Da Bears

[BotheDMBFan]

He has a blocked punt to his name. Awesome.

[gocubsgo3822]

Do not think we pop a receiver in first round... Looks like we are committed to Hester playing more on Offense...

I would not mind trading up for Alshon...

[DMBZeppelin]

Do not think we pop a receiver in first round... Looks like we are committed to Hester playing more on Offense...
After being the starter for two seasons... what new commitment are you talking about? I don't think Hester's role will have any impact on taking a receiver in Round 1.

I would not mind trading up for Alshon...
Trading up from the 3rd round into the back end of the 2nd? I hope you don't mean with our 1st pick. I can't find any publication that is ranking him very highly. One ESPN guy had to say this about his pro-day:

Kevin Weidl (https://twitter.com/#%21/Kevin_Weidl) ‏ @Kevin_WeidlJeffery impressive hands and catching radius. Lack of suddenness and burst out of breaks still concerning. Limited route tree vertical wr.

I'm not sure about you, but that doesn't sound like a guy you want high in a draft. A receiver you take in the first two rounds should have the talent to be a complete receiver. That's kind of why someone like Stephen Hill has a 2nd round grade, but with his huge upside a lot of mocks have him going late 1st. If he reaches his potential there's nothing he couldn't do.

Two draft publications I trust ranked the top 10 receivers as the following:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/rankings/?position=WR
1. Justin Blackmon - Oklahoma State - 6.60 Grade
2. Michael Floyd - Notre Dame - 6.21 Grade
3. Rueben Randle - LSU - 5.97 Grade
4. Kendall Wright - Baylor - 5.90 Grade
5. Stephen Hill - Georgia Tech - 5.80 Grade
6. A.J. Jenkins - Illinois - 5.77 Grade
7. Alshon Jeffery - South Carolina - 5.75 Grade
8. Mohamed Sanu - Rutgers - 5.70 Grade
9. Brian Quick - Appalachian State (N.C.) - 5.60 Grade
10. Marvin McNutt - Iowa - 5.50 Grade

http://www.draftheadquarters.com/player-rankings.htm
1. Justin Blackmon - Oklahoma State - 1st Round Grade
2. Michael Floyd - Notre Dame - 1st Round Grade
3. Kendall Wright - Baylor - 1st Round Grade
4. Stephen Hill - Georgia Tech - 2nd Round Grade
5. Reuben Randle - LSU - 2nd Round Grade
6. Mohamed Sanu - Rutgers - 3rd Round Grade
7. Nick Toon - Wisconsin - 3rd Round Grade
8. Chris Givens - Wake Forest - 3rd Round Grade
9. Tommy Streeter - Miami (FL) - 3rd/4th Round Grade
10. Alshon Jeffery - South Carolina - 4th Round Grade

Mel Kiper doesn't have a top 10 available, but his top 5 mirrors Draft HQ.

Even if you think Jeffery will pan out to be a great receiver. We don't need to over draft him. His upside doesn't warrant reaching for him. If we get anyone from South Carolina I hope it's Stephon Gilmore. If we could land Gilmore Round 1 and Stephen Hill was around in Round 2 I'd be a pretty happy guy.

[gocubsgo3822]

from the trib

Judging by looks alone, one would think the Bears would find a way to utilize the 6-foot-2, 221-pound Thomas on offense to give Jay Cutler another big receiver opposite Brandon Marshall (6-4, 230). Marshall will be the primary target, and Devin Hester should have an increased workload under new offensive coordinator Mike Tice.

As far as Alshon he ran a 4.52-4.55 Most people have him back in the first round after his pro day. He is a much better prospect then Stephen Hill. He actually produced in college in the hardest conference with a bunch of idiots throwing him the ball. He can out leap anyone and has never had a problem getting open.

edit: Would love Gilmore in 1 alshon in 2. I was tlaking about trading up for alshon in the second or moving into late first for him.

[DMBZeppelin]

from the trib



As far as Alshon he ran a 4.52-4.55 Most people have him back in the first round after his pro day. He is a much better prospect then Stephen Hill. He actually produced in college in the hardest conference with a bunch of idiots throwing him the ball. He can out leap anyone and has never had a problem getting open.

edit: Would love Gilmore in 1 alshon in 2. I was tlaking about trading up for alshon in the second or moving into late first for him.
It depends how you define prospect. I think Alshon is less raw, but there's no doubt Hill has a larger upside. Hill is just bigger, faster, and stronger. No question Alshon had a better college career. Hill was in a run heavy offense.

I'm not sure why the Trib is saying increased workload. Hester was the primary Z in this offense the last two years. When Roy became the X they didn't cut Hester's playing time. They cut back on Knox's. Work load be damned the Bears need a receiver badly. It's Marshall, Bennett, Hester followed by 2 special teamers and Sanzenbacher.

[DMBZeppelin]

I think I only want Floyd or Hill in Round 1. Otherwise I'm fine with Hill, Alshon, or Randle in Round 2.

[gocubsgo3822]

It depends how you define prospect. I think Alshon is less raw, but there's no doubt Hill has a larger upside. Hill is just bigger, faster, and stronger. No question Alshon had a better college career. Hill was in a run heavy offense.

I'm not sure why the Trib is saying increased workload. Hester was the primary Z in this offense the last two years. When Roy became the X they didn't cut Hester's playing time. They cut back on Knox's. Work load be damned the Bears need a receiver badly. It's Marshall, Bennett, Hester followed by 2 special teamers and Sanzenbacher.

I agree with both paragraphs. Hill really intrigues me. However it realyl freaks me out when someone that big and talented catches so few balls. I know they run the ball. But they ran the ball when Calvin Johnson was there as well. I have watched every game Alshon has played. There is nothing he cant do. Just nothing. Impossible to bring down. Can just out jump any DB amazing hands. And ran a 4.55 40. Kid can play.

[gocubsgo3822]

I think I only want Floyd or Hill in Round 1. Otherwise I'm fine with Hill, Alshon, or Randle in Round 2.

In round 1 i only want Floyd.

I would be fine trying to move up to the beginning of round 2 for alshon or hill.

[DMBZeppelin]

I agree with both paragraphs. Hill really intrigues me. However it realyl freaks me out when someone that big and talented catches so few balls. I know they run the ball. But they ran the ball when Calvin Johnson was there as well. I have watched every game Alshon has played. There is nothing he cant do. Just nothing. Impossible to bring down. Can just out jump any DB amazing hands. And ran a 4.55 40. Kid can play.
Hill + Marshall would make the best run blocking duo of receivers in the NFL. Unless I'm forgetting someone.

I agree that I like Alshon's leaping ability. I worry not just with him but all college receivers that it won't translate. Blackmon looked like Calvin Johnson in some of his highlights. In the NFL he won't have that size advantage anymore at 6'0". Alshon is 6'2" and that's decent size but some teams have bigger corners like a Charles Tillman.

Since you saw him more what did you think about this ESPN analyst tweet and Alshon's lack of burst out of cuts? That worries me, but hell Colston had similar problems coming into the NFL.

[gocubsgo3822]

Hill + Marshall would make the best run blocking duo of receivers in the NFL. Unless I'm forgetting someone.

I agree that I like Alshon's leaping ability. I worry not just with him but all college receivers that it won't translate. Blackmon looked like Calvin Johnson in some of his highlights. In the NFL he won't have that size advantage anymore at 6'0". Alshon is 6'2" and that's decent size but some teams have bigger corners like a Charles Tillman.

Since you saw him more what did you think about this ESPN analyst tweet and Alshon's lack of burst out of cuts? That worries me, but hell Colston had similar problems coming into the NFL.

I was shocked he measured 6'2'' ish. He was listed at 6 4 his whole career. He has never had a problem getting open and has been double and triple teamed in passing situations. Kid is fantastic, physical, and a top individual too. I like Hill a lot. It just worries me that he had so much talent and they never utilized it.

I would be happy with either. Would really love Gilmore but i doubt we take a CB that high.

decent comp for alshon might actually be brandon marshall.

[DMBZeppelin]

New Nike Bears stuff is out. No jerseys till later this month.

New Era caps NFL shop: http://www.nflshop.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=12841183&cp=12841176

New Era caps Bears shop: http://store.chicagobears.com/new-era-hats.aspx

Nike apparel NFL shop: http://www.nflshop.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=12850574&cp=12850568

Nike apparel Bears shop: http://store.chicagobears.com/all-nike.aspx

[Doors Allan Coe]

No love for a DE in the 1st??

[DMBZeppelin]

No love for a DE in the 1st??
People are starting to think Quinton Coples will fall mid-first. Apparently people question his motor because the game comes so easy to him.

If he was available I'd take him over any receiver, tackle, or corner.

[Doors Allan Coe]

People are starting to think Quinton Coples will fall mid-first. Apparently people question his motor because the game comes so easy to him.

If he was available I'd take him over any receiver, tackle, or corner.

I've been reading/hearing about Coples possibly dropping. But, I don't think he'll end up falling I think that's all just talk. I would love for him to drop though.

I honestly like a few of the top DE/DT prospects. Mercilus and Perry aren't shabby. It seems like it's going to be unpredictable this year. A month ago we saw 1st RD WR and now people are projecting 2-4. I defintely don't want to see the Bears reach a WR in the 1st.

But, heres to hoping Coples drops. We all know how much Marinelli loves project DEs.

[DMBZeppelin]

Since he's a guy we might target The Shutdown Corner on Yahoo gave a scouting report on Alshon Jeffery. Found it funny his NFL comparison is Roy Williams. Which actually makes a lot of sense. I just hope if he's Roy Williams his prime doesn't end at 27.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/shutdown-50-44-alshon-jeffery-wr-south-carolina-041809263.html

Scouting report:

We continue this year's series with South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery made one of the signature plays of the 2011 college football season: a leaping Hail Mary reception just before halftime of the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska. Unfortunately, that catch came at the end of an otherwise miserable season for a player who looked like a can't-miss first round pick after catching 88 passes for 1517 yards in 2010. Jeffery caught just 49 passes in 2011, and appeared to be out-of-shape for most of the season. There were rumors that he ballooned to 250 pounds, though broadcasters politely referred to him as "230+ pounds." Whatever his exact weight, he was clearly carrying the kind of baggage that would spark pregnancy rumors if he were a Hollywood starlet.
Jeffery showed up at the scouting combine in great shape, and he arrived at his Pro Day at a tight 213 pounds, allowing him to run a sub 4.5 forty. Jeffery proved that he can get in shape when he has to, but questions linger after 2011: with his ping-ponging production and waistline, are we looking at a top prospect who overcame a rough patch, or the male Oprah Winfrey?

Pros: Jeffery's best attributes are his height and his hands. Jeffery is thickly-built at 6-foot-3, and he knows how to use his size to shield defenders from the football. (Note: this still applies now that he is 213 pounds. At 230+ pounds, Jeffery's bulk is more of a liability than an asset). On comeback routes or quick slants, Jeffery can use his body as a barrier between the defender and the ball. That's where his hands take over. Jeffery is outstanding at making leaping catches and one-handed catches. The Hail Mary was just one of many examples of Jeffery out-jumping defenders and snatching a big play from the air. Jeffery also has quick hands and the ability to reach out and snatch the ball.

Jeffery ran a pro-style route tree at South Carolina. He runs with long strides, which allow him to quickly eat up the cushion many cornerbacks give when covering him. He was most effective on posts, slants, and corner routes, which allow him to glide past defenders without having to make sudden cuts.

Jeffery has the potential to be an outstanding blocker, and could be seen harassing defenders all the way down the field during some of Marcus Lattimore's breakaway runs. Minutes after his Hail Mary reception, Jeffery got into a dustup with feisty Nebraska cornerback Alphonzo Dennard, and both players were ejected. The fight demonstrated questionable judgment, but also a willingness to get physical.

Cons: Jeffery lacks quick-cutting ability, and he spent much of 2011 failing to get separation from defensive backs because he couldn't make tight cuts on his short routes. Weight issues were probably a factor, but even in 2010 route sharpness was not his strong suit.

South Carolina ran a lot of tunnel screens to get the ball to Jeffery, but Jeffery lacks open-field niftiness, so those plays were usually little more than long handoffs for three or four yards. Jeffery and the Gamecocks suffered through an ugly five-game run late in the season when he essentially disappeared from the offense: he had 10 catches for 84 yards in one four-game stretch, interrupted by a five-catch effort against the mighty Citadel. This was a time of transition for South Carolina, as the team was breaking Conner Shaw in at quarterback after the Stephen Garcia meltdown, but the team really needed its top receiver to be part of the solution, not a pudgy problem.

Scouting reports on Jeffery's blocking vary widely. He may be an example of a "camera's on" blocker, ratcheting up his effort level when he knows he will appear in a highlight. (See: Moss, Randy).

Conclusion: Jeffery has been the subject of some off-the-mark criticism. He is often compared to Mike Williams, the conditioning-averse USC receiver the Lions drafted tenth overall in 2005. Jeffery has better hands, ball skills, and overall athleticism than Williams, who made his reputation by catching eight-yard passes on stop routes for the most talent-laden offense in the nation. Jeffery also gets some outdated "Steve Spurrier receiver" criticism, because 15 years ago, Spurrier's fun-'n'-gun receivers often flopped in the pros. It has been a long time since Reidel Anthony, folks, and Spurrier's offense no longer ranks among the Top 50 when it comes to pass-wacky college attacks. If anything, Jeffery was in a more conventional offense than many top picks: with Shaw under center, Spurrier spent much of the late season asking two tight ends to block for Lattimore, with Jeffery facing double coverage as the lone deep threat.

The fact remains that Jeffery's production tailed off badly in 2011, and that conditioning played a part in his problems. His career path could be decided by a Jets-Giants dichotomy. If he lands in a rumpus room program like the Jets, he could become a Mike Williams type. If he is drafted by a no-nonsense team like the Giants, he should develop into an excellent possession receiver and goal line receiving threat.

NFL Comparison: Roy Williams, Chicago Bears

[BotheDMBFan]

Merciless is AWESOME.

[DMBZeppelin]

New Bears jerseys were shown off today:

The Bears jerseys feature only subtle changes, with the numbers moving from the sleeve to the shoulder pad and a larger version of the “GSH” initials honoring legendary founder George Stanley Halas.

Pics from the official website. Has some good closeups:
http://www.chicagobears.com/photos/

The pic from the official website with Urlacher:
http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/getty/2012/09000d5d8280d8c2_gallery_600.jpg

From the Sun-Times Bears reporter:

Sean Jensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen) ‏ @seankjensen
FYI, #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) fans: Say bye bye to the orange jerseys (I thought they were hideous). But, Nike will have a throwback, so you'll have 3 options

[DMBZeppelin]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/04/03/nike.nfl/

Brian Urlacher (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/players/5038) said it will be "harder to get held, which is good since I get held on every play." Along with the uniform's ability to help Urlacher skirt past offensive players, the linebacker praised its ability to ventilate his body and provide added comfort.



http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8280e13c/article/urlacher-tight-nike-jerseys-mean-glory-for-peppers

Brian Urlacher (http://www.nfl.com/players/brianurlacher/profile?id=URL059326) doesn't care whether or not the Chicago Bears (http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI)' new Nike uniforms offer revised sew lines and vibrant color tweaks.

