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[Chicago Bears]

Assessing The Chicago Bears’ Offseason Progress and What Could Be Next

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Following the busiest start to the NFL offseason in quite some time for the Chicago Bears, it’s time for everyone to catch their breath. We’ll examine the team’s previous moves and what could be on the horizon before late April’s draft.

Once the regular season ended in early January, free agency was a lifetime away for most Chicago Bears fans. Following a disappointing (5-12) season, everyone knew big changes were on the horizon. It started with an expansive head coaching search that saw 18 candidates interviewed. Once the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson became official and his coaching staff was put in place, it became clear that the trenches would be a primary focus of the offseason.

General manager Ryan Poles has seen just 15 wins in his first three years in Chicago. He stepped into the build with a clear vision in mind: Tear an aging roster down to the studs and rebuild it the right way. Although the results have not been as hoped, a new head coach has brought forth new philosophical changes. The failures of the last three seasons have been drastically improved (on paper), and the draft is still six weeks away. Although there is plenty of work still to be done, the Bears appear to have turned over a new leaf regarding how they approach their roster building.

We’ll dive into their moves so far, where they stand in their current cap space situation, and what could be next before late April’s draft in Detroit, where they’ll hold four picks in the Top 72.

Needs Addressed So Far​

RG Jonah Jackson

Acquired from Los Angeles Rams for a 2025 6th-round pick

Once Trey Smith was franchise-tagged in Kansas City, the Bears’ path to rebuilding their interior offensive line became considerably more difficult. Although Smith was never a guarantee for Chicago, had he reached the open market, the odds appeared to be in Poles’ favor to land a player he helped draft. Instead, the front office and newly-minted coaching staff took a long, hard look at the free agent market and realized that creativity was needed.

When it was first speculated that Jackson would be on the trading block, some fans scoffed at the idea of him being an option for the Bears. All of this, despite him spending his entire four-year rookie contract with Johnson in the building. Albeit inheriting two years and $34.5 million of Jackson’s contract while giving the Rams a draft pick in return did not look great out of the gate, the opening days of free agency have given the Bears’ decision some credence. Aaron Banks, who has been the definition of inconsistent through three years of starting, received a four-year, $77 million deal from the Green Bay Packers. Will Fries received a five-year, $88 million deal in Minnesota despite Pro Football Focus grades of 54.8, 58.4, and 61.2 from 2021-2023. The former Colt is also coming off a season where he started just five games before suffering a broken tibia.

Focusing back on Jackson, 2024 did not go as planned. Health and availability have been issues for parts of his career, and his lone year with the Rams was no different. He suffered a shoulder injury in training camp, was placed on IR early in the season, returned for one game, and then was benched for a rookie. Although the Rams had him playing out of position at center, that’s not the type of return on investment you’d like to see after handing a player a three-year, $51 million contract in free agency.

Fans should not discount Johnson’s familiarity with Jackson, though. The Lions attempted to re-sign him last year before he left in free agency, and his former offensive coordinator thought highly enough of him to bring him to Chicago. Jackson’s natural position is on the left side, but as he noted in his opening press conference, his first NFL start came at right guard… against the Bears. In the worst-case scenario, Jackson can be cut after 2025 with a minimal $2.833 million dead cap charge, according to Over The Cap. In the best-case scenario, Jackson is just 28 years old and could play well past his remaining two-year contract.

LG Joe Thuney

Acquired from Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 4th-round pick

The surprising move of the offseason (so far) was acquiring the four-time Super Bowl champion. Despite going into the 2025 season at 33 years old, Thuney has remained one of the league’s best interior linemen. Dare I say, elite? While striking out on Smith, a player seven years younger, is never ideal, the acquisition of Thuney is far from a consolation prize. The long-time Patriot and Chief comes over with one year remaining on his current deal and will require a two or three-year extension soon.

Almost as important as his play on the field, Thuney is a proven leader who should help re-create the culture in the locker room. That’s one key factor that has been overlooked with this trade. Like his leadership, durability has been one of Thuney’s best traits on the field. He has missed just a handful of games in his career, which is something the Bears desperately need.

