Want An Elite Bears Defense? Here's How Far Away They Are

The Chicago Bears defense was an interesting, unusual, hopeful and disappointing watch all at the same time in 2016. It was overrun with mediocrity at many positions, riddled with injuries and yet showed constant flashes of just how good it could become. By the end of the season their coordinator Vic Fangio was beyond frustrated. Not because they were bad, but more because they weren't "there" yet. Losing is never fun, but it's been especially difficult for Bears fans the past four years. Throughout most of their teams' history, even the darker periods were at least tolerable because they knew at least Chicago would play some good defense. That has become part of the city's football identity. So when that identity is suddenly and violently ripped away from them, it has a taxing psychological impact. Over the past four seasons from 2013 through 2016, the Bears have allowed 1, 716 total points. That's an average of 26.81 per game. It's by far the worst stretch ever in franchise history and has many wondering what it will take to reclaim the good, old days. Turns out there is a definitive answer to that question. (continue to next page from top) It's no secret that Bears fans want a great defense in Chicago again. For one it's a long-standing tradition in this town but also because it seems to be the only way this franchise knows how to win. Look at the teams in the NFL with a top 10 defense. Four of them are in the playoffs and three others had a record of .500 or better. This begs the question. Why aren't the Bears at that level yet? They seem to have the coaching in place, so what's missing? To help answer that, it was important to look at those units they're chasing and recognize what's difference. As it turns out there is a very simple, fundamental gap that is easy to explain. The majority of the best defenses this season have more first round picks in their lineup.

1st Round Picks on Defense

• #1 - Houston Texans:  6
• #2 - Arizona Cardinals:  3
• #3 - Minnesota Vikings:  3
• #4 - Denver Broncos:  3
• #5 - Seattle Seahawks:  1
• #6 - Jacksonville Jaguars:  3
• #7 - Baltimore Ravens:  3
• #8 - New England Patriots:  3
• #9 - Los Angeles Rams:  4
• #10 - New York Giants:  3

It's pretty plain as day. Aside from the Seahawks, who are the exception to the rule, the best defenses in the NFL were all constructed through constant investment of top draft choices. It seems those that have at least three first round picks in the starting lineup tend to field the best units. Sure, coaching has a lot to do with it too but if the Bears want an elite unit they'll have to "pay" for it. Same goes for that celebrated Dallas Cowboys offensive line. It's no secret why they have success. Three of its members were first round picks. https://twitter.com/DLineVids/status/805521073345134592 Ryan Pace and John Fox want their great defense and are getting closer, but so far they have met the prerequisite. Leonard Floyd was the only first round pick who was a starter for them in 2016. Kyle Fuller was on injured reserve all season. Look back at the greatest Bears defenses of the past. They paid the bill. The 2001 unit? Four first round picks. The 1985 unit? Four first round picks. The 1963 unit? Three first round picks. The 1941 unit? Three first round picks. Pace said it would take at least three off-seasons for him to build this roster the way he wants it. He wasn't exaggerating when he said that. Great things in the NFL take time. Few of those top defenses listed above were constructed overnight. Most of them took multiple years of careful planning, scouting, coaching and development. It also took a significant talent commitment as well. If the Bears want their elite defense, they must be willing to set aside top draft choices for its construction. Simple, but just not fast.