He isn't paid to be a clothes horse -- he's paid to wreck quarterbacks -- but the Bears linebacker was noticeably hopeful about the tighter jerseys. Less bagginess means -- in theory -- less holding, which Urlacher believes will free up defensive end Julius Peppers (http://www.nfl.com/players/juliuspeppers/profile?id=PEP422041) for a wild season.

"Julius is going to get 50 sacks next year," Urlacher told NFL Network (http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d8280dbf5) on Tuesday at the Nike uniform unveiling (http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d8280d110).

Urlacher was kidding, but Chicago's need for another solid campaign from Peppers isn't a joke. In his second season with the Bears after eight with the Carolina Panthers (http://www.nfl.com/teams/carolinapanthers/profile?team=CAR), Peppers racked up 11 sacks, tied for 11th-best in the NFL and his most since 2008.

[DMBZeppelin]

From the 2 round mocks of McShay and Kiper:

Kiper (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7766381/mel-kiper-fourth-mock-draft-two-rounds)

Round 1: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Quick off the edge, Mercilus utilizes great anticipation and some natural gifts as a pass-rusher, with closing speed and long arms once he has the quarterback in sight. He's coming off a brilliant final season for the Illini, and Rod Marinelli could do wonders with him. The Bears could use some pass-rushing insurance with Julius Peppers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/3530/julius-peppers) not getting any younger.

Round 2: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

A steal here, Randle is a great size/speed combination for the Bears to develop. Didn't show all he has at LSU.

McShay (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7745867/2012-nfl-mock-draft-projecting-first-two-rounds?addata=2009_insdr_mod_nfl_xxx_xxx)

Round 1: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin needs to add some strength, but he could pair with 2011 first-round OT Gabe Carimi (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13967/gabe-carimi) to give offensive coordinator Mike Tice a pair of bookends to coach up. Tice's scheme will help keep QB Jay Cutler (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9597/jay-cutler) upright, but the Bears desperately need a left tackle

Round 2: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

(No write up)

[Doors Allan Coe]

From the 2 round mocks of McShay and Kiper:

Kiper (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7766381/mel-kiper-fourth-mock-draft-two-rounds)

Round 1: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Quick off the edge, Mercilus utilizes great anticipation and some natural gifts as a pass-rusher, with closing speed and long arms once he has the quarterback in sight. He's coming off a brilliant final season for the Illini, and Rod Marinelli could do wonders with him. The Bears could use some pass-rushing insurance with Julius Peppers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/3530/julius-peppers) not getting any younger.

Round 2: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

A steal here, Randle is a great size/speed combination for the Bears to develop. Didn't show all he has at LSU.

McShay (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7745867/2012-nfl-mock-draft-projecting-first-two-rounds?addata=2009_insdr_mod_nfl_xxx_xxx)

Round 1: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin needs to add some strength, but he could pair with 2011 first-round OT Gabe Carimi (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13967/gabe-carimi) to give offensive coordinator Mike Tice a pair of bookends to coach up. Tice's scheme will help keep QB Jay Cutler (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9597/jay-cutler) upright, but the Bears desperately need a left tackle

Round 2: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

(No write up)

That mock would be a decent reality.

[DMBZeppelin]

@alexmarvez: LSU WR Rueben Randle said he has taken pre-draft visits to #Panthers, #Bears & #49ers. Heading to meet with #Rams & #Jets this week

[Doors Allan Coe]

Lance Briggs contract has been extended to 2014!

one less guy bitching when camp starts!

[DMBZeppelin]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-dollars-and-sense-the-lance-briggs-contract-extension-20120411,0,3613387,full.story


Here is how Briggs’ new contract breaks down, according to an NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/national-football-league-ORSPT000007.topic) source:

2012

$3 million signing bonus
$250,000 workout bonus
$3 million base salary
Total $6.25 million

2013

$1 million roster bonus
$250,000 workout bonus
$4.5 million base salary ($2 million fully guaranteed) Total $5.75 million

2014

$500,000 roster bonus
$250,000 workout bonus
$4.75 million base salary
Total $5.5 million

Here is how Briggs’ old deal was structured the next two seasons:

2012

$250,000 workout bonus
$3.75 million base salary
Total $4 million

2013

$250,000 workout bonus
$6.25 million base salary
Total $6.5 million

[BotheDMBFan]

So he won't bitch again until midway through next year?

[UCFish]

Why is Urlacher dating Jenny McCarthy?

[DMBZeppelin]

Early rumors have us opening against the Colts at home, and playing the Pack on Thursday night week 2.

[gocubsgo3822]

Early rumors have us opening against the Colts at home, and playing the Pack on Thursday night week 2.

ughhhhhhhh. That would fucking blow... Hate thursday night

[gocubsgo3822]

Anyone have any reports on who is the best punter?

[DMBZeppelin]

Pre-Season
Wk 01: Vs. Broncos
Wk 02: Vs. Redskins
Wk 03: @ Giants
Wk 04: @ Browns

Regular Season
Wk 01: Vs. Colts
Wk 02: @ Packers (Thur)
Wk 03: Vs. Rams
Wk 04: @ Cowboys (Mon)
Wk 05: @ Jaguars
Wk 06: BYE
Wk 07: Vs. Lions (Mon)
Wk 08: Vs. Panthers
Wk 09: @ Titans
Wk 10: Vs. Texans (Sun Night)
Wk 11: @ 49ers (Mon)
Wk 12: Vs. Vikings
Wk 13: Vs. Seahawks
Wk 14: @ Vikings
Wk 15: Vs. Packers
Wk 16: @ Cardinals
Wk 17: @ Lions

[bonzo48280]

Regular Season
Wk 01: Vs. Colts W
Wk 02: @ Packers (Thur) L
Wk 03: Vs. Rams W
Wk 04: @ Cowboys (Mon) W
Wk 05: @ Jaguars W
Wk 06: BYE
Wk 07: Vs. Lions (Mon) W
Wk 08: Vs. Panthers W
Wk 09: @ Titans W
Wk 10: Vs. Texans (Sun Night) W
Wk 11: @ 49ers (Mon) L
Wk 12: Vs. Vikings W
Wk 13: Vs. Seahawks L
Wk 14: @ Vikings W
Wk 15: Vs. Packers L
Wk 16: @ Cardinals W
Wk 17: @ Lions L

11-5. I could see it being 13-3. I only made us lose to the Seahawks because we always seem to, we could absolutely win that.

[gocubsgo3822]

Very easy it looks like

[DMBZeppelin]

If Cutler stays healthy I think we got 2nd place in the division locked up.

[gocubsgo3822]

If Cutler stays healthy I think we got 2nd place in the division locked up.

i think we got 19-0 locked up

[BotheDMBFan]

i think we got 19-0 locked up

18-1, just like the other best team ever.

[gocubsgo3822]

85 bairz were the best team ever

[sean52692]

I don't see why the Bayers wont win 11-13 this year. that's an easy schedule and we are going to be the best

[FromTheMorning]

Diggin this schedule other than that fucking Week 2 Thursday night game at Lambeau.

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

I'm seeing a 13 win season outta Da Bears this year. Too bad baseball season has only just begun, got a ways to go yet.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Chicago Bears
1. Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus
2. Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick
3. Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still
Seifert comment: Most everyone agrees the Bears need to find some help at defensive end, and their inability to do so in free agency leaves the draft as their final option. Mercilus has gotten as much attention as anyone at that pick. Quick is a 6-foot-3 receiver who ran a 4.55 at the scouting combine but, like veteran Brandon Marshall, would offer a different skill set than what the Bears have been using in recent years.

kiper...


i like it.

[Tiduwho]

I don't see how the Bears lose this year.

[rustysurf83]

Whats the story on this Guard that the Bairz signed today? Worth a shit or no?

[DMBZeppelin]

Whats the story on this Guard that the Bairz signed today? Worth a shit or no?
Chilo Rachal is 26 years old. He was drafted in 2008 by the 49ers in the 2nd round (39th overall). He's 6'5" 323 pounds so he's got decent size. It's only a one year deal. Tice has developed lesser talent before. The fact he's a former 2nd round pick shows he has some pedigree.

Here's what Biggs had on him:


Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏ @BradBiggs
Spoke to coach who worked previously with new #Bears G Chilo Rachal. He likes the move. Called Rachal a very physical, hard worker. Said at times Rachal can maul people. The downside? Says emotions can get in his way on occasion and that leads him to lose focus. Says his overall offensive line awareness isn’t where you’d want it to be but chalks that up to experience and believes he can improve.
about 9 hours ago (http://www.sulia.com/post/chicago-bears/ebb461a9-0e05-4870-b8b9-47e38cccc8c3/)

Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏ @BradBiggs
Inexperience no longer an issue for #Bears on O-line guard. That much is certain. Newcomer Chilo Rachal made 39 starts with 49ers, 1 more than Chris Williams has with Bears. Chris Spencer (84 starts), Lance Louis (17) & Edwin Williams (12) give Mike Tice options. Ultimately, Bears need to be able to say their experience has made them a better line. That's bottom line.
about 12 hours ago (http://www.sulia.com/post/chicago-bears/224e85ea-849a-458f-bcf8-d33770e6004c/)

[DMBZeppelin]

Some tidbits about the draft and possible linebacker signings:


Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏ @BradBiggs
Who will #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) draft in 1st round? One scout I trust is 2 for 2 with their picks the last 2 years. Pegged Wright in ’10 and Gabe Carimi in ’11. So, I texted him and asked who he project as Phil Emery’s first pick as GM? He responded, “Quinton Coples if he falls!” If the UNC defensive end doesn’t fall he offered a backup plan. Says Clemson DE Andre Branch would be good fit and likely pick by Bears. Remember, this guy nailed 75th overall pick in 2010 and 29th pick last year. We'll see soon.
about 14 hours ago (http://www.sulia.com/post/chicago-bears/fb59a898-20f1-40ff-9026-21cc80c915f8/)

Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏ @BradBiggs
#Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) had former #Bucs (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bucs) LB Geno Hayes at Halas Hall for workout. As ESPNChicago reported, Zac Diles, Rocky McIntosh, Bryan Kehl also

Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏ @BradBiggs
Can also report #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) put former #Giants (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Giants) LB Gerris Wilkinson through a workout. So, lot of options being considered.

[DMBZeppelin]

South Carolina DE Ingram visits Bears
(http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-chicago-bears-to-host-south-carolina-de-melvin-ingram-20120418,0,2324720.story)By Vaughn McClure

The Chicago Bears seem destined to address defense -- likely the defensive line -- with the No. 19 overall pick in next week's NFL draft (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/nfl-draft-EVSPR000103.topic). And they're doing extensive homework on some of the top front-four prospects.

South Carolina defensive linemen Melvin Ingram (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/melvin-ingram-PESPT0014933.topic) visited the Bears on Wednesday, according to a league source. The 6-foot-2, 264-pound Ingram will play either defensive end in a 4-3 system or outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is projected as a first-round pick. Last season, Ingram recorded 10 sacks and 48 total tackles while playing in every game.

The Bears already have put Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/whitney-mercilus-PESPT0014965.topic) through a private workout, conducted by head coach Lovie Smith (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic) and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/rod-marinelli-PESPT0000011503.topic). The Bears need a young, talented edge rusher to pair with Julius Peppers (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/julius-peppers-PESPT000008995.topic). Last season, the Bears finished 29th in sacks per pass play. Peppers led the team with 11 sacks while fellow starting defensive end Israel Idonije (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/israel-idonije-PESPT008265.topic) recorded five.

Ingram isn't the only South Carolina prospect on the Bears' radar. According to ESPNChicago, the Bears will host Gamecocks receiver Alshon Jeffery (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/alshon-jeffery-PESPT0014937.topic) on a visit.

Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower also is visiting the Bears on Wednesday, as first reported by Sports Illustrated (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/sports-illustrated-01026001767.topic)'s Peter King.

In the past, the Bears typically steered clear of bringing in top prospects for pre-draft visits unless they had off-the-field issues. New general manager Phil Emery (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/phil-emery-PEBSL000806.topic) obviously has a different philosophy.

[BotheDMBFan]

I love our non-tard GM.

[DMBZeppelin]

Got this in a work e-mail. This should be awesome. Mainly because of Zaidman, Biggs, and Bowen.

TUESDAY NIGHT FROM 6 TO 8…
GET READY FOR THE 2012 NFL DRAFT… AS LAURENCE HOLMES HOSTS THE SCORE AND CHICAGO TRIBUNE NFL DRAFT ROUND TABLE…FEATURING THE BEST COLLECTION OF BEARS EXPERTS IN CHICAGO! MIKE MULLIGAN FROM THE MULLY AND HANLEY SHOW, SCORE BEARS REPORTER ZACH ZAIDMAN, AND FROM THE TRIBUNE, BRAD BIGGS, DAN POMPEII AND MATT BOWEN! 2 HOURS OF INTERACTIVE DRAFT TALK WITH YOU…AND THE BEST BEARS EXPERTS IN THE BUSINESS! ONLY ON SPORTS RADIO 670 THE SCORE AND 670 THE SCORE.COM (http://score.com/)…CHICAGO’S SPORTS STATION!

[BotheDMBFan]

every time we don't play the Seahawks, we get a double dose of them the year after. Fucking ridiculous. Just looking over schedules since 2005. Why the shit do we play them so often?

[lockman21]

Got this in a work e-mail. This should be awesome. Mainly because of Zaidman, Biggs, and Bowen.

TUESDAY NIGHT FROM 6 TO 8…
GET READY FOR THE 2012 NFL DRAFT… AS LAURENCE HOLMES HOSTS THE SCORE AND CHICAGO TRIBUNE NFL DRAFT ROUND TABLE…FEATURING THE BEST COLLECTION OF BEARS EXPERTS IN CHICAGO! MIKE MULLIGAN FROM THE MULLY AND HANLEY SHOW, SCORE BEARS REPORTER ZACH ZAIDMAN, AND FROM THE TRIBUNE, BRAD BIGGS, DAN POMPEII AND MATT BOWEN! 2 HOURS OF INTERACTIVE DRAFT TALK WITH YOU…AND THE BEST BEARS EXPERTS IN THE BUSINESS! ONLY ON SPORTS RADIO 670 THE SCORE AND 670 THE SCORE.COM (http://score.com/)…CHICAGO’S SPORTS STATION!

Holmes is my favorite personality on The Score. I'll tune in.

[JTRocks]

I want Dre Kirkpatrick

[RAPUNZEL13]

Definitely will be going to the game in Jacksonville..
Will have to make the trip from Tampa, but will be worth it.
:thumbsup

I'm expecting more Bear fans than Jags fans there.

[DMBZeppelin]

Jenny McCarthy giddy over her love touchdown with Brian Urlacher (http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/12071274-421/jennys-macho-man-edey.html)
By BILL ZWECKER

South Side native Jenny McCarthy is said to be more than just “giddy” about her new romance with Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. A longtime pal of the actress and TV personality (going back to her days at Mother McAuley High School) tells me that McCarthy “has really fallen for the guy. He’s such a man’s man, the most macho guy Jenny’s dated or been involved with for a long, long time.”

According to the source, McCarthy loves how Urlacher is the strong, silent type — the way he “quietly takes care of her when they’re together.

“That may sound old-fashioned, especially since Jenny is very much her own person and a very contemporary, independent woman in many ways. But she loves the attention and the way he treats her. It’s very comforting.”

