Forging the Spear: Part II The Defensive Warriors of Day One — Continuation of the Hunt
- peytonpatterson85
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
The fires of Halas Hall burn bright, and as the iron of the spearhead takes further shape, our attention turns to the second wave of defenders who might complete the Chicago Bears’ arsenal. In Part I, we traced the paths of Mason Graham, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, and Jalon Walker. Now, we sharpen the blade even further, scouting four more warriors whose names echo in the halls of college football and may soon be carved into the lore of Soldier Field.
Jahdae Barron — Defensive Back, Texas
Jahdae Barron is what I’d call a modern craftsman in the secondary. His work is versatile, adaptable, and battle-tested in the firestorms of the SEC. Officially a corner, unofficially a defensive back who can play anywhere you ask him — boundary, slot, deep safety, or as a forceful big nickel, which might just be where he’s at his best.
In Chicago, the secondary is strong but unfinished. Jaylon Johnson patrols the skies against opposing WR1s with fearsome tenacity. Kyler Gordon has emerged as a rising nickel star. Yet, questions linger. Jaquan Brisker’s concussion history is a dark cloud on a bright talent. Kevin Byard, though still sharp, is a veteran piece in what must be a long-term puzzle. Tyrique Stevenson shows flashes, but his lapses in maturity can’t be ignored.
It’s unlikely the Bears will dip into the cornerback pool unless the draft unfolds in chaos — a real possibility if only one quarterback is taken in the top nine picks. Should names like Will Campbell, Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Armand Membou, Mason Graham, and Mykel Williams all come off the board early, Barron becomes a beautiful answer. Maybe the room feels crowded, but adding Barron would elevate this secondary to an elite unit.
His career arc only strengthens the case. From humble beginnings in 2020 to becoming the nation’s top defensive back in 2024, Barron brings elite production and clutch performances, capped by his Peach Bowl Defensive MVP outing. Five interceptions in his final season tell part of the story, but it’s his positional flexibility and nose for the football that complete the tale. In a draft clouded by uncertainty, Barron shines as a sure bet.
Malaki Starks — Safety, Georgia
If Barron is a chess piece, Malaki Starks is a full arsenal in himself. This man is the prototype. Coverage, run support, man, zone — you name it, Starks executes with precision. Georgia asked everything of him, and he delivered, week after week, on the grandest stages.
Much like with Barron, the selection of Starks feels predicated on how the board falls. If chaos reigns and every trench warrior is gone, you could do far worse than adding an elite safety to fortify the back end of your defense. Starks plays with rare football intelligence, and there’s no role in a secondary he cannot handle.
His pedigree demands respect. A former five-star recruit, he stepped into the fire at Georgia and never flinched. By his sophomore year, he was an All-American and the heart of the Bulldogs’ championship-caliber defense. Starks tallied 77 tackles in 2024, a staggering number for a safety, and proved time and again he could be trusted as the last line of defense.
There is no doubt: Starks would make the Bears’ secondary elite. The question lies in team philosophy and positional value. Safety is not traditionally a premium top-10 pick. But if your goal is to construct an overwhelming defensive fortress, Starks offers bricks, mortar, and steel beams.
Kenneth Grant — Defensive Tackle, Michigan
Some players simply defy the laws of physics. Kenneth Grant is one of them. At 331 pounds, he moves with the grace of a man fifty pounds lighter, chasing quarterbacks and devouring run plays with terrifying ease.
Grant fits the Bears’ needs beautifully as a pure 1-technique. He would slot in next to Grady Jarrett and free up the edges by demanding double teams on every snap. His power is undeniable, and if he can polish his pad level, there’s genuine All-Pro upside here.
His progression at Michigan mirrors a mountain rising from the earth — slow at first, then undeniable. Grant’s production grew each year, culminating in a dominant 2024 season with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. He is not just a space-eater; he’s an active force. He swatted away five passes last year, and his relentless motor forced offenses to account for him at all times.
Andrew Billings would make an excellent mentor for Grant, helping refine his technique while the rookie gets to work clogging lanes and disrupting backfields. In the Bears’ rotation, Grant could unlock new dimensions for the entire defensive front. He is a true tone-setter.
Mike Green — Defensive End, Marshall
The tale of Mike Green is one of redemption and raw potential realized. Dismissed from Virginia, Green found a second home at Marshall and turned it into a kingdom. In 2024, no one in the country sacked the quarterback more times than Green. Seventeen times he brought down the passer, a figure that leaps off the page like a lightning strike.
At 6’3”, 251 pounds, he doesn’t fit the mold of a prototypical Dennis Allen edge rusher, but his athleticism and motor are undeniable. The Sun Belt isn’t the SEC, but Green dominated every opponent in his path. He’s a relentless worker with excellent bend and burst, and he showed out at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, proving he belongs among the top tier of pass rushers in this class.
Adding Green to Chicago’s defensive end rotation would be an investment in chaos — the good kind. Pairing him with Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo could create waves of pressure, overwhelming opposing offensive lines and keeping quarterbacks under siege. His story is far from finished, and Halas Hall might just be the next chapter.
Final Thoughts
Part II of our journey through the defensive class reaffirms a simple truth: the Bears have options, and good ones at that. While offensive firepower will always be tempting, the defensive side of the ball offers warriors ready to forge their legacy in navy and orange. Whether it’s the versatile playmakers in the secondary like Barron or Starks, the immovable force of Kenneth Grant, or the relentless pass-rushing fury of Mike Green, the Bears’ spear continues to take shape — sharp, sturdy, and ready for battle.
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