Everybody is now focused on the NFL draft. It’s three days away so that’s no surprise. Free agency has ground to a halt and figures to not start up again until after undrafted free agency concludes following the end of the draft proper. The amazing thing about this year is several players are still available that the Chicago Bears could employ as starters on their roster right now. It’s been that kind weird, unpredictable few months.
Depending on how things go in the draft, here’s a short list of names still out there whom the Bears should be able to secure if they make even a modest push.
Eric Reid (S)
How is this guy not employed? Yes, I get it he knelt during the national anthem in protest and that makes some people unhappy. Did Eric Reid ever cause any locker room problems? Teammates insist that was never the case. He’s 26-years old and a former Pro Bowler. He played for two years under Vic Fangio during which he had seven interceptions. His versatility is rare and something that could instantly make the Bears secondary better. If Greg Hardy was able to find work in the wake of beating a woman, why can’t he?
Bashaud Breeland (CB)
Breeland would already be signed if not for failing a physical due to an injured ankle. The Carolina Panthers pounced on him early in free agency but weren’t able to keep him. Breeland isn’t a star but he’s still young and has proven he can play at a high level. In 2016 he had three interceptions, 11 passes defended, two forced fumbles and a sack. His biggest issue has been consistency to this point. Fangio has a way of correcting such issues. This one is a matter of getting him once he’s healthy.
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Johnathan Hankins (DT)
Hankins isn’t anything flashy. He’s just a big, strong hunk of meat that’s hard to move. That’s why he was such a good run defender for the Indianapolis Colts last year. That’s what he does. He occupies space and clutters lanes to make life more difficult for running backs. The Bears were 11th against the run last year but one of the keys to that, Mitch Unrein is gone. Hankins would make for a solid replacement.
Lamarr Houston (EDGE)
It’s curious why the Bears haven’t re-signed Houston already. He may not be the ideal solution at edge rusher but he had four sacks in five games last year. Clearly, he likes playing in Vic Fangio’s defense. Besides, Chicago is starving for pass rushers. Right now the only two proven names on the roster are Leonard Floyd and Aaron Lynch. Both come with significant question marks. Floyd due to his health and Lynch due to a long stretch of limited production.
@BrianSchwenke textbook 📚 🐝⚓️ pic.twitter.com/MnXTgMyDug
— 👑Mr WaWa🥞 (@KyleManeilBlake) March 15, 2017
Brian Schwenke (OG/C)
A native of Waukegan, IL. Schwenke never really got a fair shot in Tennessee during his run with the Titans. He was moved in and out of the starting lineup across five seasons, serving as a solid spot starter whenever needed. More than anything he wasn’t the best fit for their power-heavy scheme. Schwenke is known more for his quickness, technique, and athleticism. Those traits would make him a strong fit for the new system being installed by Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich.
