see what kind of routes and releases I’m getting,” he said.

“I think I’m well suited for it. I can move around, making adjustments, and I can cover some of the speedy guys in the middle and I can match up well with some of the big guys.”

Manning is ecstatic to be part of a defense that is back intact after suffering key losses to injury last season. The unit features five veterans who’ve been voted to at least one Pro Bowl in linebackers Brian Urlacher (6) and Lance Briggs (3), defensive tackle Tommie Harris (3), safety Mike Brown (1) and cornerback Nate Vasher (1).

“It gives us a chance to do more with the defense,” Manning said. “Brian makes those great calls and he trusts all the guys to be there. You know they’re going to be there and make the plays they need to make. Everybody is believing in everybody, and that’s big for the defense.”