† Both Urlacher and McCarthy are very aware of how tough it is to be in a relationship constantly targeted by the media. On top of that, it’s certain that the Bears’ veteran has been given tips on ways to find privacy from his teammate Jay Cutler, who has undergone similar glare, thanks to his relationship with Kristin Cavallari, who’s expecting his child.

† Over the weekend McCarthy and Urlacher clearly didn’t mind “going public” in Our Town — with widely seen appearances at RPM Italian, Studio Paris and Board Room.

† On a charity note, RPM Italian, Paris Club and Hub 51 are boosting McCarthy’s longtime efforts dedicated to children with autism by donating $1 from every specialty cocktail to raise funds during Autism Awareness Month.

[clayj41]

Hey Bo, the Bears are on the clock in the Mock Draft thread.

[DMBZeppelin]

Mock round up for Bears because I'm bored.

Mel Kiper (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7827569/2012-nfl-draft-kiper-best-possible-picks-nfc-teams-rounds-1-3) 4/18 Mock

Rd. 1 (19) DE Whitney Mercilus (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28967/whitney-mercilus), Illinois
Rd. 2 (50) WR Brian Quick (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27462/brian-quick), Appalachian State
Rd. 3 (79) DT Devon Still (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28182/devon-still), Penn State

Analysis: The Bears really need to shore up the offensive line, but they've expressed a lot of optimism -- particularly offensive coordinator Mike Tice -- and I can see them waiting around to add help. So I'll play along. Clearly, they've talked me into it, as I'm also looking elsewhere, targeting the pass rush in Round 1. Mercilus is a one-year wonder in terms of production, but the tape shows a guy who figured it out, and if he can play at the level he did in 2011 (I have no reason to believe it'll disappear), he fits the system in Chicago and can close on quarterbacks when he gets the edge. Quick is another huge target (6-foot-4, 220) for Jay Cutler (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9597/jay-cutler), and while I think Chicago needs to go O-line here, the way the board lines up for this Quick is a steal, and a couple of O-line options I can see here look like reaches. I'm not married to this pick, but it wouldn't be a bad one for need and value. Still is a steal this late, and I might have left him on the board too long. The Bears do want help at defensive tackle, and Rod Marinelli can do a lot with Still.


Todd McShay (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7795172/2012-nfl-mock-draft-breaking-first-round-scenarios) 4/18 Mock

CB - Stephon Gilmore

Scenario 1: Gilmore could be a top-15 pick, and while he's still developing in terms of instincts he has the size, athleticism and speed to become a No. 1 corner. And a team that will face Aaron Rodgers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8439/aaron-rodgers) and Matthew Stafford (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12483/matthew-stafford) four times a year has to be able to cover on the perimeter.
Scenario 2: Upgrade at defensive end with Upshaw, who could add to the pass rush and bolster the run defense.
Scenario 3: Address a need at left tackle with Ohio State's Mike Adams (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28759/mike-adams) or Stanford's Jonathan Martin (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28326/jonathan-martin).
Scenario 4: If Gilmore is off the board the Bears could choose to address their corner need with Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27428/dre-kirkpatrick) or North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28085/janoris-jenkins). There are character concerns with Jenkins, but he has more man-to-man cover skills than Kirkpatrick.


Peter King (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/04/20/mock.draft/index.html) 4/20 Mock

WR - Kendall Wright

(Should pick: Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford). I'd be stunned if Chicago doesn't fortify its perpetually patchwork offensive line, but I've been stunned before. Coach Lovie Smith had dinner with Wright at Baylor's pro day in March, and I hear he was impressed -- enough so to select Wright to go with Brandon Marshall, creating a suddenly formidable wideout corps for quarterback Jay Cutler.


Adam Caplan (http://thesidelineview.com/profile/adam-caplan) 4/21 Mock

WR - Kendall Wright

Analysis: The Bears, despite adding veteran WR Brandon Marshall, need to add speed and more talent at receiver. Wright is talented enough to make an impact as a rookie.
Other Possibilities: Shea McClellin.


Pete Prisco (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/fullnflmockdraft-PetePrisco) 4/17 Mock

CB - Dre Kirkpatrick

Charles Tillman is getting up in the years and Tim Jennings is just a guy.


Clark Judge (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/fullnflmockdraft-ClarkJudge) 4/17 Mock

DT - Dontari Poe

Could be ideal fit in Rod Marinelli's system.

[Doors Allan Coe]

I'm hoping for Mercilus.

Unless somebody of value falls I'd be satisfied with a guy like Mercilus in the 1st. Coples/Floyd should both be gone.

But, who knows what Emery will do. CB/OT/OG all seem reasonable at our pick depending on how the draft turns out. I don't want to see Chicago reach for a WR though.

[gocubsgo3822]

nervous about gilmore. Would love it though

[Doors Allan Coe]

nervous about gilmore. Would love it though

Yeah.

My concern as a Bears fan is that our DL rotation is pretty weak. I'm pretty much hoping they end up with a solid DL. Hopefully something funny happens and we see a run at OL/DB/WR in the top 20

[gocubsgo3822]

Yeah.

My concern as a Bears fan is that our DL rotation is pretty weak. I'm pretty much hoping they end up with a solid DL. Hopefully something funny happens and we see a run at OL/DB/WR in the top 20

i like gilmore a lot. I have seen every game.. I like the idea of him as a first rounde.r Dont know if i like him for the bears.

I guess i will just trust Emery (good record of drafts)

[DMBZeppelin]

i like gilmore a lot. I have seen every game.. I like the idea of him as a first rounde.r Dont know if i like him for the bears.

I guess i will just trust Emery (good record of drafts)
I just can't see a corner in the 1st round. Jennings coming back and the addition of Hayden and Wilhite corner isn't a GLARING need. I think we would all agree we'd like another corner to start opposite of Tillman.

Receiver, Left Tackle, and Defensive End just remain huge needs.

Right now I'd rank biggest needs by position as follows:

1. Defensive End
2. Offensive Tackle
3. Wide Receiver
4. Cornerback
5. Tight End (Thanks Martz!)

In certain situations people have guys like OT Riley Reiff or DE Quinton Coples falling in their mocks. I just hope we luck out and the scenarios plays out for us. Kind of like when Carimi fell to us last year.

[Doors Allan Coe]

I just can't see a corner in the 1st round. Jennings coming back and the addition of Hayden and Wilhite corner isn't a GLARING need. I think we would all agree we'd like another corner to start opposite of Tillman.

Receiver, Left Tackle, and Defensive End just remain huge needs.

Right now I'd rank biggest needs by position as follows:

1. Defensive End
2. Offensive Tackle
3. Wide Receiver
4. Cornerback
5. Tight End (Thanks Martz!)

In certain situations people have guys like OT Riley Reiff or DE Quinton Coples falling in their mocks. I just hope we luck out and the scenarios plays out for us. Kind of like when Carimi fell to us last year.

Reiff/Coples would seemingly be steals at our pick.

I personally don't think Kellen Davis starting a TE is terrible. Plus, Greg Olsen turned into 1/2 of Brandon Marshall.

As long as Floyd doesn't fall I don't really see Chicago taking a WR in the 1st. Since Chicago took Carimi last year, I'm also assuming barring Reiff dropping they aren't going OT either.

Maybe I'm paranoid, but I feel like our DL rotation hasn't really improved much over the years other than the signing of Peppers.

[gocubsgo3822]

Reiff/Coples would seemingly be steals at our pick.

I personally don't think Kellen Davis starting a TE is terrible. Plus, Greg Olsen turned into 1/2 of Brandon Marshall.

As long as Floyd doesn't fall I don't really see Chicago taking a WR in the 1st. Since Chicago took Carimi last year, I'm also assuming barring Reiff dropping they aren't going OT either.

Maybe I'm paranoid, but I feel like our DL rotation hasn't really improved much over the years other than the signing of Peppers.

If blackmon or floyd are not there i do not want a receiver in the first. would love alshon in the second

[DMBZeppelin]

I personally don't think Kellen Davis starting a TE is terrible. Plus, Greg Olsen turned into 1/2 of Brandon Marshall.
I'm glad the Olsen deal helped with Marshall. Our TE position is pretty weak. Davis is inconsistent as a receiving option. Most of the NFL is using the TE as a very dangerous weapon. We have just a guy. Would love to upgrade the position but it's pretty weak this draft.

As long as Floyd doesn't fall I don't really see Chicago taking a WR in the 1st. Since Chicago took Carimi last year, I'm also assuming barring Reiff dropping they aren't going OT either.
I could see them taking the OT Martin if the DE's they like are off the board. I don't want the Bears to draft a DE just to take one. Chances are that guy might be there in the 2nd round depending who it is.

Maybe I'm paranoid, but I feel like our DL rotation hasn't really improved much over the years other than the signing of Peppers.
I agree the d-line does need another pass rusher. Peppers is great, Melton led all defensive tackles in sacks last year, and Stephen Paea our 2nd round pick from last year looks like he can play. Everyone else like Idonie is just ok. If we could get a DE to start opposite of Peppers I'd be really happy. I don't want to take a DE in Round 1 if there's a much better value at OT or WR on the board.

[Tiduwho]

Let's draft the fuck out of these itiots.

[Doors Allan Coe]

well im excited... 1 more pick...

[UCFish]

super fail

[Tiduwho]

I don't see us competing anymore this year.

[DMBZeppelin]

I'm pissed that we didn't take the Iowa tackle, and then he goes to the Lions.

[DMBCubs25]

Fuck you Angelo! Wait, what? We got a new GM??

[DMBZeppelin]

Fuck you Angelo! Wait, what? We got a new GM??
We don't have to love the pick, but give it a chance.

- He wouldn't have been there in the 2nd round
- The Packers were targeting him

Here's the bottom line for me. You take someone that makes people scratch there heads? Great but he has to contribute immediately. If this guy is inactive half the year it's a complete fail of a pick.

[gocubsgo3822]

Worse then any Angelo draft pick.

[DMBCubs25]

I will wait before he plays a few games to go that far lol.

[gocubsgo3822]

I will not learn his name till he has six sacks. Until then he is piece of shit fucker from piece of shot non football school.

Fuck this pick. Worst pick ever.

[DMBZeppelin]

Remember when most of you hated the Forte pick?

[gocubsgo3822]

This is much much much worse. If you like this guy you trade back. Shit I would rather have traded this pick for two second rounders.

This is worse then Hayden Simpson.

[DMBCubs25]

Is tonight 1st and 2nd rounds or 1st round only?

[DMBZeppelin]

This is much much much worse. If you like this guy you trade back. Shit I would rather have traded this pick for two second rounders.

This is worse then Hayden Simpson.
What if no one was willing to trade with us? If they took the highest guy on their board then they did their job.

[gocubsgo3822]

What if no one was willing to trade with us? If they took the highest guy on their board then they did their job.

Their board is wrong if they are taking him over a starting lt, lg, lb, we and center.

Very wrong. Kid played in a shitty conference and will suck.

[Doors Allan Coe]

We don't have to love the pick, but give it a chance.

- He wouldn't have been there in the 2nd round
- The Packers were targeting him

Here's the bottom line for me. You take someone that makes people scratch there heads? Great but he has to contribute immediately. If this guy is inactive half the year it's a complete fail of a pick.

:thumbsup:thumbsup

McClellin is a quality player. I was also shocked. But, he was invited to the draft. He seems like a hard working farm boy. It's crazy not to hold out judgement.

It's not exactly the sexiest pick. They must have really liked the guy.

Packers select Nick Perry.... I bet if Emery drafted Nick Perry people would be complaining so much...

[DMBZeppelin]

Their board is wrong if they are taking him over a starting lt, lg, lb, we and center.

Very wrong. Kid played in a shitty conference and will suck.
Again if he doesn't start I'll be pissed. For all we know this kid could start Day 1 over Izzie. You're just assuming he sucks. If he's inactive most of the year I'll be mad. The Bears did a ton of work on this kid pre-draft.

I would have taken Reilly, but what if our guy turns out to be better than all of them?

[gocubsgo3822]

Much more likely Reilly knocks him out of league.

[sean52692]

The aliens are confused right now. Odd pick. Can he play DE? Are we gonna rotate him between DE and LB until he's ready to start at LB? I'm not sure about this one.

[DMBZeppelin]

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery: "Very excited to have Shea become a Chicago Bear."

@ZachZaidman
Emery: "This is a 4-down player."

@ZachZaidman
Emery: "There's a lot of versatility to this player."

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says McClellin can line up anywhere on the line

‏ @ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says McClellin's football instincts stood out

@ZachZaidman
Emery says McClellin is a defensive end in Bears defense

@ZachZaidman
Emery says McClellin's pass rush ability is "very high."

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says McClellin's natural ability was better than "most of the rest of the class."

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says McClellin doesn't get "stuck on blocks."

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says Bears took a lot of calls

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says the picks of Irvin and Ingram helped make his decision

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says McClellin will start at left defensive end

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says Bears got lucky because McClellin was used as a LB in Senior Bowl

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery: "We're looking for guys that can contribute right away." He feels McClellin has that ability.

@ZachZaidman (https://twitter.com/#%21/ZachZaidman)
Emery says McClellin was highest rated player of the seven on his list

[UCFish]

can't think of a white d lineman.....he better be able to get through...

wait that person with red eyes on the Lions is white

[ProudestAnt]

How about Jared Allen? Dude almost broke Strahan's record last season...

[UCFish]

How about Jared Allen? Dude almost broke Strahan's record last season...

good call...very good call

[DMBZeppelin]

McClellin looks like he was made to play for Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0427-pompei-bears-nfl-draft-chicago--20120427,0,6839323.column)
By Dan Pompei

Shea McClellin (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/shea-mcclellin-PESPT0014963.topic) wasn't born wearing shoulder pads, but he plays like it.

That's why the Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) general manager Phil Emery (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/phil-emery-PEBSL000806.topic) made him his first draft pick ahead of Whitney Mercilus (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/whitney-mercilus-PESPT0014965.topic), Nick Perry (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/nick-perry-PESPT0014974.topic), Chandler Jones (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/chandler-jones-PESPT0014945.topic), Courtney Upshaw (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/courtney-upshaw-PESPT0015003.topic) or any other defensive end who was on the NFL draft (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/nfl-draft-EVSPR000103.topic) board at No. 19.

McClellin is a natural at the unnatural act of rushing the passer.

"He showed us some natural things that the other ends did not show us to as high a level," Emery said. "His ability to bend, his pad level, to get from blocker to ball, to close the gap as quickly as possible … we felt was better than most of the rest of the class."

McClellin will line up at left end, but that isn't all he can be. He can be a right end. He can even be a strong-side linebacker. He played middle linebacker on run downs at Boise State. And the Bears even graded him as a "blue" level special teams player, which is the highest grade a player can have.

"There is a lot of versatility to this player," Emery said.

There is a hidden advantage with McClellin. If the Bears change their defensive scheme, he will adapt.

He will fit in almost any defense. You can't say that about many defenders.

In the pre-draft process, he was linked most often to teams such as the Packers (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/green-bay-packers-ORSPT000042.topic) and Patriots (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/new-england-patriots-ORSPT000192.topic), who could have used him as an outside linebacker in a three-man front. When Emery was with the Chiefs (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/kansas-city-chiefs-ORSPT000046.topic), he evaluated McClellin as an outside linebacker for a 3-4. At the Senior Bowl, most of his work came as an outside linebacker.

