Chris Conte’s Injury Shouldn’t Change Bears Draft Plans
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants free safety Ryan Mundy (21) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Emery has been revamping the Bears defense all offseason and has brought in four free agents to the mix including re-signing Craig Steltz and bringing in Ryan Mundy, MD Jennings and Danny McRay. Mundy is expected to start, while Jennings could be in the mix to compete for a job with a bunch of starts under his belt in Green Bay. Steltz and McCray will contribute mostly on special teams.
Regardless of what was going on with Conte, you can bet the Bears were eyeing a safety at some point in the draft. Could it be Ha Ha Clinton-Dix or Calvin Pryor in Round 1? Sure. Could Jimmie Ward be in the mix in the second or third round? Absolutely. But you know what? I doubt Conte’s injury news changed Phil Emery’s plans. Emery knew at a minimum he had to add some depth and competition at the position:
Where does that leave Conte? Competing for a job, like the rest:
"“Whenever you don’t have a good season you do some soul searching,” Conte said. “You find the reasons why you love the game. Competition is a big part of why I love playing football. I knew they would be bringing in players to compete. It doesn’t bother me. It will only make me better.”"
No doubt there will be a lot of competition going on at safety this offseason, but Conte will be behind the 8-ball or have it running past him. Or over him.