The Bear’s Den, May 27, 2022
2 HRS AGO - Chicago Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) looks on during the the Chicago Bears OTA Expand
2 HRS AGO - Chicago Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) looks on during the the Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workouts on May 24, 2022 at Halas Hall | Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rookies looking good for Chicago at OTA’s... THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL
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Bears Insider podcast 265: Teven Jenkins moves to right tackle. Where does the o-line stand? – Shaw Local - The Bears continued OTAs this week with Teven Jenkins lining up at right tackle. Hub Arkush, Sean Hammond and Kyle Nabors discuss the latest news and notes from Halas Hall.
Chicago Bears: TE Cole Kmet has room for growth in Year 3 - Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet has room for growth in Year 3. Could more experience with Justin Fields and Luke Getsy's new offense facilitate it?
Chicago Bears Q&A: What position has biggest holes? - Chicago Tribune - Now that free agency is mostly over, where is the Chicago Bears roster most deficient? Brad Biggs answers your Bears questions weekly.
CHGO Bears Collapse
Jenkins and Borom settling into the tackle spots
1 DAY AGO - Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Second year offensive lineman Teven Jenkins met the Expand
1 DAY AGO - Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Second year offensive lineman Teven Jenkins met the media yesterday following the Chicago Bears OTA practice, and he said his understanding is that right now he’ll be focusing on right tackle.
That’s not to say things won’t change at some point, but this offseason it has appeared that the new regime is giving Jenkins every chance to succeed at right tackle, while fellow second year o-lineman Larry Borom is getting the first crack at left tackle.
Jenkins, a second round draft pick a year ago, played primarily right tackle in college at Oklahoma State, but he was moved to the left side shortly after being drafted.
“It’s nice, and I do look forward to keep on getting reps at right tackle,” Jenkins said yesterday, “It’s about being the best I can be for the team and how can I elevate my play from what I was doing in college, what I was doing last year, to now. I’m trying to elevate everything about myself, mentally and physically.”
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The Bear’s Den, May 25, 2022
2 DAYS AGO - Chicago Bears defensive back A.J. Thomas (21) looks on during the the Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Chicago Bears defensive back A.J. Thomas (21) looks on during the the Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workouts on May 24, 2022 at Halas Hall | Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
News from OTA’s plus more on Arlington Heights as a possible new stadium location THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL
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Bears coach notices Eddie Jackson 'in a good place' at OTAs - RSN - The play of Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker will be important for Matt Eberflus' defense to hit the ground running.
Bears' Teven Jenkins wants to earn Matt Eberflus', Ryan Poles' trust - RSN - The offensive lineman has moved from left tackle to right tackle, and lost weight to play faster.
Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker already showcasing rare skills at Bears OTAs - RSN - Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker have been as advertised early on at OTAs.
Yo! Matt Eberflus Had Cornerback Jaylon Johnson Running With the 2nd Team Defense - Bleacher Nation - This isn't something I want to blow out of proportion. But Collapse
Bears’ international markets, comp pick update, OTA roster, and more
2 DAYS AGO - Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Some recent nuggets about the Bears and the NFL... Earlier Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Some recent nuggets about the Bears and the NFL... Earlier today the NFL announced an expansion of their International Home Marketing Areas (IMHA) that went into effect earlier this year, with the Los Angeles Rams adding New Zealand as their fourth IHMA and the Philadelphia Eagles gaining access to Australia, New Zealand, and Ghana, making them the first NFL club to enter a market in Africa.
In case you missed the announcement about the Chicago Bears’ IMHA from earlier this year, Chicago has Spain, which they share with the Miami Dolphins, as well as the United Kingdom, which they share with the Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL’s press release states, “The International HMA initiative, which launched in January of this year, grants NFL clubs access to international territories for marketing, fan engagement and commercialization as part of an important, long-term, strategic Collapse
Johnson views third season as 'complete reset
3 DAYS AGO - Cornerback Jaylon Johnson has emerged as one of the Bears’ top ascending young players. But with a Expand
3 DAYS AGO - Cornerback Jaylon Johnson has emerged as one of the Bears’ top ascending young players. But with a new coaching staff taking over, he feels like he has to prove himself all over again. Collapse
2023 Bears mock draft: Early 3-round predictions
5 DAYS AGO - Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears won’t be on the clock in the 2023 NFL Draft for Expand
5 DAYS AGO - Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears won’t be on the clock in the 2023 NFL Draft for another 11 months, but the draft is a yearlong activity! Preparing for the NFL Draft is a yearlong activity, and while the Bears just finished the 2022 draft a few weeks ago, it’s never too early to look towards the future.