He has been compared to players like Mike Vrabel (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/mike-vrabel-PESPT007613.topic) and Clay Matthews (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/clay-matthews-PESPT000008980.topic) because of his feel for the game and relentlessness.

"He has great instincts and a big-time motor," an NFC (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/national-football-conference-EVSPR00003532.topic) college scouting director said. "He makes effort plays. He generates pressure."

If Emery was looking to put a stamp on the Bears with his first pick as GM, he did it with McClellin. This is a player who will not take a "brother-in-law" approach to practice. He will play every year, every game, every down as if his contract depends on it.

McClellin will keep the accountability level high at Halas Hall. Players like Quinton Coples (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/quinton-coples-PESPT0014898.topic) or Bruce Irvin (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/bruce-irvin-PESPT0014934.topic) might have lowered it.

"He's a great character fit for us," Emery said. "He's a great teammate. He's very into football, very passionate."

McClellin also is seen as a safe pick. He might not have the same potential to be dominant that Coples, Irvin or Mercilus do, but the chance of him being a bust is minimal.

McClellin might not be quite as dynamic an athlete as Mercilus is, but their workout numbers were pretty similar. McClellin actually had a better 40-yard dash time, 4.63 to 4.67.

An AFC (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/american-football-conference-ORSPT000000250.topic) college scouting director said when the other pass rushers stripped down to their skivvies at the Senior Bowl weigh in, it was clear McClellin did not have the same kind of body.

Mercilus' arms are more than an inch longer. Coples has a couple of inches and 24 pounds on him.

The AFC director also classified McClellin as "an overachiever." Sometimes, that's a way of saying a player gets everything out of his abilities. That's McClellin.

The NFC college scouting director said he thought the 6-foot-3, 260-pound McClellin would struggle to set the edge against the run, which is critical for a left end. Emery sounds as if he is not concerned.

"He does it with a combination of instincts and leverage," Emery said. "He gets his pads very low. He has very good hands and that's a big key in being able to hold the edge — getting your hands in the right place, keeping your pads low and using your leverage to your advantage."

When Emery addressed the media earlier in the week, he made it clear he was looking for a player in the first round who could help the Bears win now. With 38 career college starts and a full arsenal of pass rush moves, McClellin should be pro ready.

Chicago is a long way from Idaho.

But for McClellin, it might not seem too far.

[DMBZeppelin]

Some updates from the Bears blog:

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/situationalupdates.asp?GAME_ID=197

8:56 PM - The Bears upgraded their defensive line by selecting defensive end Shea McClellin with the 19th pick in the first round of the draft. McClellin was a three-year starter at Boise State, where he recorded 130 tackles, 33 tackles-for-loss, 20.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

8:59 PM - McClellin was a high-motor defensive end at Boise State, where he recorded 13 ½ tackles-for-loss and 9 ½ sacks as a junior in 2010 and 12 ½ tackles-for-loss and seven sacks as a senior in 2011. PFW describes the 6-3, 260-pounder as a "lean, smooth-muscled, active, instinctive, college defensive end with a relentless temperament" as well as a "functional, character football player who plays better than he tests."

9:03 PM - ESPN analyst Jon Gruden on Bears No. 1 draft pick, Boise State defensive end, Shea McClellin: "Just find the football and you'll find Shea McClellin. He's a winner. He fits the criteria of the Chicago Bears defense. He'll fit in nicely."

9:22 PM - Bears GM Phil Emery tells media that he's "very excited" to land Shea McClellin at No. 19 in the draft and that the Boise State defensive end "helps fill a need as a pass rusher." Emery describes McClellin as a four-down football player, including special teams, and that he earned a blue-level grade [the highest possible] as a special teams player.

9:26 PM - Bears GM Phil Emery tells media that first-round pick Shea McClellin possesses "really quick feet and hands as a passer rusher" and "natural hips." The one area that stands out most to Emery as a talent evaluator is the defensive end's "natural football instinct." Emery also says that McClellin plays with low pad level and finds the ball quickly, and that he's also a small-town guy who is a great character fit with the Bears because he's relentless and a great teammate.

9:29 PM - Bears GM Phil Emery says that defensive line coach Mike Phair conducted a private workout with Shea McClellin and was impressed with the Boise State defensive end. Looking for the team's first-round pick to contribute immediately, Emery said that McClellin's learning curve will be helped by the fact that he has such good football instincts. Emery said he told defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli after the McClellin pick: "You have a Monster of the Midway. Get to work."

9:31 PM - Phil Emery said that several teams called the Bears in an effort to trade down as well as move up to No. 19. But they opted to pick Shea McClellin rather than make a trade. "There was a lot of activity," Emery said.

9:32 PM - Bears GM Phil Emery said that Boise State defensive end Shea McClellin played strongside linebacker at the Senior Bowl, which helped the Bears because other teams didn't get a chance to see McClellin rush the passer.

9:35 PM - Asked about Shea McClellin's stock rising just before the draft, Boise State coach Chris Petersen told the Idaho Statesman: "Shea McClellin is a trained assassin on the football field. That guy has been such an unbelievable player for a long time for us and completely and totally underrated, I think, in the public eye. I don't think so much in our opponents' eyes and certainly not in our coaches' eyes. I just think all that's coming to light right now."

9:42 PM - ESPN's Todd McShay had Boise State defensive end Shea McClellin ranked as the 19th best prospect in the draft, and that's exactly where the Bears selected him. Wrote McShay: "McClellin is making a late push up the board. He lines up all over the front seven and has a quick first step and violent hands. He will face a bit of a learning curve at the next level, but the arrow is clearly pointing up."

9:50 PM - In a conference call with Chicago media, first-round pick Shea McClellin says that he's very happy to be part of the organization and can't wait to get to Chicago. I asked him how he felt about joining a defense that features perennial Pro Bowlers Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Julius Peppers, and McClellin said: "It's awesome. It's unbelievable to play alongside Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher. It's really great. I can't wait to get out there."

9:53 PM - Bears first-round pick Shea McClellin, who hails from Caldwell, Idaho (pop. 46,237), says that even though he was raised on a farm in a small town, he considers himself a big-city guy. "I love big cities. I don't think it will be much of a hard transition," McClellin said.

10:03 PM - Asked by a reporter about making an impact as a rookie, Bears first-round draft pick Shea McClellin said: "I think I can. That's why they picked me up. I think I will be able to make an impact."

10:05 PM - Of the 10 mock drafts we featured on our web site Wednesday, NFL Network's Michael Lombardi was the only one who had the Bears selecting defensive end Shea McClellin at No. 19. Kudos to Mr. Lombardi!

10:12 PM - Bears first-round pick Shea McClellin will be issued jersey number 99.

[DMBZeppelin]

Shea McClellin highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBo1St4vArc

[Tiduwho]

Shea McClellin highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBo1St4vArc

Just watch it on mute...

[BotheDMBFan]

Seriously, why did we pick this honky?

[Doors Allan Coe]

McClellin RULES!

Well I'm holding out hope Emery is a genius. Well see how tonight turns out. These 2 picks are just as important. Hopefully we snag a good WR. After last night, it's quite possible something fucking weird happens. Any chance for Alshon Jeffery? Prob not, but hopefully I'm not scratching my head too hard.

[BotheDMBFan]

I am praying for Alshon.

[BotheDMBFan]

Anyone think we take a FB in the draft?

[pmcox3333]

Great pick with Alshon.

[BotheDMBFan]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[sean52692]

Great pick

[BotheDMBFan]

LOL we can haz points?

[rustysurf83]

Cutler might throw for 10000 yards this season

[DMBZeppelin]

Don't love the Jeffery pick. Lots of comparisons to Mike Williams.

Jeffery in terms of catching the ball he is fantastic. He can go up and get it and win one on one battles. He has serious weight problems. He played at 240 last year and his production fell off the map. At his pro day he was 214 (I think that's what they said).

I just hope he puts in the work because he has great ability. Just not sure it was worth giving up a 5th round pick when someone like Ruben Randle would have been there.

[gocubsgo3822]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Jeffrey out produced randl with zero qbplay.

Can't wait to order the jersey.

Nice trolling zep. We just got the first all pro in the draft in terms of wr.

Jesus christ 240 :lol :lol :lol he jut rans a sub 4.5 40

Aliens are very happy

[Tiduwho]

I am praying for Alshon.

So I'm really interested in hearing gocubs input here...

[BotheDMBFan]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Jeffrey out produced randl with zero qbplay.

Can't wait to order the jersey.

Nice trolling zep. We just got the first all pro in the draft in terms of wr.

Jesus christ 240 :lol :lol :lol he jut rans a sub 4.5 40

Aliens are very happy

Alshon had Stephen Garcia as his BEST QB THROWING TO HIM. Now he gets Jay.

So many jump balls this year, I love it.

[gocubsgo3822]

Watch the highlights from 2010 when 2 first rounders were covering him I.e. the bama game.

[DMBZeppelin]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Jeffrey out produced randl with zero qbplay.

Can't wait to order the jersey.

Nice trolling zep. We just got the first all pro in the draft in terms of wr.

Jesus christ 240 :lol :lol :lol he jut rans a sub 4.5 40

Aliens are very happy
Not trolling at all.

He may turn out to be one of the best receivers in the draft. He has some serious concerns that made him fall.

I'm glad we got your guy, but I also don't believe we needed to give up a 5th round pick. Who else was a fit for him in those 5 spots?

[BotheDMBFan]

Watch the highlights from 2010 when 2 first rounders were covering him I.e. the bama game.

One of the best games I've seen in years for a reg season game.

[DMBZeppelin]

Stuff about Jeffery:


Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏ @BradBiggs
For those asking, Gruden criticized Jeffery for poor season last year, lack of interest at times and widely fluctuating weight, etc.

SC_DougFarrar (https://twitter.com/#%21/SC_DougFarrar) ‏ @SC_DougFarrar
Bears traded up to get Jeffrey. Are you sure they kicked Tim Ruskell out of the building?

Charley Casserly (https://twitter.com/#%21/CharleyCasserly) ‏ @CharleyCasserly
Bears - Jeffery was not impressive on tape when he was heavier. He could beat tight coverage. He has lost wt this Spring. Always a concern

Kent Babb (https://twitter.com/#%21/kentbabb) ‏ @kentbabb
@seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen) If he's motivated, in shape, and not the only open WR, he's a top-10 talent. Would've been very high pick had he not gotten fat


Scouting report from April 2nd (list NFL comparison as Roy Williams)


Pros: Jeffery's best attributes are his height and his hands. Jeffery is thickly-built at 6-foot-3, and he knows how to use his size to shield defenders from the football. (Note: this still applies now that he is 213 pounds. At 230+ pounds, Jeffery's bulk is more of a liability than an asset). On comeback routes or quick slants, Jeffery can use his body as a barrier between the defender and the ball. That's where his hands take over. Jeffery is outstanding at making leaping catches and one-handed catches. The Hail Mary was just one of many examples of Jeffery out-jumping defenders and snatching a big play from the air. Jeffery also has quick hands and the ability to reach out and snatch the ball.


Jeffery ran a pro-style route tree at South Carolina. He runs with long strides, which allow him to quickly eat up the cushion many cornerbacks give when covering him. He was most effective on posts, slants, and corner routes, which allow him to glide past defenders without having to make sudden cuts.


Jeffery has the potential to be an outstanding blocker, and could be seen harassing defenders all the way down the field during some of Marcus Lattimore's breakaway runs. Minutes after his Hail Mary reception, Jeffery got into a dustup with feisty Nebraska cornerback Alphonzo Dennard, and both players were ejected. The fight demonstrated questionable judgment, but also a willingness to get physical.


Cons: Jeffery lacks quick-cutting ability, and he spent much of 2011 failing to get separation from defensive backs because he couldn't make tight cuts on his short routes. Weight issues were probably a factor, but even in 2010 route sharpness was not his strong suit.



South Carolina ran a lot of tunnel screens to get the ball to Jeffery, but Jeffery lacks open-field niftiness, so those plays were usually little more than long handoffs for three or four yards. Jeffery and the Gamecocks suffered through an ugly five-game run late in the season when he essentially disappeared from the offense: he had 10 catches for 84 yards in one four-game stretch, interrupted by a five-catch effort against the mighty Citadel. This was a time of transition for South Carolina, as the team was breaking Conner Shaw in at quarterback after the Stephen Garcia meltdown, but the team really needed its top receiver to be part of the solution, not a pudgy problem.


Scouting reports on Jeffery's blocking vary widely. He may be an example of a "camera's on" blocker, ratcheting up his effort level when he knows he will appear in a highlight. (See: Moss, Randy).

Conclusion: Jeffery has been the subject of some off-the-mark criticism. He is often compared to Mike Williams (http://sports.search.yahoo.com/search?p=Mike+Williams+NFL&fr=sports-us-ss), the conditioning-averse USC receiver the Lions drafted tenth overall in 2005. Jeffery has better hands, ball skills, and overall athleticism than Williams, who made his reputation by catching eight-yard passes on stop routes for the most talent-laden offense in the nation. Jeffery also gets some outdated "Steve Spurrier receiver" criticism, because 15 years ago, Spurrier's fun-'n'-gun receivers often flopped in the pros. It has been a long time since Reidel Anthony, folks, and Spurrier's offense no longer ranks among the Top 50 when it comes to pass-wacky college attacks. If anything, Jeffery was in a more conventional offense than many top picks: with Shaw under center, Spurrier spent much of the late season asking two tight ends to block for Lattimore, with Jeffery facing double coverage as the lone deep threat.


The fact remains that Jeffery's production tailed off badly in 2011, and that conditioning played a part in his problems. His career path could be decided by a Jets-Giants dichotomy. If he lands in a rumpus room program like the Jets, he could become a Mike Williams type. If he is drafted by a no-nonsense team like the Giants, he should develop into an excellent possession receiver and goal line receiving threat.

NFL Comparison: Roy Williams (http://sports.search.yahoo.com/search?p=Roy+Williams+NFL&fr=sports-us-ss), Chicago Bears (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/chi/)

[DMBZeppelin]

Overall I love the over haul of the receiving core. Keep in mind when the season ended we had:

1. Bennett
2. Hester
3. Sanzenbacher
4. Knox (PUP list or IR)

If Jeffery stays motivated he could be a great receiver. If he gets fat again he should be a solid red zone threat. His hands were never in question.

At the moment we have these guys under contract

1. Brandon Marshall
2. Alshon Jeffery
3. Earl Bennett
4. Johnny Knox
5. Devin Hester
6. Dane Sanzenbacher
7. Eric Weems
8. Devin Thomas

For the first time ever we might cut someone in Dane who can actually contribute. We're finally deep at receiver. Lions fans would disagree, but I think Alshon makes us the 2nd most dangerous offense in the NFC North. Obviously no one is topping the Packers.

[UCFish]

hopefully this means never have to see Devin lineup as a WR again

[DMBCubs25]

I approve of this pick.

[DMBZeppelin]

hopefully this means never have to see Devin lineup as a WR again
He will, but he'll be used completely different from this point forward. He is no longer our starting receiver (barring injury). Alshon ran a pro route tree at South Carolina. I'll be pissed if he's not starting week 1.

