In a feature story on NFL.com, analyst Elliot Harrison ranks the Bears as having the second best offseason in the league based on their moves in free agency and the draft.
Just like they did with their offensive line a year ago, the Bears have completely revamped their defensive line this offseason, signing ends Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Willie Young and Israel Idonije in free agency and selecting Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton in the draft.
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The Bears signed former Chiefs and Vikings star defensive end Jared Allen on March 26. |
"Emery also knew he needed to fix the Bears' Achilles' heel—run defense—and did so by acquiring Lamarr Houston in free agency and drafting defensive tackles with their second- and third-round picks.
"Selecting cornerback Kyle Fuller in the first round makes a whole lot of sense in a division that features Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford. And drafting running back Ka'Deem Carey on Day 3 as some Matt Forte insurance will pay off."
The only team that Harrison ranks ahead of the Bears is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who he praises for hiring former Bears coach Lovie Smith as well as signing key free agents such as defensive end Michael Johnson, cornerback Alterraun Verner and former Bears quarterback Josh McCown.