Gabriel: Breaking Down Where The Bears Must Improve Defensively For 2016

By Greg Gabriel--
Editor's note: On Monday, Gabriel took a look at areas for improvement in the Bears' offense for next season. You can read it here. He breaks down the defensive side today.

(CBS) I'm not sure any of us knew what to expect from the Chicago Bears defense in 2015. After last year's debacle in which the Bears gave up 442 points, pretty much anything was going to be an improvement in this campaign.

Under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Bears switched the scheme from a one-gap 4-3 system to an attacking 3-4 scheme. There were some new players brought in, but in most cases, Fangio had to do the makeover with what was already here. He's done a fantastic job.

Now with Chicago sitting at 5-8 and with nearly zero chance of making the playoffs, let's take a look at what the Bears need to do defensively to become a contender in the NFC North in 2016.

Defensive line

Through 13 games, the two best players on the Bears' defensive line have been rookie nose tackle Eddie Goldman and defensive end Jarvis Jenkins. It took Goldman a while to get used to the rigors of professional football, but in recent games he has been one of the defense's top performers. Free-agent acquisition Jenkins has played steady, consistent football all year. Between the two, they have accounted for 8.5 of the Bears' 29 sacks to date.

Looking at the rest of the line, I don't see anyone who's what I would consider a quality starter on a playoff team. Will Sutton isn't a physical fit for this scheme. He's performed well but is best-suited to be a future a rotational player. The same holds true for midseason acquisition Mitch Unrein. 2014 second-round pick Ego Ferguson may also have a future with the Bears, but that too would be as a role player.

What the Bears need are two more quality players, one of whom has top pass-rush talent. After Goldman and Jenkins, the other defensive linemen on the Bears have only accounted for two sacks. That won't get it done. Whether these needed additions come from the draft or veteran free agency remains to be seen.

I would also like to see a bit more size on the defensive front to help in stopping the run.

Inside linebacker

Right now, with Shea McClellin and Christian Jones, the Bears line up two athletic and rangy types at the inside linebacker positions. What the Bears don't have is a player who is a physical presence inside; someone who is a force versus the run and makes consistent stops at or near the line of scrimmage. A player who fits that mold is a dire need and maybe one of the most important needs on the defense for next season.

Both Jones and McClellin are new to this scheme and they will improve, but to say they can be the type of player that is needed is a stretch. Jonathan Anderson has flashed the type of skill needed but he is undersized and may never be able to do it on a consistent basis.

Outside linebacker

Outside linebacker was a huge question mark going into the season. As it stands now, it may well be a position of strength. When the Bears signed Pernell McPhee last March, they were hoping that they singed a player who's both a physical presence and a leader. They hit on both accounts and with this being only McPhee's fifth year in the league, he will still improve as a player.

No one knew what to expect from Lamarr Houston and Willie Young. Both were coming off serious injuries, and both were new to this scheme and being asked to transition from the defensive line to linebacker. While Houston had played some on his feet while in Oakland, Young had always been a down 4-3 defensive end.

In recent weeks, both Young and Houston have been two of the better players on the defense. With McPhee injured right now, Houston and Young are two of the best pass rushers the Bears have. I would say that they have easily played beyond expectations and have a future here in Chicago.

Sam Acho has also flashed when given the opportunity to play and is a competent reserve. Going into the offseason, I would doubt outside linebacker will be at the top of the priority list. While more pass rushing help is needed, the hope is that it comes from the defensive line.

Safety

No one would argue that rookie safety Adrian Amos has had a terrific season, but to have a fifth-round draft choice come in and start every game is a bonus. He has a bright future but still needs to improve his game. To date, he doesn't have an interception, and that's the area where he needs to get better.

A huge need for the Bears is to find a ball-hawking safety. While Antrel Rolle was that type of player in his younger days, he no longer has those traits. I would think his future is in doubt. At present, there's no player on the Bears' roster who can be the ball-hawker the Bears need. Chris Prosinski and Harold Jones-Quartey are solid backup types, but not what you want in a starter.

Cornerback

Tracy Porter may be the surprise player of the year. He's the best cornerback on this team and has played consistent winning football all year. At 29, he still has a few strong years left.

Second-year pro Kyle Fuller has been up and down all season. He started slow and then came on, but the consistency isn't there. Fuller needs to pay more attention to detail and play up to his talent level. He has the traits to be outstanding, but we haven't seen it yet. It's way too early to give up on him, considering this is his second season and first in the scheme.

A player who has jumped out at me this season is Bryce Callahan, the undersized rookie free agent who's competitive, tough, and plays taller than his 5-foot-9 frame. Callahan has a future as the nickel corner.

Beyond those three, there isn't much at cornerback. Adding at least one quality corner is a must this offseason.

Special teams

Deonte Thompson has shown he can be an NFL kickoff returner, but the Bears don't have a punt returner. Marc Mariani's best trait was his ability to track the ball, but he has faltered there this season by putting the ball on the ground three times. Mariani lacks speed and the ability to make the first man miss. An upgrade at that position is an important need.

Kicker Robbie Gould's in a slump, but the fact is he's one of the most consistent kickers in NFL history. Gould still has a strong leg and just needs to work his way through this slump. I would be surprised if he's not the Bears' placekicker in 2016.

The coverage units will improve as the Bears upgrade their roster with better players and improve the team depth.

Greg Gabriel is a former NFL talent evaluator who is an on-air contributor for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @greggabe.