2014 NFL mock draft: Calvin Pryor to Chicago Bears at No. 14

Last season, the Chicago Bears went 8-8 and contended for a postseason bid until Week 17 despite a coaching change the previous offseason and an injury to starting quarterback Jay Cutler. They are looking to contend in year two of the Marc Trestman era, but in order to do so, they'll need to continue to improve defensively, where they allowed nearly 30 points per game a year ago.

Dane Noble of Windy City Gridiron believes he's found the right guy to elevate Chicago's secondary in the 2014 SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft.

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"This was an incredibly difficult pick, especially considering the talent on the defensive line that is currently available. But the Bears re-signed defensive tackles Jeremiah Ratliff and Nate Collins this offseason, and added defensive ends Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young. Aaron Donald would have been a nice pick here, as well as Timmy Jernigan, but at this point the Bears' biggest need is most likely the safety position.

Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix would have been the pick if the Rams hadn’t grabbed him one pick earlier, but Calvin Pryor will work just as well. Pryor has an intimidating presence on the field, playing every bit of his 5’11, 207-pound frame and then some, and would bring an aggressiveness and awareness that is sorely lacking in Chicago’s secondary. Pryor excels against the run, consistently showing no regard for his own well-being, and has shown excellent ball-hawking skills once it has been put in the air. He would provide an immediate upgrade to a safety lineup that currently ranks among the worst in the league."

Dan Kadar, our honorable NFL Draft analyst, has some thoughts and opinions to share on the Bears' mock draft pick of Pryor:

Donald and Clinton-Dix really make this a tough choice for the Bears. The 14th pick is a moderate reach for Pryor. Ideally if the Bears are presented with this scenario in May, the team should look to drop down a few spots. Still, though, this pick can't be faulted too much. The Bears have tried several safeties over the past few seasons and they've failed. Pryor could come in and finally be the difference maker Chicago's secondary needs.

We'll be back later today with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys on deck.

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