Chicago Bears: 5 veterans who must step up in 2018

Prince Amukamara

Based on some reports out there over the course of free agency, the Bears really wanted Malcom Butler. According to some of those same reports, it seemed like Prince Amukamara was the backup plan to Butler. In any event, I think the Bears came out just fine.

Amukamara was one of the better corners in the fourth quarter last season — which is when it matters most. The fact that the Bears locked in their top two corners from a top-10 defense a year ago should not be overlooked.

However, what I want to see from Amukamara is another step forward. It might be hard to believe, but Amukamara still has a lot of football left in him. He’s a guy that feels like he’s been around for a while, but he hasn’t. He is still just 28 years old.

If he plays well enough to make Chicago his permanent home and can ultimately retire a Bear, that would do wonders for this defense. What I want to see most out of the former Nebraska product is the ability to take the ball away consistently. He only has one season with multiple interceptions. While he’s not necessarily been a ball hawk over his pro career, that is something that he needs to improve on for this defense to continue on its ascent.