Hester should now be using his speed to exploit mismatches. He's no longer going against a teams top corner.

[UCFish]

So excited love this pick

[Tiduwho]

hopefully this means never have to see Devin lineup as a WR again

Except the Bears were INSTEAD talking about taking him off kickoff returns again. Stupid idea. I don't care about the touchbacks, we do NOT need him at receiver.

Make him a 3rd down running back receiving out of the backfield or something.

[BotheDMBFan]

Who did we pick?

[Tiduwho]

Brandon Hardin, Safety, Oregon St.

The Bears apparently still like to have their draft picks come pre-injured. What in the fuck. This guy seriously missed the entire 2011 season????? WHY did the Bears draft him? I hate our safeties, but jesus. I know nothing on the guy, but he hasn't even played in 2 years????

[DMBZeppelin]

Brandon Hardin, Safety, Oregon St.

The Bears apparently still like to have their draft picks come pre-injured. What in the fuck. This guy seriously missed the entire 2011 season????? WHY did the Bears draft him? I hate our safeties, but jesus. I know nothing on the guy, but he hasn't even played in 2 years????
Played corner at Oregon. Moving inside for the NFL to strong safety. I'm assuming his speed and size in addition to his previous corner skills will help him cover TE's once he develops at Strong Safety.

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
Brandon Hardin is a cornerback/ safety tweener. Projected probably more as a safety. Very fast, with 4.4 speed and good size (6 foot 3)

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
And -- what a shock! -- Brandon Hardin is projected to be a very good special teams player. Phil Emery did talk about role players...

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
Brandon Hardin either led or was tied for the team lead in special teams tackles in 2010 and 2011, the last complete seasons he played

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
Apparently, Brandon Hardin is pretty bright. Two-time Pac-10 All-Academic selection, and he's graduating in June with business admin degree

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
#Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) GM Phil Emery said Brandon Hardin is "medically sound, ready for mini-camp." He'll be a safety.

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
Brandon Hardin will line up at strong safety for the #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears)...

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
Brandon Hardin applied for a medical red-shirt, but he was denied. Didn't work out so bad for him, though. #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears)

Sean Jensen ‏ @seankjensen (https://twitter.com/#%21/seankjensen)
I asked Brandon Hardin about the shoulder injury, that knocked him for the 2011 season. "Initially, when the injury happened, I was definitely concerned, because I would need my senior year film. I would need that film to impress NFL scouts and coaches. Some worried that it could affect my draft status. But I controlled, what I could control. "Being picked in the third round is a blessing for me."

Brad Biggs ‏ @BradBiggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs)
Emery acknowledges #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) drafted Brandon Hardin as a safety, says he is medically sound.

Brad Biggs ‏ @BradBiggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs)
Emery: "This is a big, fast, physical, dymanic athlete" on Hardin. "We feel like we're going to get a lot of mileage out of Brandon."

Brad Biggs ‏ @BradBiggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs)
Emery says belief is Hardin can push into starting level at some point. Needs work.

[BotheDMBFan]

Dumb pick was dumb.

[DMBZeppelin]

YouTube interview and footage from Brandon Hardin's pro day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRrCYA2_zbY

Physically he seems to be a top tier guy. Not many strong safeties in the NFL are that big or that fast. Hardin is 6'3" and weighs 220 pounds. Depending on the scout was clocked at 4.38-4.40 range at the pro day. It doesn't hurt he was a cornerback so his cover skills should be ok.

I think it will take a while for him to develop, but I think there's a lot of upside with this pick. He should be a monster special teams player while he develops.

[gocubsgo3822]

Just bought my Alshon #17 jersey

[Tiduwho]

So we drafted a felon Fullback/H-Back. Okay...I guess that's the end of TJ Klutz?

[Doors Allan Coe]

So we drafted a felon Fullback/H-Back. Okay...I guess that's the end of TJ Klutz?

I wouldn't think so.

[DMBZeppelin]

So we drafted a felon Fullback/H-Back. Okay...I guess that's the end of TJ Klutz?

Bears did a ton of work on him and had him in for visits. They believe he's matured.

He's a tight end and will be in that meeting room. He will also line up at fullback when the situation calls for it. He gives us a speed element at tight end we don't currently have.

Adding Marshall, Jeffery, Bush, and Rodriguez gives Cutler a ton of weapons. You won't be able to blitz us all the time because we have guys who can get open.

[BotheDMBFan]

I wonder who we pick next. We have to pick up an T at some point.

[BotheDMBFan]

oh Bairz....u need a lineman and u pick a corner, a safety, and a FB...

[bonzo48280]

Bairz feel their O-Line is fine.

[BotheDMBFan]

They can think it's fine, we're not carrying enough for the league minimum.

[DMBZeppelin]

oh Bairz....u need a lineman and u pick a corner, a safety, and a FB...
The Bears like Clutts, but he might get cut. With Rodriguez now in the fold Emery said we might not need to carry a fullback. Not that they are a huge factor anymore. If Rodriguez can lead block for Forte when needed... I have to agree.

Bairz feel their O-Line is fine.

They can think it's fine, we're not carrying enough for the league minimum.
I think we're going the J'Marcus Web party deux route. I have a feeling this guy will make the team:

Dane Brugler (https://twitter.com/#%21/dpbrugler) ‏ @dpbrugler
Highest rated player on my board to go undrafted? Troy OL James Brown...very raw but NFL tools are there #NFLDraft (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23NFLDraft)

Drew Champlin (https://twitter.com/#%21/dothaneagletroy) ‏ @dothaneagletroy
spoke with Richard Shaughnessy, he said #Troy (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Troy) OL James Brown has agreed to terms with Chicago Bears

We have a bunch of guards under contract. I'm guessing we put Chris Williams back out at left tackle. This Brown guy backs up Carimi at right.

[Tiduwho]

Imagine if the Bears had hit on a safety just ONCE in the past 8 years. Wow is our draft record with safeties in this defense abysmal. Beyond horrible. I hope Conte and Major turn out to be good players, but damn. They have injury problems. And our solution is to draft a guy that comes pre-injured.


On another note, why do we keep acquiring kick returners? :confused


Zep, do you have any insight on what the Bears' plan might be for Devin Hester next year? It feels like they are getting away from him being a returner, but at the same time are acquiring actual wide receivers too.

[sean52692]

Conte is too slow, and I am on the fence with Major. Sometimes I really like him

[DMBZeppelin]

Zep, do you have any insight on what the Bears' plan might be for Devin Hester next year? It feels like they are getting away from him being a returner, but at the same time are acquiring actual wide receivers too.
We now have an actual Devin Hester package. Specific plays that are designed to allow Hester to be dynamic. That is straight from Emery.

I'm assuming Bennett and Jeffery are the other two main receivers in the offense now. I think we're finally going to stop asking Devin to run the offense, and find ways to get him the ball in space. Kind of like that TE we drafted in the 4th round. I don't think he'll be a starter, but will be used in specific packages to takes advantage of his Greg Olsen-like speed.

If you have guys like Hester and E-Rod stretching the field. It's going to open up a lot for Marshall, Jeffery, and Bennett. If we're smart about it the Bears offense is going to be scary. People are finally going to be put into situations to succeed. Martz never played to anyone strengths it was all "run MY offense." Turner was similar.

Conte is too slow, and I am on the fence with Major. Sometimes I really like him
I'm a bigger fan of Conte personally. He made plenty of mistakes, but he was a 3rd round rookie. One that probably should have been a 4th or 5th round pick. I think he'll pan out though. Major I haven't been impressed with.

[BotheDMBFan]

Major has games where he looks like a Pro-Bowler. He also has games where he looks like the shittiest parts of Jerry Azumah's game.

[DMBZeppelin]

Major has games where he looks like a Pro-Bowler. He also has games where he looks like the shittiest parts of Jerry Azumah's game.

Don't hate on Azumah. Sucked early on with the Bears but was an awesome nickel corner for us till his neck got fucked.

[BotheDMBFan]

Don't hate on Azumah. Sucked early on with the Bears but was an awesome nickel corner for us till his neck got fucked.

Oh, he was the shit. I was talking about when he sucked early on.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Well, I'm pretty satisfied with the draft and offseason.

Obviously we could have picked a sexier name in the 1st, but I'm with holding judgement until McClellin suits up.

For whatever reason Mike Tice seems to think our line is good enough. While some people disagree, they did really improve last year.

Hopefully most of our rookies see the field week 1. I don't feel like waiting!

[BotheDMBFan]

Well, I'm pretty satisfied with the draft and offseason.

Obviously we could have picked a sexier name in the 1st, but I'm with holding judgement until McClellin suits up.

For whatever reason Mike Tice seems to think our line is good enough. While some people disagree, they did really improve last year.

Hopefully most of our rookies see the field week 1. I don't feel like waiting!

If he's right, then I'm very happy. If Cutler has 30 sacks by week 8, I am not happy at all.

[DMBZeppelin]

Dane Brugler (https://twitter.com/#%21/dpbrugler) ‏ @dpbruglerHighest rated player on my board to go undrafted? Troy OL James Brown...very raw but NFL tools are there #NFLDraft (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23NFLDraft)

Drew Champlin (https://twitter.com/#%21/dothaneagletroy) ‏ @dothaneagletroy
spoke with Richard Shaughnessy, he said #Troy (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Troy) OL James Brown has agreed to terms with Chicago Bears
More on James Brown

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0430-pompei-on-bears--20120430,0,6614339.column

The Bears on Sunday signed perhaps the best undrafted offensive lineman in James Brown (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/james-brown-PESPT0015639.topic) of Troy. Several teams were trying to sign him, according to his agent, Bus Cook, but he chose the Bears because he thought they needed a blocker and he liked the idea of playing for Mike Tice (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/mike-tice-PESPT0014445.topic).

Brown is an athletic blocker with an NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/national-football-league-ORSPT000007.topic) body. Most NFL teams see him as a guard, and he likely will line up at guard for the Bears even though he played left tackle in college.

Before the draft, three front office men I spoke with said Brown had fourth-round ability.

"He is pretty athletic, he has some power and some bend," an AFC (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/american-football-conference-ORSPT000000250.topic) personnel director said. "He is not real explosive and is an inconsistent player."

Brown may have a good chance of sticking, but he probably won't be of much use to the Bears this year. Rather, he is the type of developmental prospect Tice can bring out the best in over time.

NFL front office men describe Brown as a raw player who needs to improve his technique, his footwork, his hand use and his pad level. One pointed out he played in a two-point stance in college, so he will need to learn a new stance as well as a new position.

He was clearly the best of the Bears' undrafted pick-ups, though it is likely they will sign more rookies who slipped through the draft.

============================
============================

Another interesting undrafted FA o-linemen

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-freeagent-ot-greene-hopes-to-make-music-with-bears-20120430,0,410509.story

One of the offensive linemen who signed with the Chicago Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) as an undrafted free agent didn’t want to play football as recently as last month.

The Bears announced Sunday that they agreed to terms with offensive tackle A.J. Greene of Auburn. Greene turned down an invitation to the NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/national-football-league-ORSPT000007.topic) scouting combine in February and last month he showed up for his school’s pro day merely as an observer. Greene said he was preparing for a career in the music industry despite teammates and coaches urging him to give the NFL a try.

“Some people have criticized me for this, but most of those guys -- all they understand is football," Greene told the Montgomery Advertiser at the pro day. "They can't grasp the idea of not wanting a life in the NFL. A lot of kids grow up thinking the NFL is the ultimate dream. I just want to make music. I'm not going to pretend I want to play football when I really don't.”

Perhaps Greene had a change of heart. We’ll find out soon. The last thing the team wants is a player on the field who doesn’t want to be there. The Bears will host a rookie minicamp May 11-13. Although undrafted free agents have agreed to terms on contracts, they still must pass physicals to be signed.

[DMBZeppelin]

Part of a much longer story, but everyone says McClellin has a really high motor. Like hearing about stuff like this:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0429-mcclellin-profile-bears-nfl-draft-chic-20120429,0,6267402,full.story


In preparation for the Senior Bowl, McClellin asked his agents Bruce and Ryan Tollner of REP1 Sports what he could do to improve his hand punch. They hooked him up with mixed martial arts trainer and television personality Jay Glazer and his partner, former Ultimate Fighting champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell.

"He comes in looking like Richie Cunningham (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/richie-cunningham-PESPT001593.topic)," Glazer said. "I told Chuck, 'Let's have some fun with him. Push him. Scare the hell out of him. Get your crazy eyes going and let's see if we can make him cower down.' We took turns on him in a Greco-Roman drill that is body on body work."

Some of the other draft prospects Glazer has worked with have waved the white flag at some point. Not McClellin.

"He was exhausted, but we could not get the guy to stop," Glazer said. "He kept coming after us, coming, coming. At one point he got pissed off. This is a really tough kid."

[DMBZeppelin]

Listened to some post-Bears draft interviews from 670 the Score. After hearing from people who are around Jeffery I absolutely LOVE the pick. My concerns about his work ethic have been completely erased.


Terry Cousin's on Mac and Spiegs: Listen here (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podtrac.com%2Fpts%2F redirect.mp3%2Fnyc.podcast.play.it%2Fmedia%2Fd0%2F d0%2Fd1%2Fd0%2FdE%2FdE%2FdH%2F10EEH_4.MP3%3Fauthto k%3D5561761587042112267_2YuXNETrbYdbfLv5aIZEWsDXtv M&podcast_name=Terry+Cousin+with+McNeil+and+Spiegel+ 4%2F30%2F12&podcast_artist=670+The+Score&station_id=391&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI)

Cousin's is a former Bears cornerback. He is now the sideline reporter for South Carolina football and is also the Director of Player Development.


Todd Ellis on Laurence Holmes: Listen here (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podtrac.com%2Fpts%2F redirect.mp3%2Fnyc.podcast.play.it%2Fmedia%2Fd0%2F d0%2Fd1%2Fd0%2FdE%2FdI%2Fd6%2F10EI6_3.MP3%3Fauthto k%3D5561761587178829052_gO2Z83qtOoiz0CbAH0ssEOtrwD E&podcast_name=Todd+Ellis+with+Laurence+Holmes&podcast_artist=Laurence+Holmes&station_id=391&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI)

Radio voice and former quarterback of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Like Cousin's he knows Jeffery pretty well.


Greg Gabriel on Mully and Hanley: Listen here (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podtrac.com%2Fpts%2F redirect.mp3%2Fnyc.podcast.play.it%2Fmedia%2Fd0%2F d0%2Fd1%2Fd0%2FdE%2FdL%2FdA%2F10ELA_3.MP3%3Fauthto k%3D5561761587178829052_Bz4f1yCZpkd3kN13ss05dRbWLr I&podcast_name=Greg+Gabriel+on+the+Mully+and+Hanley+ Show&podcast_artist=Mully+and+Hanley&station_id=391&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI)

Until 2010 he was the Bears director of college scouting. Talks lots about the Bears draft and has some good insight into Jeffery after talking to his agent about his weight and personality.

[Tiduwho]

Another interesting undrafted FA o-linemen

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-freeagent-ot-greene-hopes-to-make-music-with-bears-20120430,0,410509.story

One of the offensive linemen who signed with the Chicago Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) as an undrafted free agent didn’t want to play football as recently as last month.