If anything, this year is as good of a year to prepare for the draft 11 months in advance as any. The Bears are on track to have selections in each of the first three rounds for the first time since 2016, and while the same thing was said before they traded up for Justin Fields in 2020, it’s unlikely the new regime will be moving up significantly in the draft anytime soon.
Barring something unforeseen, it appears unlikely the Bears will be in the playoffs at the end of the 2022 season. I used the NFL Mock Draft Database draft simulator for the mock, which has the Bears picking at selections Nos. 8, 40 and 72. While there’s obviously a chance they do either better or Collapse
The Bear’s Den, May 20, 2022
7 DAYS AGO - Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones speaks at a news conference during team’s rookie Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones speaks at a news conference during team’s rookie minicamp at Halas Hall | Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
A huge round of promotions propel the Bears scouting department in a new direction THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL
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There is a Buzz Building Around Bears Rookie Cornerback Kyler Gordon - Bleacher Nation - Second-round pick Kyler Gordon is already making a strong impression on Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus.
Bears make changes in scouting, football administration - 670 The Score - New Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles announced a series of promotions and changes to his scouting department and football administration staff.
2 Bears to take part in NFL’s new diversity hiring program - 670 The Score - Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham and defensive coordinator Alan Williams will attend next week’s NFL’s inaugural Coach and Front Office Accelerator program, a two-day networking seminar with league Collapse
Bears GM Poles announces staff promotions
7 DAYS AGO - Bears general manger Ryan Poles on Wednesday announced several promotions involving the team’s Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Bears general manger Ryan Poles on Wednesday announced several promotions involving the team’s scouting staff and football administration department. Collapse
Roquan Smith extension talks could heat up soon
5/18/2022 - Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Chicago Bears have done a Expand
5/18/2022 - Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Chicago Bears have done a tremendous job in turning over the roster in just one offseason under new general manager Ryan Poles, and 2022 is all about figuring out what pieces of the current roster is fit to be a part of the future of the franchise. There are several young players that will be under contract after this season is over, but the face of the defense, Roquan Smith, is entering the final year on his rookie contract.
Since the Bears picked up his fifth-year option he’ll be making $9,735,000 in 2022, but a contract extension could alter that figure, and per a recent article on ESPN from Jeremy Fowler, that could happen very soon.
“Expect talks between the Bears and Smith to heat up some time this summer,” Fowler writes in the Insider piece. “Even other Bears players close to free agency believe Smith is the priority for Chicago and new GM Ryan Poles.”
While many teams are passing on paying inside linebackers Collapse
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Two Bears land on a top quarterbacks and receivers list
13 HRS AGO - Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Fields and Darnell Mooney are getting some love from Expand
13 HRS AGO - Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Fields and Darnell Mooney are getting some love from the national media. Pro Football Network recently came out with their rankings of the top 32 quarterbacks and wide receivers for the upcoming season. For the Bears' representation, things look about as expected.
Justin Fields is No. 24 overall on the quarterbacks' list. This isn’t too surprising, considering Fields still has a lot to prove following a rookie campaign where he threw only seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions. However, Fields's clear potential last season was enough to rank him above fellow draft mates Davis Mills and Zach Wilson, who ranked 25th and 26th, respectively.
Meanwhile, Darnell Mooney placed No. 27 overall on the wideout ranking. While Mooney did post his first 1,000-yard campaign last year, it remains to be seen how the third-year pro will do in the WR1 role following Allen Robinson’s departure this off-season.
A couple of other tidbits worth Collapse
Rookie DBs generating takeaways in practice
1 DAY AGO - Through the Bears rookie minicamp and first five OTA practices, top draft picks Kyler Gordon—a Expand
1 DAY AGO - Through the Bears rookie minicamp and first five OTA practices, top draft picks Kyler Gordon—a cornerback from Washington—and Jaquan Brisker—a safety from Penn State—have excelled in a vital aspect of the game. Collapse
Kmet optimistic about role in Bears' new offense
2 DAYS AGO - Having studied his playbook since the start of the offseason program April 4, tight end Cole Kmet Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Having studied his playbook since the start of the offseason program April 4, tight end Cole Kmet is excited about the role he envisions playing in the Bears’ new offense. Collapse
Quick Hits: Blasingame brings versatility to Bears
2 DAYS AGO - Signed in March, Khari Blasingame is the first true fullback on the Bears roster since Michael Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Signed in March, Khari Blasingame is the first true fullback on the Bears roster since Michael Burton in 2018. But Blasingame isn’t an old-school fullback who can only contribute as a lead blocker. Collapse
The Bear’s Den, May 23, 2022
4 DAYS AGO - Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
OTA’s resume today at Halas Hall THE Expand
4 DAYS AGO - Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
OTA’s resume today at Halas Hall THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL
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CHGO Bears Podcast: Ranking the Chicago Bears Top-10 offseason moves - CHGO - In this episode, the guys rank the Chicago Bears’ 2022 offseason moves. Here’s their top-10.