We’ll see what the numbers on a short-term extension look like in the coming months, but with a player who has shown no signs of slowing down, this move appears to be a worthwhile gamble that will bring instant credibility to an offensive line that hasn’t been taken seriously in quite some time.

C Drew Dalman

Signed a three-year, $42 million deal with $28 million guaranteed

Going into the offseason, many, including myself, had questioned if the Bears could completely overhaul the interior offensive line. The assumption was that if they did, it would require both free agency and the draft to do so. A week after consummating the first of three eventual moves, the Bears answered the challenge with a resounding “Yes, we can.”

Dalman was the final but most critical piece of the retooling of the interior. In a shallow free agent market, Dalman emerged as the second-highest-paid center in the league at an annual average value of $14 million. It’s worth noting that free agency is often an overpay. The ratio of signings to players living up to (or outplaying their deals) is not great. Even so, the salary cap has increased substantially for a second straight season, meaning multiple positions have had their markets reset. For Dalman, it wasn’t so much about becoming the highest-paid center in the league but establishing that second level of a price point when it comes to centers. So, while this could be considered a typical free agent overpay, it wasn’t nearly as egregious as some expected. More importantly, his contract will likely go from Top 2 to Top 10 in a matter of a few years.

Getting away from the financials and back to what it means for the offense. Johnson made it clear during the combine that he would value a veteran center capable of identifying defensive fronts and making the proper calls pre-snap. Especially with a second-year quarterback, this is going back to the basics; taking something this complex off of Caleb Williams’ plate became an important sticking point for the Bears’ first-year head coach. Dalman’s athleticism makes him an ideal fit in an outside zone scheme, and Johnson made it clear during Wednesday’s presser that they will stick to schemes that fit their personnel.

Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

DE Dayo Odeyingbo

Signed a three-year, $48 million deal with $32 million guaranteed

For a second straight season, an edge-rusher was a top need for this team. Unlike last year, they aggressively addressed it with a sizable free agent contract. Like Matt Eberflus’ defensive philosophy, Dennis Allen’s defensive fronts consist of big defensive ends. Montez Sweat was a natural fit for Allen, but Demarcus Walker was deemed as someone they wanted to move on from. In many ways, Odeyingbo’s game and overall skill set are similar to Walker’s. The ceiling is higher for the 25-year-old, but the production (on the surface) does not justify a $16 million per year price tag.

Since the combine, Odeyingbo has been a popular name for defensive end free agents. The former second-round pick missed his rookie year after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during Senior Bowl practices. The former Colt had a career year in 2023 with eight sacks but produced similar pressure numbers in 2024 despite tallying just three sacks.

His big frame and long arms allow him to provide Chicago with “inside-out” versatility, similar to Walker. Odeyingbo should start opposite Sweat in base packages but could kick inside to provide some extra juice on obvious pass-rushing situations. Only time will tell how this move will work out, but with two years being fully guaranteed at signing, Allen will have ample time to turn him into a Cam Jordan-like star for the Bears defensive front.

DT Grady Jarrett

Signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with $28.5 million guaranteed

The final signing of Monday’s “legal negotiation window” came in the way of the 31-year-old veteran who had spent his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons. Due to the previous signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins, Atlanta was forced to make some tough decisions, which included releasing Garrett for some much-needed cap relief. The former fifth-round pick quickly burst onto the scene in 2015 as one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the league, including a three-sack performance against the Patriots in their Super Bowl loss.

Although undersized, Jarrett’s high-motor and ability to disrupt opposing offenses have been consistent over his 10 seasons in the league. The soon-to-be 31-year-old isn’t the same player he used to be after suffering a torn ACL late in 2023, but he rebounded for a quality 2024 campaign. Luckily for the Bears, they don’t need a three-technique who can be on the field 80% (or more) of the time. Jarrett will be thrown into a rotation with both Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings. The three will provide considerably better depth than last season, and it’s quite possible that Chicago still adds another interior player in late April’s draft.

Originally, it was surprising to see Jarrett command $14.5 million per year just hours after being released from the Falcons. As the market has played out, that figure is the going rate for proven veteran defensive linemen. With two years guaranteed, Jarrett’s part-time presence should boost this defensive front.

