Which Chicago Bears are a good fit for Vic Fangio’s scheme?

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Safety: Eric Reid (6’1, 213), Antoine Bethea (5’11, 203), Donte Whitner (5’11, 205)

Fangio likes his safeties to be inter-changeable which means they need to be strong in both pass coverage and run support. The Bears don’t have one safety on the roster who is good enough to play both positions and most are barely good enough to play one. New GM Ryan Pace has a lot of work to do at the position because old GM Phil Emery didn’t value safeties enough despite NFL teams passing the ball more than ever.

Good Fit

None

Maybe

Ryan Mundy (6’1, 215): Is the Bears most versatile safety with the ability to stop the run and decent instincts in coverage. Mundy has a well rounded game, but doesn’t really excel at either aspect. He’s best suited as a back-up, but his ability to play either safety position should earn him a roster spot as a reserve.

Shamiel Gary, Oklahoma St (6’0, 205): The Bears signed Gary off the Patriots practice squad during the season. He was a strong safety in college but is a better fit at free safety in the NFL. His versatility to play either could help his chances to make the squad. Fangio’s 49ers were linked to Gary pre-draft so there is a chance Fangio likes him. Gary showed good man coverage skills in college and isn’t a force against the run, but shouldn’t be a liability either.

Bad Fit

Chris Conte (6’2, 197): There is no chance Conte will re-sign with the Bears. Right? I really hope I’m right.

Brock Vereen (5’11, 199): Can’t tackle well enough to play the safety position.

Danny McCray (6’0, 214): Unrestricted free agent, but only a special teams player if the Bears even bring him back.