Henry Melton News

As teams begin their OTAs this week, NFL rookies will be practicing with veterans and will have the opportunity to prove themselves in front of their new teammates and coaches.

Last season, the Chicago Bears showed promise with a 7-3 record. Then injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte sent them into a downward spiral that resulted in them missing the playoffs, the team's offensive coordinator retiring and the general manager being fired.

The Bears weren't able to add help at defensive tackle during the draft, so they found some on the street.

In Phil Emery's first offseason as Bears general manager, he has gone out and gotten quarterback Jay Cutler new weapons on offense as well as improving both the cornerback position and special teams .

Boise State defensive end Shea McClellin has signed a four-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

Aug 9, 2008; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Colt Brennan looks down field as tackle Devin Clark and offensive tackle Jason Fabini block Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jason Jefferson and defensive tackle John McCargo in the third quarter during a preseason game at FedEx Field.

The Bears weren't able to add help at defensive tackle during the draft, so they found some on the street.

It was time when the Bears cut ties with Tommie Harris in February 2011. Now, in May 2012, it could be time to bring Harris back.

Like a kid counting down the last few days before Christmas, Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli can't wait to unwrap a special gift that will arrive at Halas Hall later this week.

The Bears had a pretty good free agency period, trading for a very good and one of Jay Cutler's favorite targets as well as filling a lot of primary depth needs, and spent the draft grabbing a potential starting defensive end and another potential starting receiver opposite Brandon Marshall.

The Tribune's Bears columnist ranks the team's top 32 draft picks in the last 10 years in this week's mailbag.