The Bears announced Sunday that they agreed to terms with offensive tackle A.J. Greene of Auburn. Greene turned down an invitation to the NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/national-football-league-ORSPT000007.topic) scouting combine in February and last month he showed up for his school’s pro day merely as an observer. Greene said he was preparing for a career in the music industry despite teammates and coaches urging him to give the NFL a try.

“Some people have criticized me for this, but most of those guys -- all they understand is football," Greene told the Montgomery Advertiser at the pro day. "They can't grasp the idea of not wanting a life in the NFL. A lot of kids grow up thinking the NFL is the ultimate dream. I just want to make music. I'm not going to pretend I want to play football when I really don't.”

Perhaps Greene had a change of heart. We’ll find out soon. The last thing the team wants is a player on the field who doesn’t want to be there. The Bears will host a rookie minicamp May 11-13. Although undrafted free agents have agreed to terms on contracts, they still must pass physicals to be signed.

Oh jeez, what is this guy, the Bon Iver of the NFL? :ugh

[Tiduwho]

Part of a much longer story, but everyone says McClellin has a really high motor. Like hearing about stuff like this:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0429-mcclellin-profile-bears-nfl-draft-chic-20120429,0,6267402,full.story


In preparation for the Senior Bowl, McClellin asked his agents Bruce and Ryan Tollner of REP1 Sports what he could do to improve his hand punch. They hooked him up with mixed martial arts trainer and television personality Jay Glazer and his partner, former Ultimate Fighting champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell.

"He comes in looking like Richie Cunningham (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/richie-cunningham-PESPT001593.topic)," Glazer said. "I told Chuck, 'Let's have some fun with him. Push him. Scare the hell out of him. Get your crazy eyes going and let's see if we can make him cower down.' We took turns on him in a Greco-Roman drill that is body on body work."

Some of the other draft prospects Glazer has worked with have waved the white flag at some point. Not McClellin.

"He was exhausted, but we could not get the guy to stop," Glazer said. "He kept coming after us, coming, coming. At one point he got pissed off. This is a really tough kid."

Glazer is a pud, but going up against Chuck "The Iceman" Lidell? That sounds frightening. So that's good to hear methinks.

[BotheDMBFan]

Lovie is 71-57 as a head coach. Not too bad.

[gocubsgo3822]

Nice shit zach.. I am telling yall this kid is legit never had a lazy vibe to him. Never got in trouble..

Wakes up and tweets everyday god bless hope yall have a great day

we are lucky to have him

[gocubsgo3822]

ChicagoBears.com ‏ @ChicagoBearscom
LM: #Bears WR Alshon Jeffery on NFL $$$: "My plan is to spend money wisely. I'm going to manage my money to the best of my ability."

[jaking1185]

ChicagoBears.com ‏ @ChicagoBearscom
LM: #Bears WR Alshon Jeffery on NFL $$$: "My plan is to spend money wisely. I'm going to manage my money to the best of my ability."

Wait until he meets Sam Hurd. I'm sure he can help him. :)

[Tiduwho]

Wait until he meets Sam Hurd. I'm sure he can help him. :)

He's no Warren Sapp....

[jaking1185]

He's no Warren Sapp....

True. Sam had the $$$ to be a drug lord.

[DMBZeppelin]

Brandon Marshall on Waddle & Silvy (audio): http://espn.go.com/espnradio/chicago/play?id=7901013


He talks about Hester. Here's a quote from the interview via the Tribune

Although Chicago Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) fans are drooling at the thought of watching Jay Cutler (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/jay-cutler-PESPT0000018703.topic) throw to former Denver Broncos (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/denver-broncos-ORSPT000040.topic) teammate Brandon Marshall (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/brandon-marshall-PESPT00008889.topic), the team's newly acquired Pro Bowl (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/nfl-pro-bowl-EVSPR000032.topic) receiver says he's expecting even bigger things from incumbent Devin Hester (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/devin-hester-PESPT007248.topic).

"I've never been around a receiver, never seen a receiver who runs routes like Devin Hester does outside," Marshall told "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on WMVP-AM 1000 on Monday. "Listen to me ... He has all the skills to be a great, a Pro Bowl receiver. Not a punt returner -- we all know what he can do there -- but a Pro Bowl receiver.

"Honestly, I think he's going to have a bigger year than me this year. I just don't think he's been in an environment, a situation offensively that catered to him as a player. I think with (new quarterbacks coach) Jeremy Bates and Jay growing and maturing, I think they'll be able to put him in a better position this year to where he can probably do damage. I'm excited about everyone else, but the person I'm more excited to see is Devin."First part of the interview is about Marshall's personal life. He talks about Hester and how he's hung out with his Bears teammates more in 3 weeks than he did in 2 years in Miami.

The stuff about Bates makes me wonder what's going on exactly with Tice though...

[gocubsgo3822]

Brandon Marshall on Waddle & Silvy (audio): http://espn.go.com/espnradio/chicago/play?id=7901013


He talks about Hester. Here's a quote from the interview via the Tribune

First part of the interview is about Marshall's personal life. He talks about Hester and how he's hung out with his Bears teammates more in 3 weeks than he did in 2 years in Miami.

The stuff about Bates makes me wonder what's going on exactly with Tice though...

i think bates is going to have a huge role imo

[DMBZeppelin]

i think bates is going to have a huge role imo
I agree, and I think he'll be the offensive coordinator one day. Tice is a guy who needed a "passing coordinator" until Tice told the Bears to cut it because it made him look like a jackass.

Last year Cutler said he had no interest in learning another system. After the draft Bennett did that interview where he revealed Cutler was having a boy, and Cutler responded by deleting his twitter account. He mentioned that it was basically a whole new system. From the sounds of it from Marshall it's Bates who's heavily involved.

If you wanted to hear it... (I know Bo will be happy)

Earl Bennett on Boers and Bernstein: Listen here (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podtrac.com%2Fpts%2F redirect.mp3%2Fnyc.podcast.play.it%2Fmedia%2Fd0%2F d0%2Fd1%2Fd0%2FdE%2FdR%2Fd0%2F10ER0_4.MP3%3Fauthto k%3D5561766305730511790_6gWs2Y1boFaEwv33YK5aZrj4Ss&podcast_name=Earl+Bennett+with+Boers+and+Bernstein&podcast_artist=Boers+and+Bernstein&station_id=391&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI)

[Doors Allan Coe]

Bears' Alshon Jeffery gets to work
May, 10, 2012
ESPN.com

There were some pre-draft whispers about the conditioning and work ethic of new Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery, especially considering his quick weight loss between the end of the 2011 season and the February combine. ESPN's Todd McShay, for instance, projected Jeffery as one of the draft's top receivers "if he wants to play."

So I wanted to make sure I brought to your attention this post from ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson, who reported that Jeffery worked out with -- and got an introduction to the Bears' offense from -- reserve quarterback Josh McCown last weekend in South Carolina. Jeffery also turned down an invitation from the 2012 NFLPA Rookie Premiere presented by Nike, where rookies are photographed for their trading cards, to spend more time around the team when he reports for rookie minicamp Friday.

Said McCown: "He seems like a good kid. I was very impressed with him mentally. Great hands, too."

Indeed, Bears general manager Phil Emery said Jeffery had the "best hands in the draft." Emery also said his evaluation found no concerns about Jeffery's effort level.

"The more and more you watch of his tape, the more you see the competitiveness," Emery said. "This is not a lazy guy. When he gets the ball in his hands, he's working to score. He doesn't give up. I don't see give-up in this guy in any area."


-----

Good for Jeffery.

I hope Emery's right. If Jeffery is truly a competitive and hungry rookie Cutler could be fucking dangerous. This might be the best Bears WR core in my lifetime watching.

I feel for Johnny Knox though. If Jeffery isn't a dud I don't see him ever truly getting another chance in Chicago. Sucks the way it down for him.

[DMBZeppelin]

Jeffery also turned down an invitation from the 2012 NFLPA Rookie Premiere presented by Nike, where rookies are photographed for their trading cards, to spend more time around the team when he reports for rookie minicamp Friday.
He did stuff like this before. In one of those Score interviews I linked to earlier in the thread. It was mentioned pre-draft he declined some ESPN skills competition so he could stay focused on losing weight. I absolutely love how committed he has been to working out. Not to mention he was the first pick to sign.

I hope Emery's right. If Jeffery is truly a competitive and hungry rookie Cutler could be fucking dangerous. This might be the best Bears WR core in my lifetime watching.

I feel for Johnny Knox though. If Jeffery isn't a dud I don't see him ever truly getting another chance in Chicago. Sucks the way it down for him.
To the first part I don't think there's any question this is the best Bears receiving core in our lifetime. We have a true elite WR who's one of the best in the NFL in Marshall. We compliment him on the other side with Jeffery who most agree has 1st round talent. Bennett is a great slot receiver, and Hester will finally be able to used in the right ways.

I do however think Knox has a place on this team if he can get healthy. He currently only knows the 'X' position in the offense. If he can learn the Z he can rotate in whenever Marshall or Jeffery need a breather.

[Tiduwho]

Please Bears season, come soon. Ugh this is awful. I hate Chicago Sports. :(

[DMBZeppelin]

We signed two defensive tackles yesterday.

John McCargo - Bills first round pick in 2006. Spent his career there until last season when he played for the Bucs. Not expecting much from him.

DeMario Pressley - Certified bum.

Dan Pompei from the Tribune made a strong case for the Bears bringing back Tommie Harris: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-spt-0509-pompei-bears-harris-chicago--20120509,0,6970625.column

[DMBZeppelin]

It's been announced that DE Cheta Ozougwu was also signed to a 1 year deal. He was recently Mr. Irrelevant.

@caplannfl: The reason why Ozougwu (foot) didn't re-sign with the Texans after being waived was because he had an injury settlement.

@caplannfl: Had he been healthy, Ozougwu would have been signed to the #Texans practice squad.

[DMBZeppelin]

We signed McClellin. Hardin the 3rd round pick the only one left unsigned.

[gocubsgo3822]

How alshon got a lazy stereotype i will never understand

[BotheDMBFan]

How alshon got a lazy stereotype i will never understand

Glad as shit he got it, though.

[gocubsgo3822]

Michael C. Wright ‏ @mikecwright
Couldn't tweet it earlier, but Alshon Jeffery did leave practice today because of cramps.

[gocubsgo3822]

Michael C. Wright ‏ @mikecwright
B4 he Jeffery left field, OC Mike Tice said, the WR was "pickin' peanuts" off the heads of DBs.

[DMBZeppelin]

How alshon got a lazy stereotype i will never understand

Glad as shit he got it, though.
Bo is right about that one. If he doesn't get that label we never land him. So glad we might have an elite receiver his whole career.

Meanwhile 1st round pick AJ Jenkins showed up to 49ers camp fat.

Michael C. Wright ‏ @mikecwright
Couldn't tweet it earlier, but Alshon Jeffery did leave practice today because of cramps.
They said it was his left calf.

[BotheDMBFan]

Cramps happen all the time, not worried.

[Doors Allan Coe]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-signs-pointing-back-to-tackle-for-bears-williams-20120514,0,7870245.story

Williams back to Tackle?

Any chance he actually plays up to his potential?

I'm assuming Chicago is giving up less sack this season no matter what. Just the fact Cutter isn't taking 40 step drops and waiting 10 minutes for the play to develop should help out.

[cwsrule88]

Michael C. Wright ‏ @mikecwright
B4 he Jeffery left field, OC Mike Tice said, the WR was "pickin' peanuts" off the heads of DBs.

im excited to see what he will do opposite of Brandon Marshall

[Tiduwho]

I don't see how the Bears don't win at least 12 games this year.

[gocubsgo3822]

I don't see how the Bears don't win at least 12 games this year.

i was thinking 19 for real

[DMBZeppelin]

Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏@BradBiggs
With #Eagles (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Eagles) signing LeSean McCoy to 5-yr deal, plenty of folks will be more anxious for #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) to get deal done with @MattForte22 (https://twitter.com/#%21/MattForte22)

Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏@BradBiggs
Reports are McCoy got roughly $45 million over 5 years with nearly $21 mil guaranteed. McCoy had 1 yr remaining on his deal while Forte ...

Brad Biggs (https://twitter.com/#%21/BradBiggs) ‏@BradBiggs
Matt Forte's agent Adisa Bakari in town and has been here for a few days. Negotiating with #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears)? Your guess as good as mine.

[DMBZeppelin]

Marshall was cleared of all charges from the night club incident.

Also he's going to be at ESPN tomorrow. He'll be a guest analyst on the 3 p.m. (CT) NFL Live. Also going to be on Sports Center and First Take but I don't know what time.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bucs TE Winslow could interest Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bucs-te-winslow-could-interest-bears-20120521,0,2225624.story)
By Brad Biggs

When free agency opened in March, there was talk that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/tampa-bay-buccaneers-ORSPT000220.topic) were working to trade Kellen Winslow (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/kellen-winslow-PESPT0014415.topic) Jr. to the Chicago Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic). Of course, the deal the Bears got done was a much bigger one as they acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/brandon-marshall-PESPT00008889.topic) from the Miami Dolphins (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/miami-dolphins-ORSPT000189.topic).

Now, the Bucs are going to see if they can send the veteran tight end Winslow anywhere in a deal after informing him Saturday they are going in a different direction. Winslow announced the news Monday morning while appearing on SiriusXM NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/national-football-league-ORSPT000007.topic) Radio.

The Bears added to the tight end position in the draft when they selected Evan Rodriguez (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/evan-rodriguez-PESPT0015738.topic) in the fourth round from Temple. Rodriguez fits the “F” position offensive coordinator Mike Tice (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/mike-tice-PESPT0014445.topic) has been looking to fill. He has the ability to block on the perimeter and stretch the middle of the field.

Winslow, of course, is a far more skilled and experienced receiver. But wanting to trade him and being able to do so could be two different things. Winslow turns 29 this summer and he’s had knee issues throughout his career. Although he practiced only some of the time last season, he still appeared in all 16 games and caught 75 passes for 763 yards with two touchdowns.

Factor in his age and those knees with his contract -- Winslow is due to earn $3.3 million this season -- and it might be that the Bucs are forced to release him. Winslow is signed through 2014 and none of the remaining money is guaranteed. Keep in mind, the Bears got only a third-round draft pick last summer for a younger and healthier Greg Olsen (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/greg-olsen-PESPT008269.topic). So, that gives you an idea of how little the Bucs might get in trade.

There is no question Winslow will find a home this season and it will be interesting to see if the Bears are in play for him if he reaches the open market. They’ve professed ultimate faith in Kellen Davis (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/kellen-davis-PESPT0013497.topic). Interestingly, Davis shares the same agent as Winslow -- Drew Rosenhaus -- and in order for Davis to finally blossom he will need an opportunity to be the man.

[DMBZeppelin]

Last Friday Marshall spent the day at ESPN. Found some videos from it.


On 'First Take' debating with Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7945999


On Sports Center talking about his mental health and the Bears
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7946116


Short clip from NFL Live
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7949077

[Doors Allan Coe]

well i'm ready for another off season of OL musical chairs.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears sign ex-Jaguars DT Collins (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4676173/bears-sign-ex-jaguars-dt-collins)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bears) announced the signing Wednesday of defensive tackle Nate Collins (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13550/nate-collins) to a one-year contract.

Financial terms weren’t immediately disclosed.