Bears giving quarterback Justin Fields room to grow - Chicago Sun-Times - Last year, the quarterbacks room wasn’t designed to serve Fields alone.
Bears should only trade Robert Quinn for Von Miller-type offer - RSN - Robert Quinn should be viewed as a key piece of the Bears’ rebuild. Ryan Poles shouldn’t only part with the veteran pass rusher if given an offer that is too good to pass up.
Justin Fields Comes to the Defense of His Receiving Corps - Bleacher Nation - One thing I think we’ll see more out of Justin Fields is an increase in public displays of leadership. It can be challenging to establish yourself as a
National Media Missing Justin Fields Story Because They Don’t Actually Collapse
Patrick embracing role as tone-setter on O-line
6 DAYS AGO - Veteran center Lucas Patrick is enjoying serving as the offensive lineman with a nasty demeanor Expand
6 DAYS AGO - Veteran center Lucas Patrick is enjoying serving as the offensive lineman with a nasty demeanor the Bears were seeking during the offseason, saying: "It's definitely a challenge and I’m loving it." Collapse
Bears’ Ian Cunningham and Alan Williams to attend the NFL’s Accelerator Program
7 DAYS AGO - Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday the NFL announced it intends to host its Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday the NFL announced it intends to host its inaugural Coach and Front Office Accelerator on May 23 and 24 at the Spring League Meeting in Atlanta.
In a press release from the league the event is described as follows; “More than 60 diverse head coach and general manager candidates from all 32 clubs and the League office will come together for leadership development and networking opportunities.”
The Chicago Bears will have two representatives attending in assistant general manager Ian Cunningham and defensive coordinator Alan Williams. Both Cunningham and Williams are in their first year with the Bears and were nominated by the club to attend.
“The NFL is committed to diversity and inclusion, and this program is the latest in a series of steps designed to improve our hiring practices and create opportunities for advancement,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “The program helps ensure that clubs receive exposure to Collapse
5 things we learned from Bears offensive coaches
7 DAYS AGO - Speaking to the media, Bears offensive position coaches discussed running back David Montgomery's Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Speaking to the media, Bears offensive position coaches discussed running back David Montgomery's determination to improve, receiver Darnell Mooney's hunger and more. Collapse
Chalk Talk: How are Bears handling captains?
5/18/2022 - Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the importance of team captains, the best players drafted by Expand
5/18/2022 - Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the importance of team captains, the best players drafted by the Bears after the seventh round and if this year’s Week 14 bye is the latest in Bears history. Collapse
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The Bear’s Den, May 26, 2022
1 DAY AGO - Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) is upended by Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Expand
1 DAY AGO - Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) is upended by Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) on a first down reception in the first quarter during their football game Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Lambeau Field | Appleton Post-Crescent-USA TODAY NETWORK
All the news you need from OTA’s, right here, right now THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL
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Why Jaylon Johnson running with Bears’ second team at OTAs isn’t big deal - RSN - Jaylon Johnson knows he has to prove himself to the new coaching staff. Matt Eberflus appears to be challenging his star corner early on.
Bears’ tight end Cole Kmet excited for role in Luke Getsy’s offense - RSN - Kmet pointed to the success of George Kittle, Robert Tonyan and others in similar offensive schemes.
Could Thomas Graham create slot cornerback competition for Bears? - RSN - Most expect Tavon Young to be the Bears’ starting slot corner. But Thomas Graham is putting in work to be good and could push for the starting job in Collapse
Quick Hits: Fields displaying deep-ball accuracy
1 DAY AGO - Bears coach Matt Eberflus has been impressed with Justin Fields throughout the offseason program, Expand
1 DAY AGO - Bears coach Matt Eberflus has been impressed with Justin Fields throughout the offseason program, but one aspect of the young quarterback’s game has stood out above everything else. Collapse
Bears 2022 OTAs: Jaylon Johnson starts with Chicago’s second-team defense
2 DAYS AGO - Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
It seems the Bears’ new coaching staff is making the Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
It seems the Bears’ new coaching staff is making the third-year pro re-earn his stripes. The Bears began their second week of OTAs on Tuesday and there was no shortage of relevant news, especially for this time of year.
One of the more notable tidbits had to do with Jaylon Johnson, Chicago’s reigning CB1.
Or is he? If we’re going to read the actions (NOT the words) of Matt Eberflus and the rest of his new coaching staff: It seems Johnson has to win back some of the approval he earned over the first two years of his pro career.