TE Durham Smythe

Signed a one-year deal with an unspecified contract

After releasing veteran Gerald Everett after his lone disappointing season in Chicago, the Bears wasted little time adding to the tight end room. Smythe is yet another former Notre Dame product that should see a role in Johnson’s new offense. His production as a pass catcher has never been impressive, but as a blocker, he should provide considerably more value than Marcedes Lewis did last season.

It stands to reason that the Bears are not done adding to the tight end room, but considering the scraps left over on the free agent market, they’ll likely need to address that hole in the draft. For now, Smythe slots in as the TE2. It’s worth noting that Johnson ran more 12-personnel than any other offense in the league last year.

A Rough Cap Outlook and Remaining Pre-Draft Needs​

According to Over The Cap, the Bears are 22nd in the league with $17.014 million in “effective” cap space. That figure accounts for their upcoming draft class but does not account for Jarrett, Smythe, or the two veterans they re-signed with long snapper Scott Daly and safety Tarvarius Moore. The cap structure of Jarrett’s deal is far more important than the other three contracts, but it stands to reason that Poles and his front office will need to clear additional space to account for the practice squad and in-season spending as we get closer to September.

Extending Thuney could open up $5-8 million in space, but a simple restructure of receiver DJ Moore or defensive end Montez Sweat would net them anywhere from $13-$15 million in additional space. Extending Thuney and restructuring one of those two players seems necessary but won’t need to be addressed later.

Knowing this, it’s hard to imagine the Bears making another big splash in the coming days and weeks. More likely, they’ll sit back and look to address their remaining needs with shrewd one-year deals to veterans. Receiver, linebacker, safety, offensive line, backup quarterback, and cornerback depth stand out as the top remaining needs that could be addressed in the second and third waves of free agency. Running back, depth at tight end, the defensive line, and a potential kicker for competition could also be on the docket but might need to be attacked during next month’s draft.

Here are some names to keep an eye on over the next few weeks that could come in on affordable deals:

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wide Receiver

• Tim Patrick (Detroit Lions)
• Josh Reynolds (Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Elijah Moore (Cleveland Browns)
• Devin Duvernay (Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Rondale Moore (Atlanta Falcons)
• D.J. Chark (Los Angeles Chargers)
• Greg Dortch (Arizona Cardinals) RFA (First Right of Refusal)
• Noah Brown (Washington Commanders)
• Olamide Zaccheaus (Washington Commanders)

Linebacker

• Kyzir White (Arizona Cardinals)
• Nate Landman (Atlanta Falcons)
• Willie Gay (New Orleans Saints)
• EJ Speed (Indianapolis Colts)
• Anthony Walker (Miami Dolphins)
• Jerome Baker (Tennessee Titans)

Safety

• Marcus Williams (Baltimore Ravens)
• Julian Blackmon (Indianapolis Colts)
• Marcus Maye (Los Angeles Chargers)
• Vonn Bell (Cincinnati Bengals)
• John Johnson (Los Angeles Rams)
• Eddie Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)

Offensive Line

• Matt Pryor (Chicago Bears)
• George Fant (Seattle Seahawks)
• Andrus Peat (Las Vegas Raiders)
• Trystan Colon (Arizona Cardinals)
• Nate Herbig (Pittsburgh Steelers)
• Kendall Lamm (Miami Dolphins)
• Joe Noteboom (Los Angeles Rams)
• Fred Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles)

Quarterback

• Teddy Bridgewater (Detroit Lions)
• Joe Flacco (Indianapolis Colts)
• Tyler Huntley (Miami Dolphins)
• Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys)
• Gardner Minshew (Las Vegas Raiders)
• Case Keenum (Houston Texans)

The free agency market is thinning with every hour that passes. With an immediate lack of fluid cap space, it’s reasonable to believe that the Bears won’t spend much for the remainder of this acquisition period. Even so, there are holes to fill, and the longer players sit on the market, the lower prices will drop. If Poles can continue to be patient, he should be able to find some role players and valuable depth pieces before heading into the draft.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...uney-drew-dalman-grady-jarrett-dayo-odeyingbo

 

[Chicago Bears]

Bears extend Jonah Jackson through 2027

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Just a day after he was officially introduced to the media, the Bears tacked on a year to Jackson’s deal.