A two-year veteran, Collins played in 13 games over the last two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/jac/jacksonville-jaguars) after coming into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2010 with the New York Giants (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyg/new-york-giants). A former standout at the University of Virginia, Collins posted 10 tackles and half a sack to go with a fumble recovery and one pass breakup.

Collins seemed to be a promising young player for Jacksonville, but the Jaguars rescinded an exclusive-rights free agent tender offer in March to the defensive tackle less than a month after a Virginia state trooper arrested and charged him with possession of marijuana.

Collins was set to appear in court on that charge on April 19.

With the signing of Collins, the club’s current roster now sits at the 90-man limit.

[gocubsgo3822]

I am very excited for this year

[Tiduwho]

Going to Vegas next week. Vegas has the Bears at 8.5 wins. 8.5.......holy wow. You can bet your ass that I'll putting money on the Bears. That's like a sucker bet. The only way I lose that is if Cutler goes down again.

Right?? I'm not just being a homer right??

[gocubsgo3822]

Bairz win 19

[DMBZeppelin]

Going to Vegas next week. Vegas has the Bears at 8.5 wins. 8.5.......holy wow. You can bet your ass that I'll putting money on the Bears. That's like a sucker bet. The only way I lose that is if Cutler goes down again.

Right?? I'm not just being a homer right??
I heard them talk on the radio like a week or two ago that Vegas had them as one of the better teams to win the Super Bowl.

8.5 is a sucker bet. Just think after 10 games last year the Bears were in 2nd place in the North, 7-3 on the season, and 6th in the NFL in scoring. Lots of analyst thought we were one of the few threats to the Packers.

Cutler, Forte, and Knox all go down with season ending injuries and Hanie is a bum. We go 1-5 in the final 6 games. Outside of Knox this same team that was doing so well is back. Except we've added Brandon Marshall, Michael Bush, Jason Campbell, Alshon Jeffery, Evan Rodriguez, and Eric Weems (basically Knox with a lot less upside) to an offense that didn't have many weapons.

We won 8 games last year. The weapons we've added, the subtraction of Martz, and giving full control of the offense to Jay makes us significantly better than last year. Not to mention the addition of Jeremy Bates is going to be huge. He's helped install a lot of Denver's passing offense from when Jay was there. Winning anything less than 10 games is a complete and utter failure.

[DMBZeppelin]

Thoughts And Observations From Bears OTAs (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/05/23/hoge-thoughts-and-observations-from-bears-otas/)
By Adam Hoge

HALAS HALL (CBS) — Here are some thoughts and observations straight from my notebook as the Bears participated in OTAs Wednesday in Lake Forest:

- You can’t make firm conclusions when players are running around in just shorts and helmets with no pads, but the Jay Cutler-Brandon Marshall connection appeared to be as advertised Wednesday. Marshall dropped a couple of balls, but Cutler squeezed a number of passes to him in tight coverage and clearly feels comfortable with his old teammate. Marshall went up and caught a few passes that would have sailed either out of bounds or into the hands of a defensive back in the past.

- Alshon Jeffrey also looks good, but you can tell he’s still a rookie. He make some great catches and any weight concerns appear to be overblown, but he received his fair share of coaching Wednesday as you would expect. At one point he slowed up on a route and wide receivers coach Darryl Drake was quick to tell him you can’t do that in the NFL.

- I have no idea what the coaches think of undrafted rookie wide receiver Chris Summers (we don’t have access to coaches during OTAs), but he stood out to me. The 6-5, 213 pound wide receiver from Liberty showed both size and quickness and made some good catches too. For a guy from Liberty, he seemed to fit in just fine on an NFL field.

- Seventh round draft pick Greg McCoy sure looked like a rookie out there. The cornerback from TCU struggled against almost every receiver he faced and at one point was beat downfield by Dane Sanzenbacher. McCoy also took punt return reps.

- Jay Cutler looked like a coach. He clearly has more input on the offense (as I wrote about here (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/05/23/bears-ota-notebook-cutler-calls-new-offense-a-breath-of-fresh-air/)) and while he’s never been afraid to voice an opinion on the field, he was communicating with his receivers more than ever in between plays. After one missed connection with Sanzenbacher, Cutler immediately jogged down field to talk to him while Jason Campbell took the next couple of reps.

- Oh yeah, Campbell. He’s not Caleb Hanie.

- Longsnapper Patrick Mannelly continues to recover from a torn ACL and stood on the sidelines Wednesday. Fullback Tyler Clutts snapped the ball on punts and struggled a little bit. His first snap sailed over punter Adam Podlesh’s head and few others went high.

- Brian Urlacher only participated in walk-through reps Wednesday. He’s still recovering from his knee injury.

- Gabe Carimi (knee) and Kellen Davis (undisclosed) also sat out.

- Chris Williams is indeed making a return to the tackle position (see what Cutler thinks about that here (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/05/23/bears-ota-notebook-cutler-calls-new-offense-a-breath-of-fresh-air/)), splitting reps with J’Marcus Webb. The rest of the No. 1 offensive line included Chris Spencer at left guard, Roberto Garza at center, Lance Louis at right guard and Mansfield Wrotto/A.J. Greene at right tackle. The Bears still expect Carimi to be their starting right tackle.

- The catch of the day went to fourth round pick Evan Rodriguez. The tight end caught a perfectly thrown pass over Charles Tillman. Tillman was quick to point out that he wasn’t allowed to hit him though, saying: “I was there. Don’t feel good about yourself, 88.”

[UCFish]

Hmmmm....knox may be out all season?

Don't like that

[Tiduwho]

Stop doubting the Bears. Stap it.

[lockman21]

9-7 is my prediction.

[skwormin]

Is it football season yet?

[DMBZeppelin]

9-7 is my prediction.

You think the Bears only got 1 win better this offseason?

[lockman21]

You think the Bears only got 1 win better this offseason?

Besides Brandon Marshall, what moves did they really make this offseason? Two backups?

Forte may still hold out, the defense didn't get any better (just older), and they never improved the weakest part of the team (the OL).

I just don't see this offseason as being that incredible.

[Tiduwho]

9-7 is my prediction.

I remember when pessimist non-believers picked the Bears to go 6-10 before last season's 7-3.....

[lockman21]

I remember when pessimist non-believers picked the Bears to go 6-10 before last season's 7-3.....

And they finished....

[FromTheMorning]

9-7 is a joke. We're looking at the best offense this team has had in our lifetime.

[DMBZeppelin]

Besides Brandon Marshall, what moves did they really make this offseason? Two backups?

Forte may still hold out, the defense didn't get any better (just older), and they never improved the weakest part of the team (the OL).

I just don't see this offseason as being that incredible.

And they finished....

Normally I respect your opinion, but this is plain dumb. Did you even watch this team last year?

[Tiduwho]

And they finished....

See, now your prior post already ruled out this argument. You can't say that "oh well, they still finished X."

Because yes, they did get two backups. In other words, we have a 7-3 team that added Brandon Marshall. They should be better this year.

But THIS TIME if Cutler and Forte both go down the Bears aren't dead in the water. This time they still have players.

[DMBZeppelin]

See, now your prior post already ruled out this argument. You can't say that "oh well, they still finished X."

Because yes, they did get two backups. In other words, we have a 7-3 team that added Brandon Marshall. They should be better this year.

But THIS TIME if Cutler and Forte both go down the Bears aren't dead in the water. This time they still have players.
Tid quit making so much sense.

How dare a Bears team that had the 6th scoring offense in the NFL at that time in November get two great backups. I mean Jason Campbell and Michael Bush could start for a lot of teams in this league. Unlike Campbell who you hope you never see. Michael Bush is going to get A LOT of meaningful carries. He's an absolute beast of a goal line back.

But I mean the Bears only added Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Eric Weems to what is now a very a deep receiving core. Dane Sanzenbacher went from a sprained ankle away from starting to not making the team.

Plus they only beefed up the special teams unit by adding a couple pro bowl caliber players. We'll find out if the draft picks are worth a damn, but every single one of them will have a role they can help fill immediately. Hardin is a special teams monster for instance. So even if he can't beat out Major Wright it's ok. Even if McClellin can't beat out Izzie for the LE end spot he's still going to be a good 3rd down specialist (Mark Anderson rookie year type role).

All this means they got one game better than last year. Even if they played without Cutler for 6 games.

[FromTheMorning]

Yeah, Lockman isn't making a whole lot of sense there.

[sean52692]

And they finished....

oops :lol

[Tiduwho]

Any rumors on Forte? Some guy is trying to tell me that there are Forte trade rumors circulating, but I see nothing on Twitter.

[DMBZeppelin]

Any rumors on Forte? Some guy is trying to tell me that there are Forte trade rumors circulating, but I see nothing on Twitter.
Forte isn't going anywhere.

The Bears tagged him this year, and they can tag him the next.

If we were rebuilding it might make sense, but this team is ready to win now. Forte will hold out until camp. After July 16th he can no longer get a long term deal from the Bears. So to hold out after that point won't help him in any way.

[bonzo48280]

Forte will get paid after this year. It's a foregone conclusion.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Besides Brandon Marshall, what moves did they really make this offseason? Two backups?

Forte may still hold out, the defense didn't get any better (just older), and they never improved the weakest part of the team (the OL).

I just don't see this offseason as being that incredible.

:lol:lol

[Doors Allan Coe]

Reports from camp seems pretty good regarding the WR core. But, I guess WRS usually looks pretty good at OTAs.

I defintely disagree with Lockman.

In my opinion the only position Chicago didn't address adequately was LT. That being said, it's not exactly and easy position to shore up. I can't fault Emery for projecting last years 1st round pick to start at RT. With the change in OC it's quite possible that the OL doesn't turn out to be such a liability. Plus, it feels like Marshall loves talking about how him and Cutler excell when the play breaks down. Last year in Martz's scheme by the time the play breaks down Cutler is usually 7 steps back trying to hit a bunch of 5'11" boney WRs. I'm expecting a huge difference under Tice.

The WR core is the best it's been in my litetime. With Forte and Bush our RBs finally pack a punch. It wasn't that long ago we used to depend on "the other" Adrian Peterson if Forte needed a breather.

Obviously we're all waiting to see how the draft picks pan out, but I'm happy with our selections. I have trouble being anything but optimistic.

Plus, how 'bout them Lions?? Fairly busted again. They seem is store for a long dramatic season.

[Tiduwho]

The lions define what it is to be Detroit scum.

[Doors Allan Coe]

How long will our starting safety tandem last this season?

Assuming Wright/Conte start together, how many games to you think until somebody gets benched?

I'm betting Wright gets hurt by week 4 and is in and out of the line-up for the rest of the season.

[DMBZeppelin]

How long will our starting safety tandem last this season?

Assuming Wright/Conte start together, how many games to you think until somebody gets benched?

I'm betting Wright gets hurt by week 4 and is in and out of the line-up for the rest of the season.
If Hardin gets a firm grasp of the playbook he'll have a decent chance to beat out Wright.

[Tiduwho]

I don't see how it's even POSSIBLE that the Bears win less than 10 games. This is going to be a slaughter-fest of a season.

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

Da Burrs.

[lockman21]

From ESPN insider's NFC's most overrated players:

Michael Bush, RB, Chicago Bears

The Bears gave Bush a four-year contract worth up to $14 million (with $7 million guaranteed) in an effort to give them leverage in the Matt Forte contract negotiation. Since Bush's 6.8 good blocking yards per attempt (GBYPA) mark ranked tied for 40th in that metric and was far below Forte's 10.7 GBYPA mark that ranked second, perhaps Chicago should have directed those dollars toward getting Forte signed instead of spending them on a low-upside insurance policy. (Note: GBYPA measures a ball carrier's productivity when given good blocking, which is roughly defined as when the offense does not allow the defense to do anything to disrupt a rush attempt.)

[DMBZeppelin]

Bush was signed to be the backup.

If Forte would have taken Bush's money than shame on the Bears.

That's not really the case. Bush is a good RB. Forte is a top 10. So metrics proving that doesn't surprise me.

[holdyouclose]

I don't see how it's even POSSIBLE that the Bears win less than 10 games. This is going to be a slaughter-fest of a season.

If Forte and Cutler stay healthy, and with the addition of Marshall, this could be a top 3 offense IMO....

[BotheDMBFan]

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/8022153/chicago-bears-jay-cutler-joins-espn-1000-weekly-show

Why wasn't I told?

[Tiduwho]

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/8022153/chicago-bears-jay-cutler-joins-espn-1000-weekly-show

Why wasn't I told?

Damn, I wish my radio wasn't so shitty and/or ESPN 1000 had a stronger signal. I'm right on the WI-IL border, and 670 the Score comes in no problem. But ESPN 1000 is usually static-land, and therefore I haven't been able to listen.

In my old car it was just fine, so it's definitely my radio signal in this one.

[Tiduwho]

I need Bears. Like now.

[DMBZeppelin]

Damn, I wish my radio wasn't so shitty and/or ESPN 1000 had a stronger signal. I'm right on the WI-IL border, and 670 the Score comes in no problem. But ESPN 1000 is usually static-land, and therefore I haven't been able to listen.

In my old car it was just fine, so it's definitely my radio signal in this one.
It's not your signal. You probably had a really powerful radio before.

670 is a clear channel (don't confuse this with the company). Which means no other radio station in this country broadcast on 670 AM. Same deal with 720 AM WGN. That's why people can hear Cubs games in Iowa.

At night radio waves can bounce off the ionosphere and travel crazy distances. During the day both the Score and ESPN broadcast at 50,000 watts. At night ESPN broadcast somewhere in the 20k-30k range in most directions (as to not interfere with other 1000's). It might actually just be 20k. So your chances of hearing it far outside Chicago at night are minimal.

[OneSwtWld34]

It's not your signal. You probably had a really powerful radio before.

670 is a clear channel (don't confuse this with the company). Which means no other radio station in this country broadcast on 670 AM. Same deal with 720 AM WGN. That's why people can hear Cubs games in Iowa.

At night radio waves can bounce off the ionosphere and travel crazy distances. During the day both the Score and ESPN broadcast at 50,000 watts. At night ESPN broadcast somewhere in the 20k-30k range in most directions (as to not interfere with other 1000's). It might actually just be 20k. So your chances of hearing it far outside Chicago at night are minimal.

That's some good info to know!

I often drive back to Indy from either Chicago or Kenosha and it seems like I lose ESPN1000 before I'm even off the Skyway in Indiana. Kinda sucks if there's a good game on that I want to listen to...

[FromTheMorning]

Anyone scoping out potential games to go to this year?

[Styx Cover Band]

Did you guys see ticket prices were raised? 400 level went from $74 a ticket to $101. I'd rather watch from home anyway,

Source (http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/8158339/chicago-bears-increase-ticket-prices-non-season-ticket-holders)

[DMBZeppelin]

Well hopefully they can get this done in the next couple of days before the July 16th deadline.

http://www.cbssports.com/columns/story/19573349/franchised-players-near-deadline;-brees-forte-branch-might-get-deals

League sources said there has been considerable progress between the Bears and Matt Forte (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/559687/matt-forte) as well. There are still issues to hash out regarding the average per year on the deal over the first three years, and how it could compare to say Marshawn Lynch's new deal, but there has been movement on what the deal might look like over five years.

