Looking back at Chicago Bears last season, their defensive failed to execute in every way possible. While it's fair to look at linebacker and safety as key weaknesses that caused these, poor coaching also played a part. Former defensive coordinator Mel Tucker could never put the pieces together to make the puzzle work, even when Chicago invested resources into cornerback, Kyle Fuller, and the defensive line in free agency by signing Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston and Willie Young.
Chicago made sweeping changes this offseason; as part of their house cleaning, new head coach John Fox hired Vic Fangio as his defensive coordinator. Fangio is renowned across the league for his work with the San Francisco 49ers defense for four seasons. Fangio had All-Pro caliber defensive players like linebackers Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and defensive end Justin Smith aiding him. But we also saw Chris Borland, Aaron Lynch and many others thrive under his coaching.
Fangio has made it clear he will bring the 3-4 defense with him to Chicago. He has shown the ability to make pieces work, but not every player on the Bears' roster fits the 3-4 defensive puzzle. So let's take a look at how some of Chicago's personnel will fit into Fangio's defense.
Jared Allen, Defensive End
Allen is the most peculiar fit in Fangio's defense. Allen's clearly suited for a 4-3 defense in a three-point stance, but will face a new challenge standing up as an outside linebacker in the 3-4. While he will still see some time with his hands in the dirt in nickel situations, his role will primarily be coming off the edge as a pass rusher.
Trading or cutting Allen isn't an option—he is overpaid with a $12.5 million cap number and entering his mid 30's. This is a marriage that has to last, but Fangio might be just the right coordinator to make Allen usable. But looking at his age and declining ability, it could very well make it a tough year for both sides.
Lamarr Houston, Defensive End
While Allen is a poor fit for Fangio's defense, Houston should slide in nicely as a versatile piece in this defense. Houston will have to work his way back from the torn ACL he suffered after celebrating a sack in October, but his recovery has gone well. While it will take him time to build up to full speed, Houston won't be held back when the preseason rolls around.
Once Houston is cleared, he should quickly become one of Fangio's favorite chess pieces to work with. He has the ideal size for a five-tech end at 6'3" and 300 pounds, Houston also has the athleticism to stand up and come off the edge. He has never had a great coach to help put him in the right situation to succeed, a coach who can maximize his abilities and increase his production. Fangio is exactly what Houston needed in his career and the 27-year-old defensive end should thrive this season.
Ego Ferguson, Nose Tackle
One issue Chicago will face with their transition is they invested draft picks last year with the intention of using them in a 4-3 defense. Ferguson was their second-round pick and the mindset was for him to slide in as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 with his athleticism outweighing his strength and bulk. Now in Fangio's defense, Ferguson will be moved to nose tackle. In that the case, he has to spend the offseason getting stronger so he can hold up as the zero-tech on the defensive line. Whether or not Ferguson can put on the muscle and thrive quickly will be the big question going forward.
Shea McClellin, Outside Linebacker
Nearly four years after drafting him with the 19th overall pick and facing questions about his fit in a 4-3 defense, the Bears can finally have put McClellin in the best position. He will finally be in a role that he was always more comfortable with. Given Chicago's need for help at linebacker, they will try him everywhere to try and find the right spot for him. The 25-year-old still has potential as a pass rusher, but is only known for the collarbone-breaking hit he put on Aaron Rodgers in 2013. Hopefully a little more familiarity and a better coaching staff will squeeze more production out of the young linebacker.
Draft Plan:
The draft outlook for the Bears is much more appealing than their current defensive depth charts. Fox and Fangio hold the seventh overall pick, offering them plenty of opportunities to fill the need at nose tackle or for an edge rusher. While Washington Huskies Danny Shelton is largely the consensus top nose tackle, it might be a reach to take him in the top-10.
Fortunately, there are a wealth of options at pass rushers to help in a division featuring Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and a rising Teddy Bridgewater. Names like Randy Gregory, Dante Fowler, Bud Dupree, Shane Ray or Vic Beasley. It's a guarantee that at least one of the five names will be available and most likely Chicago will have the choice to pick between at least two of the edge rushers. After addressing the position in the first round, the Bears can then look to address inside linebacker in round two with a Benardick McKinney, Eric Kendricks or Denzel Perryman.