The Chicago Bears have a top 10 pick in the draft this year and names like Amari Cooper, Kevin White, Dante Fowler and Todd Gurley could be potential targets and this comes as the team has opted not to trade Jay Cutler or Matt Forte and new head coach John Fox said he hopes that Cutler can have a bounce back season in 2015.
The Bears won just five games in 2014 and there have been a number of changes to the roster and the front office. Ryan Pace was hired as GM before Fox was brought in as coach and the team has traded away receiver Brandon Marshall and signed Eddie Royal. According to Michael C. Wright at ESPN Chicago, the Bears are likely to add another wide receiver in free agency or through the draft this offseason, as they want more depth behind Alshon Jeffery.
The team signed Royal and they also have Marquess Wilson, but after moving Marshall there is a void on the roster at the position. Cooper had a strong season for Alabama and he is considered to be the top WR in this draft along with Kevin White. The Bears pick at number seven and there is a good chance that Cooper will not be on the board when they select. White is a prime option and Todd McShay at ESPN predicts in his latest mock draft that White will be the pick for the Bears.
Wright reports that the team could also look at the free agent market for more depth at receiver, as names like Michael Crabtree, Greg Jennings, Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks are still available. Crabtree has had interest from the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins and he now is visiting with the Oakland Raiders. Crabtree was offered a deal near $3 million by the Dolphins, but according to Pro Football Talk, Crabtree is looking for a deal north of $4 million.
Crabtree likely is priced out of the Bears and it isn't because they can't afford it, but they likely want to spend that money elsewhere. Nicks could be a cheaper option and there is a good chance the team adds a wide receiver in the draft coming up. Cooper may be off the board, but White is a prime option and DeVante Parker also could be a potential fit. Cutler is going to have to compete to keep his job this year, but getting some more weapons should be a big help.
Fox and Pace opted to not trade Cutler and they likely will not deal Forte either. Wright reported that Forte could be on the trade block, as he is nearing 30 and is in a contract year. Forte had a strong season with over 1000 yards rushing and 100 catches last year, but at his age he could be getting expendable. The team may also look at the draft for depth at the position, as the RB class is deep this year as well with names like Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon and TJ Yeldon coming out.