According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Chicago Bears have given guard Jonah Jackson a one-year contract extension.

The ties Jackson to Chicago through the 2027 season.

It also adds some guaranteed money next season ($7 million) when he previously had none.

From Garafolo’s post, it appears this is truly just one year added to the end of Jackson’s existing deal, which had two years left. In addition, it adds guaranteed money to next season.

Jackson will make $17.5 million in 2025.

The deal suggests that the Bears expect Jackson to return to the form he showed with the Detroit Lions, when he previously worked with Ben Johnson.

Still, this deal doesn’t seem like it would prevent the Bears from moving on after 2026 if they need to.

As part of his trade to the #Bears, G Jonah Jackson received a one-year contract extension through 2027 and added guarantees in ’26 ($7 million fully gtd, $5.25m more for injury).

He’ll get all $17.5 million he was slated to earn this season in the deal he signed with the #Rams. pic.twitter.com/5MhIjJCcKs

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2025​

What do you think of the deal? Is this a good move?

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...-through-2027-los-angeles-rams-offensive-line

 

[Chicago Bears]

Aaron Leming’s Chicago Bears Mock Draft 2.0 (Post Opening Wave Of Free Agency)

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

With the opening wave of free agency in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Bears have kept themselves wide open for late April’s draft. No more big moves are expected to be on the horizon, which means fans can shift their focus to next month’s draft.

The first week of free agency is out of the way, and the Chicago Bears look like a much different team, especially in the trenches. With three veteran interior offensive linemen added and a pair of defensive linemen, the draft has opened up considerably for general manager Ryan Poles and his front office. Although some of the moves the Bears have made over the past 10 days won’t be with a long-term outlook in mind, they can now draft and develop talent instead of counting on them to be immediate contributors.

Fans can expect the team to keep making moves leading up to the draft, but with the bulk of their spending out of the way, this is an ideal time for a mock draft 2.0 to see what Chicago could be looking at when fast-forwarding ahead to late April’s draft.

1st (#18) OT Josh Simmons​

Chicago Bears send #10 to Seattle Seahawks for #18 and #52

If the Bears can help it, I doubt they’ll want to make their selection at 10. The key will be finding a trade partner, but considering that most draft analysts believe the talent at No. 10 and No. 25 are similar, maybe a team like Seattle will value someone they need to come up with and get.

I can’t help but shake the feeling that the Bears will look to upgrade from Braxton Jones in the draft. I’m not exactly sure where I stand on that, but given how many big-time contracts we’ve seen given to lesser free agent tackles, Chicago might want to avoid giving Jones upwards of $20 million per year to be an average left tackle. At the combine, Simmons claimed he would be cleared for an April Pro Day, which would help his stock immensely. A healthy Simmons is probably this class’s best pure left tackle, especially given the concerns about Will Campbell’s length. Although, I do wonder if Kelvin Banks Jr. would fit the size threshold better than Simmons. At worst, he’d compete with Jones for the Week 1 starting left tackle, and with Kiran Amegadjie on the depth chart, they’d be in good shape when it comes to backup tackle depth. This is more of a long-term play that could end up with short-term gains in the process.

2nd (#39) DE Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss)​

Despite signing Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million deal on the opening day of free agency, pass rushers are still a need on the Bears’ defensive front. There’s a chance that someone like Landon Jackson could be a better fit for Dennis Allen’s unit, but I’d like to see Chicago add a more twitched-up speed rusher. Umanmielen fits the physical mold, even if he’s on the lighter side coming out of Ole Miss. This unit needs some versatility and variance to it, especially with Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat being cut from the same mold. This would allow for the rookie to get situational snaps and build a “pass rush in waves” type of scenario for the Bears.

