Mullin: Changes in the Bears' 2010 Defense

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Mullin: Changes in the Bears' 2010 Defense

Tuesday, Apr. 27, 2010
2:46 P.M.

By John Mullin
CSNChicago.com


The Bears’ 2010 defense already looks markedly different than the one that wobbled, limped actually, through much of 2009.

Defensive line

In: Julius Peppers will start at one end. Either Mark Anderson or Israel Idonije will start at the other.

Out: Alex Brown, Adewale Ogunleye.

Linebacker:

In: Nick Roach did a solid job filling in at both middle and strong-side linebacker last season. Hunter Hillenmeyer and Pisa Tinoisamoa are back but Roach is the favorite to win the job alongside Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher.

Out: Jamar Williams, never quite able to nail down a job in a very strong field.

Cornerback:

In: Charles Tillman will stay in his No. 1 role. Zackary Bowman had a team-high six interceptions but will have competition.

Out: Nathan Vasher.

Safety:

In: Major Wright is all but a lock at free safety and Chris Harris is the veteran at strong safety that the Bears have needed since, well, since they traded him.

Out: Danieal Manning, still looking for a home position. Al Afalava performed well at times but Josh Bullocks, Kevin Payne and Craig Steltz all were used at that position of obvious need.

John "Moon" Mullin is CSNChicago.com's Bears Insider, and appears regularly on Bears Postgame Live and Chicago Tribune Live. Follow Moon on Twitter for up-to-the-minute Bears information.