The Anatomy of a Super Bowl Caliber Defense
Part I: The Chicago Bears

In the first of a two-part series, PHSports examines the overall makeup of the defenses that have the capability to lead their respective teams to the Super Bowl. While it is true that some defenses need a star who is signed for big money through free agency, the dominant defenses of recent times, namely the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens, have benefited from superstar middle linebackers who were brought up through their own organization.

The first case study, the Chicago Bears, demonstrates the power of superior scouting and player development. Of the 11 starters, nine were drafted by the Bears and only one large contract player (Ogunleye) was gained through either free agency or via trade. GM Jerry Angelo has been quick to tie up young players before their value prices them outside of Chicago. With that said, the window for opportunity may soon close as many of the Bears' core players are still playing in their rookie contracts and will be up for a big payday.

Chicago Bears Defensive Starters

LE Adewale Ogunleye: A standout at Indiana, Ogunleye went undrafted but excelled as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. After holding out for a new contract, the Bears acquired Ogunleye in a sign-and-trade deal (6 years; $34 million) sending WR Marty Booker and a conditional draft pick to the Dolphins.
DT Tommie Harris: The anchor of the defensive line, Harris was drafted by the Bears (1st round, 14th overall) in 2004.
DT Tank Johnson: Few teams can shore up the heart of the defensive line in any draft. Just ask the Eagles who continue to waste 1st round picks. Meanwhile, Johnson was selected by the Bears in 2004 (2nd round, 47th overall).
RE Alex Brown: A second-day stud, the Bears tabbed the former Florida star as their 4th round pick (104th overall) in 2002.

SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer: Hillenmeyer's circuitous route to Chicago started in Green Bay, where he was selected out of Vanderbilt in the 5th round (166th overall) of the 2003 draft. After being cut by the Packers early in his rookie season, he was signed three days later to the Bears practice squad and elevated to the active roster soonafter.
MLB Brian Urlacher: The most noted member of the defense, Urlacher entered the NFL in 2000 (1st round, 9th overall) with great expectations after an outstanding career at New Mexico, where he featured as an outside linebacker and free safety.
WLB Lance Briggs: One of the league's top weakside linebackers, the Bears selected the Pro Bowler in the 3rd round (68th overall) of the 2003 draft.

LCB Charles Tillman: The physical cornerback was drafted in the second round of the 2003 draft (35th overall). After a solid rookie season, Tillman struggled with injuries and poor play in 2004 only to play a steadying role for the Bears defense in 2005 and beyond.
RCB Nathan Vasher: Known best for his dazzling missed field-goal return against San Francisco last season, his vital interceptions were placed on the backburner. The Bears chose Vasher in the 4th round (110th overall) in 2004 following a standout career at Texas.
FS Danieal Manning: Taken with the 42nd pick overall in this year's draft, Manning quickly established himself as a key cog in the Bears' defensive repertoire.
SS Todd Johnson: Selected by the Bears in the 4th round (100th overall) in 2003, Johnson became the starter when Mike Brown (selected by the Bears in 2000) was ruled out for the season.

Other Contributors:
RE John Anderson: Used exclusively on pass-rushing downs, Anderson has amassed 8.5 sacks entering Week 14. You guessed it. He's a rookie and he was selected in the 5th round (159th overall).
CB/KR Devin Hester: Last season, Lovie Smith got fed up with Bobby Wade and his propensity to give the ball away on punt and kick returns. Labeled as a reach by many in the know with the 57th pick overall, Hester notched his sixth return for a touchdown. Yes, I said sixth (NFL record). I actually had to change this because he scored his second of the night at 1132pm EST.

CB Ricky Manning Jr.: A rare free agent signing, the former Carolina Panther arrived in Chicago to shore up a leaky pass defense that was exposed in the playoffs by his former team.

Starters Breakdown (by round):
1st: 2
2nd: 3
3rd: 1
4th: 3
5th: 1
Undrafted: 1