RIM PROTECTORS

Anytime the conversation starts for the Bears and the topic is great defensive history, things inevitably focus on two position groups. The defensive line and the linebackers. Always guys like Dick Butkus, Dan Hampton, Doug Atkins, Brian Urlacher and others are referenced. Not nearly often enough have people appreciated the vital role played by safeties in the history of greatest Chicago defenses.

Don’t believe it? Here is a breakdown of each of the top defenses the Bears have had in every decade dating back to the 1960s. One thing they all have in common? That’s right. A Pro Bowl safety on the back end.

2005: Mike Brown

1993: Mark Carrier

1985: Dave Duerson

1979: Gary Fencik

1963: Richie Petitbon

It’s not an isolated incident. Nor is it an accident either. It turns out that of those five safeties referenced above, three of them were taken in the second round or higher during the NFL draft. Fencik was a late round pick who got cut by Miami and Duerson was a third rounder by Chicago. Here is a breakdown of every safety the Bears have selected since Brown and what round they went in.

Bobby Gray: 5th round – 2001

Todd Johnson: 4th round – 2003

Chris Harris: 6th round – 2005

Danieal Manning: 2nd round – 2006

Kevin Payne: 5th round – 2007

Craig Steltz: 4th round – 2008

Al Afalava: 6th round – 2009

Major Wright: 3rd round – 2010

Chris Conte: 3rd round – 2011

Brandon Hardin: 3rd round – 2012

Brock Vereen: 4th round – 2014

Adrian Amos: 5th round – 2015

Deon Bush: 4th round – 2016

DeAndre Houston-Carson: 6th round – 2016

CHANGING THE SCRIPT

Just one pick in the second round or higher in the past 15 years. Keep in mind Brown was gone by 2009, so the Bears haven’t invested a high choice for seven years even though they no longer have the excuse of employing a good one. Is it also any coincidence that the franchise had their two most successful postseason runs in 2006 and 2010 when Manning was a contributor on the roster?

The point is every time Chicago has shown a willingness to invest in the safety position, the defense has benefited. There is lots of talk about whether the team will take a quarterback in the upcoming draft at #3 overall. That’s unclear. What is clear is this 2017 class may be the strongest safety crop seen in a long time. Two players alone are considered top 10 locks, which is exceedingly rare.

If ever the Bears were going to give their defense the face lift it needs at such a critical position, this is probably the best opportunity they’re going to get.