Emma: Breaking Down The Bears' Top Free Agent Targets

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) It just could be that a few years down the road, this offseason is viewed as a turning point for the Bears.

Maybe that's an optimistic viewpoint, but Bears general manager Ryan Pace tends to believe that way. His team has more than $46 million in cap space -- as illustrated by our own Dan Durkin -- and nine draft picks at its disposal, looking to revamp a roster that needs upgrades across the board.

With the new league year nearly upon us, the start of free agency looms next week, as teams can begin discussions Monday and signings start Wednesday. The Bears must show great aggression toward the kind of game-changing players whom Pace seeks this offseason, then allocate resources elsewhere to fill depth voids.

Emma's NFL Combine notebook: Who will the Bears take?

The Bears are making a list and checking it twice, looking for the impact free agents that can change their identity starting in 2016. So, who are those guys they figure to be chasing? Let's take a look.

OFFENSE

The top offensive player available is Doug Martin, the second-leading rusher in the NFL last season. While any team could benefit from a skilled player like that, count the Bears out of the conversation. The team is moving forward with Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey as its running backs and is seeking a complement to the to young backs. The Bears didn't let Matt Forte walk just to add another veteran back to the mix.

Offensively, the Bears will be looking to upgrade their offensive line at positions of need, specifically guard, then they must find depth at running back and tight end.

1.) Kelechi Osemele, guard

With talks of a new deal breaking down, it seems as if the Ravens are going to let the talented Osemele hit the open market. Osemele's the consensus top offensive player available in free agency. It would seem as if he'll draw great interest and large offers from a number of teams, making the Bears less likely to be aggressive.

2.) Evan Mathis, guard

Joining the Super Bowl champion Broncos late in training camp last season, Mathis wasn't up to his past Pro Bowl form, but he did upgrade the Denver offensive line. He's 34 but still plays at a high level. Mathis may cost a pretty penny for the Bears or his many suitors to come.

3.) Lamar Miller, running back

It seemed surprising that the Dolphins let Miller walk, but the 24-year-old is set to hit the open market. Miller averaged 4.5 yards per carry and tallied eight touchdowns while adding 47 catches from the backfield. He's a reliable offensive weapon who could work well with the Bears offense.

4.) Kelvin Beachum, tackle

A potential answer for the Bears' offensive line could come in adding Beachum, the former Steelers tackle. His season ended after six games due to a torn ACL, but he's still an impact tackle who could massively upgrade the Bears, who first must decide whether Kyle Long will play on the right or left side of the line.

5.) Chris Ivory, running back

The Bears could find a steady veteran presence to Langford and Carey by adding Ivory, who rushed for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns on a 4.3-yards-per-carry average last season. Ivory's 27 and won't cost anywhere near as much as Martin. He's an efficient back who could give the Bears continuity in the backfield.

Other names to watch: G Manny Ramirez, RB Ronnie Hillman, TE Ladarius Green, T Donald Penn, G Brandon Brooks, RB Reggie Bush, G Alex Boone and WR Rishard Matthews.

DEFENSE

Where to begin with the Bears' defense? The team finished with a 6-10 record, one that could've been much better had the team taken the ball away more. Chicago had just nine interceptions as a team, and only three of those came from cornerbacks. Its run defense was porous, and the pass rush was often non-existent.

The Bears have so many needs defensively. Fortunately, this free-agent class is deep in defensive talent, as is the first round of the NFL Draft, in which the Bears pick 11th overall. There are routes for Chicago to re-establish its defensive identity, finding fits for coordinator Vic Fangio's 3-4 schemes. Pace must approach this knowing there are options for the front seven in the draft, whereas the secondary class isn't nearly as impressive. The Bears aren't going to overpay for an aging linebacker or defensive lineman when there are options in the draft.

Where do they go with the open market?

1.) Malik Jackson, defensive end

It should come as little surprise that Super Bowl 50 standout Jackson is a coveted free agent priority. John Fox coached Jackson in Denver and got a look at how he could fit into the Bears' defense. Jackson's an impact edge rusher whose pressures create disruptions in the backfield. He's a consistently dominant player who fits right into the Bears' schemes.

2.) Danny Trevathan, linebacker

With all due respect to Shea McClellin and Christian Jones, the Bears are looking for big upgrades at inside linebacker. They never found any sort of continuity at the position, with Fox turning to undrafted rookie John Timu as their answer late in the season. In Trevathan, the Bears can massively improve the identity of their defense, adding an outstanding linebacker with a reputation as one of the NFL's best run-stoppers at his position.

3.) Sean Smith, cornerback

Janoris Jenkins, let loose by the Rams, is a sexy name at cornerback, but Smith went under the radar to prove he may be a better option. He's just 28 and a much more consistent cover corner. Smith allowed one reception per every 12.7 coverage snaps in 2015, per Pro Football Focus.

4.) George Iloka, safety

Iloka and Bengals secondary partner Reggie Nelson will be viewed similarly as free agents, but the Bears are better suited going for the youth Iloka, a 25-year-old with big potential whose best days still seem to be ahead. Iloka stands at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds and is a stopper in passing game just as much as the running game.

5.) Janoris Jenkins, cornerback

Jenkins had three interceptions in 2015, matching the entire total by Bears cornerbacks, but the knock on his game comes in a lack of coverage consistency. Jenkins was let leave by the Rams after they sided with cornerback Trumaine Johnson for the franchise tag. Jenkins is an enticing free agent possibility but not the most consistent player, which the Bears will have to weigh.

Other names to watch: OLB Tamba Hali, S Eric Weddle, NT Damon Harris, NT Ian Williams, LB Bruce Irvin, S Reggie Nelson, S Husain Abdullah and CB Brandon Boykin.

Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.