Chicago Bears: Projected starters on defense in 2017

Projecting the starters on defense for the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL season.

The Chicago Bears added some impact defenders in free agency, but used only one of their draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. Instead of overhauling the defense, the Bears are counting on significant improvement from their young players.

We’ve already looked at the projected starters in Chicago on offense. With this being said, let’s take a look at how the starting defense could look come opening day.

Defensive Line: Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, and Jaye Howard

Akiem Hicks, entering the last year of his contract, was one of the most consistent players the Bears had last season. His play and leadership should make him one of the Bears stars in 2017. Eddie Goldman, a second-round pick in 2015, needs to stay healthy. Constant injuries have set him back from reaching his potential, which he has flashed numerous times when on the field.

Jaye Howard, signed after the draft, could be a terrific addition. He battled a hip injury last year with the Kansas City Chiefs, but in 2015, he racked up 5.5 sacks and 57 tackles. He’s a big improvement over Mitch Unrein and last year’s third-round pick, Jonathan Bullard.

Outside Linebackers: Leonard Floyd and Pernell McPhee

If Leonard Floyd can add some weight and not have any setbacks with his two concussions, he could have a breakout season. Pernell McPhee has been very good when healthy, but the problem is, that hasn’t happened much. If McPhee can stay on the field for 16 games, the Bears could have a great 1-2 punch. Willie Young and Lamarr Houston add quality depth, yet Young’s play dipped late last season, and Houston has suffered two major knee injuries the past three years.

Inside Linebackers: Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan

Jerrell Freeman led the Bears in tackles last year, and while is PED suspension is alarming, it shouldn’t be too big of an issue moving forward. As for Danny Trevathan, his 2017 season will most likely begin on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list after suffering a torn patellar tendon. Second-year player Nick Kwiatkoski figures to start any games that Trevathan is forced to miss.

Cornerbacks: Marcus Cooper, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan

Marcus Cooper and Prince Amukamara were handed nice contracts in free agency, and both should be starting come Week 1. Cooper (who briefly played for Vic Fangio in San Francisco) and Amukamara have the size and length that are required in Fangio’s defensive system.

Bryce Callahan and Cre’Von LeBlanc figure to compete for the nickel corner position, and both have flashed some potential. Kyle Fuller’s fifth-year option was not picked up, and he could be gone by September.

Safeties: Quintin Demps and Adrian Amos

Quintin Demps is a playmaking safety that the Bears desperately need. His age (31) probably makes him a stopgap, but regardless, he’s the best safety on the roster and will start from day one. Third-year player Adrian Amos is still looking for his first career interception, and after being benched last season, his grasp on the starting job isn’t too strong.

Next: Chicago Bears: Projected starters on offense in 2017

Deon Bush and Chris Prosinski will compete for playing time, but it’s fourth-round pick Eddie Jackson who should be the one who primarily challenges Amos. Jackson comes with some risk, however, as he battled injuries in college and has been limited in rookie minicamp and OTAs.

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