Inside linebacker
Pace and coaches believe Shea McClellin’s arrow is still pointing up but Christian Jones, others were not answers.
1. Brandon Marshall, Denver, restricted free agent: Broncos could match offer; No. 2 in Broncos tackles.
2. Jerrell Freeman, Indianapolis: No. 2-ranked ILB by ProFootballFocus.com.
3. Danny Trevathan, Denver: Led Broncos in tackles, got lineup break from John Fox.
LB/DE edge rusher
Bears have Lamarr Houston in place with hefty contract plus Pernell McPhee but want – and need – more from short list.
1. Oliver Vernon, Miami: Dolphins transitioned him so they can match offer, but 29 sacks over 4 years...
2. Bruce Irvin, Seattle: Bears targeted him in ’12 draft before Seattle picked; solid if unspectacular.
Defensive line
Eddie Goldman is youth at NT but the DE/5-technique role is wide open. Jarvis Jenkins would be a quality re-sign.
1. Jaye Howard, Kansas City: Mauled Bears early in ’15 meeting with Hroniss Grasu; low mileage, high upside.
2. Akiem Hicks, New England: Massive (6-foot-5, 345 pounds) anchor alongside Goldman; drafted by Saints while Pace in New Orleans
3. Malik Jackson, Denver: Do Bears really want to get into this bidding war?
Guard
Matt Slauson is a fixture now but RG suffered when Kyle Long moved and Slauson gives flexibility. Bears see Charles Leno at LT.
1. Kelechi Osemele, Baltimore: Best OL on market can play guard or tackle.
2. Alex Boone, San Francisco: Nobody looks too good after 49ers’ 2015 but Boone is a two-time Pro Bowl alternate who can play tackle.
3. Jeff Allen, Kansas City: Quality blocker with versatility at age 26.
4. Brandon Brooks, Houston: Huge (335 pounds) mauler has started 30 games.
Cornerback
Bears hit with Tracy Porter, missed with Alan Ball, need to settle a key spot opposite Kyle Fuller, whom Bears control for 3 more yrs.
1. Janoris Jenkins, Los Angeles: Elite corner money could cost Bears needs elsewhere; how aggressive will Pace be?
2. Sean Smith, Kansas City: At 6-3, 210, may be best UFA corner, and KC may need too much money for others on good defense.
3. Casey Hayward, Green Bay: Notches below top two but solid; luring a Packer of of Green Bay never bad thing.
Tight end
Martellus Bennett situation throws TE situation into turmoil. Zach Miller a good re-sign but injury history means more needed.
1. Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener, Indianapolis: Colts not expected to have money to keep both. Both with upside, Allen better blocker but some injuries, Fleener a better receiver.
2. Ladarius Green, San Diego: Big upside to understudy to Antonio Gates, if Chargers let him walk.
Safety
Bears hit on Adrian Amos via draft but Antrel Rolle age, health now are issues.
1. Tashaun Gipson, Cleveland: Some ankle issues in ’15 but ball-hawk’er has 14 INT’s in 4 yrs., including 1 of Jay Cutler.
2. George Iloka, Cincinnati: Overshadowed by Reggie Nelson, has size (6-4, 225); out of Boise State with McClellin.
3. Rodney McLeod, Los Angeles: Smallish but a proven hitter from physical program.
http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/tampering-period-hand-bears-have-targets-identified