[FromTheMorning]

4 year deal worth $32 million for Forte.
http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/8170553/matt-forte-chicago-bears-agree-4-year-32m-contract-source-says

[MPizzle06]

Deal is done.

4 years, averaging $8M per

[cwsrule88]

nice got that done with.

[bonzo48280]

Boner jamz 2012

[BotheDMBFan]

Thank god.

[DMBZeppelin]

Andrew Brandt (https://twitter.com/adbrandt) ‏@adbrandt
Forte/Rice deals not exactly as reported. Forte is $28M/4 w/$4M of escalator/incentives. Rice is $35M/5 w/$5M in escalators.


I'm not sure how true the above is, but either way pretty happy Forte got a deal done. With Urlacher's deal up after this season, and Cutler the year after that. It's nice to have this out of the way. Plus I'm sure Cutler enjoys the fact he's got another weapon signed long term. Phil Emery owns.

[DMBZeppelin]

What a deal.

@JasonLaCanfora: Full Forte contract: $4M sign bonus, $5M roster bonus in '12, $800k base sal. $4m roster bonus in '13; $1.7m base. $5.5M base '14, $6.65 '15

[DMBCubs25]

Glad this thing is over with. Time to focus on camp.

[Tiduwho]

This is apparently what Phil Emery looks like when he's "upbeat". Can't wait to see what he looks like when he's pissed.

[lockman21]

What a deal.

@JasonLaCanfora: Full Forte contract: $4M sign bonus, $5M roster bonus in '12, $800k base sal. $4m roster bonus in '13; $1.7m base. $5.5M base '14, $6.65 '15

Zach, do you know how all this adds up regarding the salary cap?

[DMBZeppelin]

Zach, do you know how all this adds up regarding the salary cap?
What specifically do you want to know?

We got more space this year from the deal. We now have a little over $4 mil to spend if need be. Overall this deal is very club friendly. Forte took a deal he probably didn't want to take. We could easily cut him in years 3 or 4 if we wanted to without really hurting the cap.

[lockman21]

What specifically do you want to know?

We got more space this year from the deal. We now have a little over $4 mil to spend if need be. Overall this deal is very club friendly. Forte took a deal he probably didn't want to take. We could easily cut him in years 3 or 4 if we wanted to without really hurting the cap.

I'm just extremely ignorant as far as the NFL cap situation goes. When all that is being paid over bonuses, do those count the same against the cap as the base salary does in the NFL?

[Doors Allan Coe]

I'm just extremely ignorant as far as the NFL cap situation goes. When all that is being paid over bonuses, do those count the same against the cap as the base salary does in the NFL?

I'm not up to date on the new CBA but I feel like a players bonus is spread over time. I'm not even sure if it's the entire bonus or a percentage of it...

[DMBZeppelin]

@ZachZaidman: Bears announce they've acquired DT Brian Price in trade with Tampa Bay for undisclosed draft pick next season.

@ZachZaidman: Price was selected in the second round (35th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers out of UCLA.

@ZachZaidman: Price is 6-1, 303-pounder, started 14 of 20 games played in two seasons, recording 27 tackles (23 solo) and three sacks.

@ZachZaidman: In 2011, Price started 14 of 15 games played with 24 tackles (20 solo) and three sacks.

@DParrPFW: Price played nose tackle in Bucs' 4-3 defense. Felt like DT was #Bears' weakest position, depth-wise, before today. Price helps if healthy.

[DMBZeppelin]

Cutler and Marshall on The Score for an hour starting at 6 p.m. (25 min from now)

[BotheDMBFan]

I liked watching Price at UCLA. I hope he can live up to his hype with us and Rod coaching him.

[DMBZeppelin]

Can't argue with the price.

Sean Jensen (https://twitter.com/seankjensen) ‏@seankjensen
Regarding Brian Price, #Bears (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23Bears) were able to land him for a seventh-round pick because he needed a fresh start, with a new regime coming in, and the Bucs were willing to oblige. Of course, they would have liked to get more value in return, since he was a second-round pick. For the Bears, this is a very easy, calculated risk. If they're patient with him, they could get a star. He's got excellent feet and power for his size.

[BotheDMBFan]

LOL THAT WAS A PUN!!!!

Gud jawb.

[Tiduwho]

Need to get back in the Bears avatar swing of things. Should I go with old reliable?

Cutler with the smile people love to hate (http://schmoesknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/jay-cutler-bears.jpg)

[BotheDMBFan]

I think we should all use the Middle Finger Cutler.

[Tiduwho]

K let's get back to talking about Bairz

[DMBZeppelin]

I was at training camp on the 1st.

I'll just say this. The Bears are REALLY good.

It's still a new offense. There will still be hiccups. With good additions to the defense and special teams. This offense just needs to be better than last year. As far as I can tell that goal is accomplished. With Marshall we finally have a guy who's open at all times. I like what I saw from Jeffery, but he's still raw. The 4th round tight end seems like he's going to contribute right away. The key is just everyone staying healthy. The o-line isn't going to be good. It just needs to not be the worst.

[DMBZeppelin]

At Bears camp, Brandon, Brown, Collins, Frey and Golden have turned heads (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/14218550-606/at-bears-camp-brandon-brown-collins-frey-and-golden-have-turned-heads.html)
By Sean Jensen

At training camp, you expect to see Brandon Marshall make one-handed catches in the end zone, Matt Forte burst through holes, Charles Tillman intercept passes and Robbie Gould drill long field goals.

They’re Pro Bowl-caliber players who are locks to make the 53-man roster.

But through eight practices, some young players fighting for roster spots have made quick impressions. Second-year defensive tackle Stephen Paea elevating his play and rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery flashing his immense potential can’t be deemed surprises because both were second-round picks. But several unheralded players are turning some heads and making some noise.

Here’s a closer look at five who’ve sparkled:

1. OT Cory Brandon, 6-7, 324 pounds, Oklahoma, second NFL season — Entering the 2010 college season, Brandon was on the Outland Trophy watch list. But he plummeted to third team on the depth chart and went undrafted in 2011. His only NFL experience was spending the preseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But since joining the Bears, he has showcased his tantalizing combination of size and athleticism at right tackle.

“Everyone is now seeing what’ll happen when confidence meets ability,” his agent, Mark Magazu, said. “That’s really the difference.”

If Brandon continues his development, he might threaten the job security of Chris Williams, a former first-round pick who is set to make $1 million if he makes the 53-man roster. After initially competing with J’Marcus Webb to start at left tackle, Williams has spent the last few days backing up Gabe Carimi on the right side.

2. OT James Brown, 6-4, 306 pounds, Troy, rookie — A two-year starter at Troy, Brown went undrafted but had at least five teams interested in him. Brown made a decision as soon as he heard from the Bears.

“I was born in Chicago, so this has been my favorite team since Day 1,” Brown said. “This has been a gift from God.”

Born at St. Bernard Hospital on the South Side, Brown’s family moved to Mississippi when he was 5. In 2005, he was a state weightlifting champion.

Brown has fared well against Bears first-round pick Shea McClellin in one-on-one drills, and he has plenty of upside. On Wednesday, he worked as the backup to Webb at left tackle with Williams sliding over to the right side.

“That was a very big surprise,” Brown said. “I found out right before we came out here on the field. I’m feeling pretty good. I’m learning more and more every day.”

3. DT Nate Collins, 6-2, 296 pounds, Virginia, third NFL season *— An undrafted free agent, Collins started his career with the New York Giants on their practice squad but landed a roster spot with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played in 13 games over two seasons. This offseason, more than a half-dozen teams were interested in him, but he signed a one-year deal with the Bears.

On July 20, the NFL announced that Collins had been suspended one game without pay for violating the league’s substance-abuse program.
Collins, though, has shown explosiveness and power, athletic traits that shouldn’t come as a surprise because he played fullback, tailback, tight end, wide receiver, defensive tackle, linebacker and quarterback in high school. Collins also lettered in basketball and baseball.

4. CB Isaiah Frey, 6-0, 190 pounds, Nevada, rookie — Although he’s a draft pick, Frey wasn’t taken until the sixth round, which means he’s far from a shoo-in to secure a roster spot. A three-year starter at Nevada, Frey has distinguished himself with his ferocity. He uses his size well and seems to pick his spots wisely when trying to make a big hit or a big play. As a senior, Frey had 16 pass break-ups and picked off five passes. There seems to be plenty of competition for cornerback spots after Tillman, Tim Jennings and D.J. Moore. Veteran Kelvin Hayden has fared well, and Jonathan Wilhite has had his share of highs and lows.

5. WR Brittan Golden, 5-11, 186 pounds, West Texas A&M, rookie — There are a lot of players ahead of him on the depth chart, but Golden hasn’t been deterred, making his share of highlight catches in camp. He lacks blazing speed but has excellent hands and a knack for making difficult catches in traffic. At West Texas A&M, he finished second in school history with 3,007 receiving yards and scored 33 touchdowns.
Golden also has a great attitude.

“I try to come in every day with the mind-set that I can compete at this level and try to disregard the fact that I’m playing with guys I’ve looked up to my entire life,” he said. “You just got to let that go and realize that you’re here to play, too.”

His goal? “Just have to make an impression and hope the coaches notice,” he said.

[DMBZeppelin]

Posting the above just so you know who to watch during the pre-season besides the draft picks. I will say Brittan Golden was looking good the day I was there. Sanzenbacher was still looking good himself. Brittan wears #82 and during practice he ran a fly route right down the seam. Someone hit him deep and someone was flipping out "WE'RE FINALLY USING A TIGHT END IN THIS OFFENSE!" didn't have the heart to tell him the 5'11" guy was actually a wide receiver.

Oh and McClellin is small. I asked him some questions and he's just a small guy for an NFL player. I can't believe he's a defensive end.

[DMBZeppelin]

WR Devin Thomas, 25 years old, the special teamer we signed in the off-season has decided to retire.

Weird that he's giving up on an NFL career so quickly. Not that he's a star, but he likely would have made the team.

[Doors Allan Coe]

WR Devin Thomas, 25 years old, the special teamer we signed in the off-season has decided to retire.

Weird that he's giving up on an NFL career so quickly. Not that he's a star, but he likely would have made the team.

I can live with that.

I'm happy it opens up a WR spot.

Marshall
Hester
Bennett
Jeffery
Weems

one, maybe two more? I can't see the Bears keeping 7 WRs...

[DMBZeppelin]

I can live with that.

I'm happy it opens up a WR spot.

Marshall
Hester
Bennett
Jeffery
Weems

one, maybe two more? I can't see the Bears keeping 7 WRs...

Cutler is a Sanzenbacher fan. When Bennett missed time in practice today Dane got time with the 1's. He's basically the backup slot guy.

Bears would never keep 7 WR's. I just hope Brittan doesn't have too good of a pre-season and we can sign him to the practice squad.

[Tiduwho]

I can live with that.

I'm happy it opens up a WR spot.

Marshall
Hester
Bennett
Jeffery
Weems

one, maybe two more? I can't see the Bears keeping 7 WRs...

It's probably between Sanzenbacher and that Brittan kid, with a large edge to Sanz. How well does Brittan play special teams? Sanz is a non-point there.

You really want to have your 5th and 6th WRs be special teams contributors, otherwise, you'll probably never have a reason to dress more than 5. Sometimes dressing 4, if we're going to keep 3 tight ends all in the weekly mix and involved in the passing game.

[DMBZeppelin]

It's probably between Sanzenbacher and that Brittan kid, with a large edge to Sanz. How well does Brittan play special teams?

If I had to guess he's a return option, but I can't see him doing much else. He's got good hands though. Curious to watch him in the pre-season.

[Tiduwho]

Hey Zep, heard any "I think the Bears should draft that Ussain Bolt guy..." callers yet?

[Tiduwho]

Hey Zep, heard any "I think the Bears should draft that Ussain Bolt guy..." callers yet?

They are out there, trust me. :lol


"I remember we had that Willie Gault...we could just put him out on a fly route and lob it up to him and...."

[DMBZeppelin]

Hey Zep, heard any "I think the Bears should draft that Ussain Bolt guy..." callers yet?

Haven't had this honor yet, but I'm sure one of the producers have.

Ussain Bolt = former Bear Airese Currie.

Who?

Exactly.

[DMBZeppelin]

After Sam Hurd and then Devin Thomas not working out. The Bears have brought back Rashied Davis.

[Tiduwho]

Woo hoo Shied is back! :multi

He was always a good special teamer. We paying him the league minimum?

[Doors Allan Coe]

I'm think I'm as excited as Brandon Marshall.

The Marshall ball flipping penalty toward Cutler is going to be legendary. For once in my life let the Bears win it all.

[BotheDMBFan]

Devin Thomas retired?

[DMBZeppelin]

Cutler with a shot at Angelo :lol

Also sorry Rashied but Cutler has spoken.


WRs have Cutler in the spirit of the season (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4676897/wrs-cutler-full-of-the-spirit-of-the-season)

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Chicago Bears (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bears) quarterback Jay Cutler (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9597/jay-cutler) notices a major difference in the talent level at receiver from when he first joined the team in 2009 to now, and credits the club’s personnel department led by new general manager Phil Emery.

Upon reporting for training camp, Cutler characterized the situation with all the new offensive weaponry “like Christmas.”

And now?

“It’s like Easter,” Cutler said, smiling. “We’re still in holidays. We’ve got a lot of guys. It’s fun; got a lot of weapons. Even the (undrafted rookie) free-agent receivers we’ve got, they’re getting better and better. They’re asking questions. I think Phil Emery and the scouting department, you could definitely tell the difference in the three years I was here (before) to (now). Even the guys that didn’t get drafted can play football.”
Players such as Brittan Golden (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15564/brittan-golden), Chris Summers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15524/chris-summers), Terriun Crump (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15553/terriun-crump) and Joe Anderson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15659/joe-anderson) fall into that category, but Cutler singled out second-year veteran Dane Sanzenbacher (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14304/dane-sanzenbacher) for what he’s done so far at training camp while acknowledging the difficulty the former Ohio State standout might have in making the roster.

It’s unknown how many receivers the club plans to keep, but it appears at least five of the potential roster spots are locked down by Brandon Marshall (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9705/brandon-marshall), Alshon Jeffery (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14912/alshon-jeffery), Devin Hester (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9643/devin-hester), Eric Weems (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10770/eric-weems) and Earl Bennett (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11304/earl-bennett).

“Yeah, it’s gonna be tough. I don’t know how many we’re gonna keep,” Cutler said. A lot of the guys contribute on special teams. Dane (Sanzenbacher) and Eric Weems, they’re right there with those guys. You’ll have to make a hard case to cut either one of those guys because they’re good; definitely gonna get picked up somewhere else, and they’re definitely gonna contribute somewhere else if we do let them go.”

As for Sanzenbacher specifically, Cutler says if “you watch the film on Dane, you have to keep him (from) a quarterback’s perspective.”

“I know there’s numbers, (and) he’s got to contribute with (special teams coordinator) Dave (Toub) and the special teams group,” Cutler said. “But every single day he’s come out, he’s catching balls. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. He’s gonna be hard to let go if we have to.”

[Tiduwho]

The Great White Hope.....never forget...

[skwormin]

so fucking excited for this season

[lockman21]

Surprised no one in here is talking about WTF is going on with 54.

[Tiduwho]

Without Urlacher we are basically finished....