The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2014 NFL draft after missing the playoffs and with needs on both sides of the ball, a trade for LaMichael James could be an option and while he also fits with the Patriots, he could be great in Marc Trestman's offense and some other names the team is looking at includes Aaron Murray, AJ McCarron, Josh Huff and Bruce Ellington at wide receiver.
The Bears had a fantastic offensive season in 2014, even with Jay Cutler injured for part of the year, but their defense gave up a franchise record amount of yards and that could be a factor with the draft coming up. Trestman and company will look to defense and they may do it early in the first round or second round, but they will not forget about the offense either and the Bears could be very scary next season if they add a receiver next to Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall that can contribute.
The team got some great stats from both players last season, as the combined for 189 catches and 19 touchdowns, while Jeffery was tops with over 1,400 yards and Marshall had nearly 1,300 and now the team could be even more explosive. Huff was very good in college at Oregon and he could fit in with the offense, while Ellington also could be available later when the Bears pick. Both those players are third or fourth round options and adding that for Jay Cutler would give the team some very solid depth at the receiver position.
The team has a solid tight end in Martellus Bennett and they also could look to add a running back at some point as well. James could be an option for the team over drafting someone, as he can be a great speed option out of the backfield and he also can catch balls as well. The team also lost Devin Hester and James has shown that he is adept at returning kicks and a deal with the 49ers could be an option on draft day.
Matt Forte had his best season as a pro and he had over 1,300 yards rushing and nine touchdowns and he also set career highs in receptions and receiving yards. The Bears need more depth at the position with Michael Bush gone and Michael Ford is too young to be a solid contributor yet, meaning players like Carlos Hyde or Andre Williams could also be in the mix for Trestman. Hyde is one of the top backs and he rushed for over 1,500 yards last season, while Williams was very productive with over 2,000 yards, but he is not a weapon like Forte out of the backfield.
Cody Latimer is also in the mix at receiver and he had a very good season at Indiana, going for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns on 72 catches, while Huff had 62 catches for 1140 yards and 12 touchdowns and with his speed he could be a great deep threat. The Bears also could go for a backup QB later on, as names like Aaron Murray and AJ McCarron as well as Jimmy Garoppolo should be available.
