Feeling defensive

How will the Bears defense return to its former glory? Some young players are going to have to progress, some older players are going to have to step up. And Lance Briggs, Alex Brown, and Charles Tillman have to at least maintain their level of play from last season.

Young guys who need to keep progressing:

Corey Graham, CB

Is Corey Graham a legit starter in this league? Nathan Vasher has disappeared the last two seasons. Depending on what "The Interceptor" does this year (and what the Bears do in the draft), Graham could be starting at corner from week 1.

Kevin Payne, S

Now that Mike Brown is gone, there's a void to fill. Payne has looked good, especially against the run, and he hits like a ton of bricks. 

Marcus Harrison, DT

He has the skills and measurables to dominate. May be better suited to play the gap than the nose, but it will be interesting to see what Rod Marinelli can get from this kid.

Veterans who need to step up:

Tommie Harris, DT

Tommie Harris is the engine that makes the Bears' cover-2 defense run. When he's not right, the defense isn't right. When he is right, he may be the best in the game. He certainly wasn't that last year.

Adewale Ogunleye, DE

Didn't do much last season. Everybody knows we have to get pressure on the quarterback. 'Wale is supposed to be the guy to supply that pressure. That's why he's here. If he can't supply the heat, we need to get him the hell out of the kitchen. 

Brian Urlacher, LB

The center of the cover two has to be strong. DT, MLB, S. If those three positions are weak, your defense will be weak. Urlacher doesn't need to be the player he was at his peak, but he needs to be more of a force than he was last year. Urlacher just disappeared last season for alarmingly long stretches. 

Wildcards:

Free Safety

Can Josh Bullocks be the guy? Will they draft someone? Will Steltz step up to be an NFL-caliber free safety. None of those are great bets. Best bet is probably Bullocks. 

Lovie Smith

Can Lovie handle taking over the play-calling on defense and being head coach? Something has got to give, right? Maybe.