#Bears HC Matt Eberflus had Kyler Gordon and Kindle Vildor starting at CB in practice. Jaylon Johnson was second string. Eberflus suggested that we not read into that. That it is a conditioning thing for Jaylon Johnson. Safety Jaquan Brisker was running with the ones.— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) May 24, 2022
One Kindle Vildor next to rookie Kyler Gordon on the Bears’ respective defensive boundaries? Uh, Collapse
The Bear’s Den, May 24, 2022
3 DAYS AGO - Chicago Bears players stretch during team’s rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. | Kamil Krzaczynski-USA Expand
3 DAYS AGO - Chicago Bears players stretch during team’s rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. | Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Week two of OTA’s is underway as the Bears “power rankings” look grim THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL
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3 Chicago Bears storylines to watch, including Justin Fields versus Mac Jones — and Lucas Patrick’s nasty edge – Chicago Tribune - Troy Aikman has set the bar for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields' second season: “Does he help the team win?”
One Bears question for each position group as OTAs continue - RSN - Can Justin Fields prove he's the guy? What will we get from Cole Kmet? Josh Schrock looks at one question facing each position group as we enter Week 2 of OTAs.
Can Bears get 'nice surprise' from Teven Jenkins, Larry Borom in 2022? - RSN - Whether or not Larry Borom and Teven Jenkins can hold up on the outside will determine if that unit derails Chicago's season and hampers Justin Fields' development.
NFL Power Rankings: Bears bottom five in Peter Collapse
Breaking down Justin Fields’ mechanics, Luke Getsy’s offense, and more
4 DAYS AGO - Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We got some coach-speak going on in Expand
4 DAYS AGO - Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We got some coach-speak going on in our latest T Formation Conversation! In my latest T Formation Conversation podcast (also streaming live on our 2nd City Gridiron video channel) I’m joined by a longtime personal friend, Dave Scarbro, to talk some Chicago Bears. I’ve known Dave since high school, but what makes him uniquely qualified to talk football with me is his 20 plus years experience coaching youth and high school football.
He was a part of former Bear player Glen Kozlowski’s first high school coaching staff and he followed Koz to two other high schools during his coaching career. Dave’s coaching experience has always been spent on the offensive side of the game, with most of his emphasis spent with the quarterbacks and the offensive linemen.
Check us out right here as we get into Justin Fields’ mechanics, the evolution of the Mike Shanahan offense, some specifics to watch for with the outside zone scheme Bears’ Collapse
The future of Robert Quinn
6 DAYS AGO - Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A few weeks ago it was reported that several teams were Expand
6 DAYS AGO - Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A few weeks ago it was reported that several teams were interested in trading for Chicago Bears pass rusher Robert Quinn, but it was also reported that the Bears were not actively shopping him. At that time Quinn even addressed the rumors of a trade and indicated he was hoping to stay in Chicago, but things may have changed.
“I continue to hear that Quinn wants out of Chicago,” writes CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.
And yes, I know La Canfora’s Bears’ nuggets haven’t exactly come to fruition very often, and this could just be him connecting some dots and making assumptions about Quinn, but a trade does seem likely eventually.
La Canfora writes that there are a “host of interested teams,” and all the interest from other organizations is “not lost on the veteran defensive end.”
Quinn doesn’t strike me as a guy that would make a hullabaloo over wanting out, but it makes sense for Quinn to be open to a trade if one were to happen. With the 2022 Bears Collapse
Cunningham, Williams to attend accelerator program
7 DAYS AGO - Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham and defensive coordinator Alan Williams will attend Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham and defensive coordinator Alan Williams will attend the inaugural NFL Coach and Front Office Accelerator Program early next week in Atlanta. Collapse
The Bear’s Den, May 19, 2022
5/19/2022 - Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) runs with the football in action during the Chicago Expand
5/19/2022 - Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) runs with the football in action during the Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workouts on May 17, 2022 at Halas Hall | Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
There was an interception in OTA’s? Bears fans GASP in dismay! Fans learn the pass was by Trevor Siemian and resume breathing THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL
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A Roquan Smith Extension is a ‘Top Priority’ For the New Bears Brass - Bleacher Nation - Whether this summer or otherwise, it seems that the Bears’ new front office is committed to making Roquan Smith the priority he should be.
Bears’ faith in Luke Getsy bodes well for Justin Fields’ future - RSN - Luke Getsy has made his players better at every stop in his career. Justin FIelds is up next.
CHGO Bears Podcast: State of the Chicago Bears: Big Dave Goes Deep in CHGO Crossover - CHGO - In this episode, CHGO Bulls' Big Dave joins the show to talk Bears draft, OTAs, offseason moves and more!
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