The 2014 NFL season was definitely one to forget for the Chicago Bears, who ending the season with a 5-11 record, and the seventh overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. There are a number of areas where the Bears need improvement; however, there are three top needs: pass rushing, linebacker and defensive back.

Pass rusher Leonard Williams out of the University of Southern California is an absolute beast at 6 feet 5 inches and 300 pounds. He is one of those prospects that is extremely athletic from the line of scrimmage and is difficult for an offensive line to maintain. Also, once he is committed to rushing the quarterback, it would take more than a single block to keep him from reaching his target. His length and quickness could make him a great fit as an outside pass rusher for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s 3-4 style defense.

Another player who fits that mold is linebacker Dante Fowler, Jr. The former Florida Gator is listed at 6 feet 3 inches, 260 pounds, and, like Williams, has an impressive wingspan and a highly versatile set of skills. The 20-year-old is able to read out the routes of runningbacks and force them into the backfield losing significant yardage. He had 15 tackles for losses last season.

Lastly, with the obvious aging of veteran cornerbacks Tim Jennings and Charles “Peanut” Tillman, a young quality defensive back is needed.

Cornerback Marcus Peters out of Washington inflicts his physicality upon the opposition and uses that to his advantage. He could be a solid pick-up for the Bears with their second round pick. At 6 feet tall, 198 pounds, Peters has the strength to jam a wide receiver’s route, but also possesses the foot speed to beat them to the spot of the ball.

With the new Bears regime in place and John Fox and Ryan Pace leading the organization, fans are extremely excited about the changes made at Halas Hall. The new front office seems committed to the re-establishment of old-school Chicago Bears defense. It has been gone for far too long.