The Chicago Bears made it known loud and clear that their number one priority in the offseason was to add talent to the defensive side of the ball.  With aging veteran Charles Tillman (33) resigned, that made him the best player in the Bears secondary, making it clear how much help the team needed in the back of their defense.  Similar to the Minnesota Vikings in the way they used their first-round pick on Anthony Barr, the Bears signed pass-rush specialists Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston, focusing on helping the pass defense with pressure on the quarterback.  They continued that theory by drafting two defensive-tackles in rounds two and three of this years draft, putting a heavy emphasis on rebuilding the defensive line, improving both the run and pass defense.  

The key additions on the defensive-front stated above will go a long way in improving the secondary, but to infuse the backfield with youth and talent still needed to be done.  At 33, Charles Tillman is still one of the best cornerbacks in the league.  His aggressive nature and football smarts allow him to shut-down his opponent while generating big plays forcing turnovers.  Still, the Bears resigned Tillman to just a one-year deal, putting the writing on the wall for his inevitable departure.  Ryan Mundy was signed form the New York Giants to help alleviate some pressure from the strong safety position, after the Bears safety tandem was one of the worst in the league last season.  

The Bears went to the draft, using their first-round pick, the 14th overall selection on cornerback Kyle Fuller.  Fuller was the second cornerback taken and was the number one player this position on many teams big boards.  Not the biggest or the fastest, Fuller plays with a physical demeanor and plays much bigger than he really is.  His vigorous preparation for his opponents is a key reason why he is so successful in coverage and anticipating the play.  Fuller lined up inside in the slot position, outside at cornerback, and at safety for Virginia Tech, giving the Bears a player with a ton of flexibility  With Tillman and Tim Jennings both resigned, Fuller could get plenty of opportunities lining in up in multiple positions.  

Interesting development today was Tim Jennings playing nickel when Kyle Fuller came in. Jennings was still No. 2 CB in base D. #Bears

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) May 27, 2014

A more quiet acquisition that could make a solid impact was safety Brock Vereen from the Minnesota Gophers.  Brother to New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen, Brock was another player that lined up anywhere and everywhere in college.  His former coach Jerry Kill said Vereen was the smartest player he ever had coached and spoke very highly of him all around.  Grabbing Vereen with the 131st pick, could prove to be great value for a prospect that is in the Bears plans both near and far away.  

Both Fuller and Vereen expect to play key roles in the Bears secondary, but also serve as the foundation of the teams future pass-defense with Tillman running low on gas in the tank.  However, the big secret to improving the Bears secondary was made on the defensive line, with the additions of Allen and Houston, providing a huge pass rush.  Then drafting defensive-tackles Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton shored up the inside of the unit, giving the defense a source of interior pressure.  Both components will play big roles in the defensive game plan in 2014, and is why the Bears did everything they could to improve their secondary, in just one offseason.