Mike Brown

The only knock about Brown is his health. After playing in only 21 games the past four years, Brown will have to prove his IDP value by staying on the field. If he can stay healthy, Brown should be able to rack up around 70 tackles and 2-3 picks.

Brown had yet another season shortened by injury last year, as he was forced to undergo surgery after just six games to repair a torn Lisfranc ligament in his foot. The former Cornhusker has not played a full season since 2003 and, though he expects to enter this year healthy, could be less than 100 percent going forward. On top of that, the Bears acquired safety Adam Archuleta in the offseason, meaning Brown is likely to see a drop-off in playing time even if he's able to stay out of the trainer's room.

You’d think it’s hard to make copious tackles playing behind Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, but Brown did it. He moved from free to strong safety and collected 63 solos in 12 games, on pace for an estimable 84 had he not suffered a calf strain. Brown is a tough, smart safety who plays with instincts and without making mistakes, as able in coverage as against the run. Barring 2004, when he missed 14 games to a torn Achilles’ tendon, he’s made a pick every season. Last year’s sack was the first in five years, but at strong safety, he stands a reasonable chance to repeat it. He skipped the Pro Bowl after re-injuring his calf in the playoffs. Keep an eye on his health come training camp. If he’s back, Brown’s got the ability, fundamentals and opportunity to deliver top-10 numbers. Had he kept up his per-game pace over 16 games last year, only Adrian Wilson and Charles Tillman would have performed better.

Brown played all of two games last year before an Achilles’ tendon tear ended his season. He’s back to running at full speed and will be switching this year with Mike Green to line up at strong safety, a position the heavy hitting Brown seems born to play. He’s shown a nose for the ball in the past and has some strong sack potential as a strong safety, but the most exciting part of the move is Brown’s run support capabilities and the tackles that will come as a result.

A solid tackler, Brown will start at free safety for the Bears. He might not get a lot of INTs, but he's a threat to take it to the house if he gets his hands on the ball.