2nd (#48) DT Alfred Collins (Texas)​

Chicago Bears send #41 to Miami Dolphins for #48 and #115

The Day 1 acquisition of former Atlanta Falcon Grady Jarrett might have been the surprise of free agency for the Bears thus far. Although Jarrett still has some gas left in the tank, his best role will likely be more of a rotational piece that can get after the quarterback. The soon-to-be 32-year-old signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with two years guaranteed. In an ideal world, Chicago will have a deep four-man rotation with a young nose tackle and some pass-rushing upside. That’s where Collins comes into the picture. Although he did not test as well as some were hoping for, he’s a tall, long, athletic player with the profile to become a top-notch defensive tackle. Like the team’s previous pick, this would allow a rookie to sit behind some veterans and develop at his own pace. This would be the deepest the Bears have been on the defensive line since the Vic Fangio era.

Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

2nd (#52) RB Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)​

Running back should be a priority for the Bears going into the draft. Adding a 1a (or 1b) in free agency never made much sense, but drafting from the deepest running back class in years does. Like in most years, preference and overall fit will be important when projecting how this group will come off the board in late April. There’s been multiple reports tying Judkins to the Bears. Although that doesn’t always mean a lot once the draft unfolds, it’s noteworthy for now. Judkins fits the David Montgomery-like role of head coach Ben Johnson in Detroit. He’s a physical back who can make tacklers miss while catching the ball out of the backfield. With D’Andre Swift still in the mix, getting a power back with some ability to see the ball out of the backfield might be a higher priority than someone like his former Ohio State teammate TreVeyon Henderson, who has more burst but isn’t as good with getting dirty.

3rd (#72) IOL Wyatt Milum (West Virginia)​

Hats off to general manager Ryan Poles for going out and completely reshaping the interior offensive line with veterans. Joe Thuney was the cream of the crop, but he’ll be 33 before Week 1. Even with a short extension, there’s an argument to be made that neither he nor Jackson are long-term solutions. It should be worth noting that Jackson recently signed a one-year extension, all but guaranteeing that he’ll be in Chicago through 2026. Luckily for the Bears, they can pluck developmental interior linemen outside the first two rounds and still feel good about the potential development. Milum was a college tackle who was forced to move inside due to a lack of length and overall power. He can play any of the three interior spots, but my guess is that they’d want him at guard. This gives Milum at least a year to develop behind veteran leadership like Thuney. Don’t forget that offensive line coach Dan Roushar is one of the best in the business and well-known for developing young players into Pro Bowl-level talents.

4th (#115) TE Gunnar Helm (Texas)​

I will squarely put this pick on Pro Football Focus’s mock draft simulator. I’m not sold a talent like Helm, who will be there in the fourth round, but after a rough scouting combined performance, there will be a lot of pressure on him going into his Pro Day. We’ll see how much that sprained ankle limited him. I will keep the projection here for now because I believe Johnson will seek a young tight end with some upside. With Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe on the roster, there’s no immediate need for a rookie to come in and contribute, but there should be some opportunities for a tight end rookie to see the field and make some plays. Helm is a much better player than his testing showed.

5th (#149) WR Pat Bryant Jr. (Illinois)​

With the addition of Olamide Zaccheaus, receiving depth becomes less of an immediate need. Even so, adding cheap depth would be smart. Bryant Jr. is a possession receiver who should be valued for his blocking. That’s exactly the type of pass catcher Johnson valued during his time in Detroit, especially when getting further down the depth chart. Assuming they sign another speedy veteran, Bryant can be brought along slowly but get some chances to show what he’s got in Year 1. Like many of these picks, there won’t be a lot of pressure on him going into Week 1 of his rookie season. That’s how good teams operate.

7th (#236) LB Jalin Walker (Indiana)​

With Jack Sanborn leaving to reunite with Matt Eberflus in Dallas, linebacker becomes a sneaky need. Walker is someone who played really well in college, even if he’s limited athletically. Right now, the Bears just need some upside in the position, someone who can develop and contribute to special teams. Hitting on seventh-round picks is no easy task, but these types of upside gambles are worth it.

7th (#243) S Jordan Hancock (Ohio State)​

Safety is another spot that I could see addressed in the coming days. Kevin Byard is well over the age of 30, and Jaquan Brisker’s concussion history is a sizable concern. I’m not sure that a seventh-round safety will move the needle much, but it’s worth a gamble this late in the draft. In the worst case, he’s someone that the Bears can carry on the practice squad for a year or two. With a more positive outlook, he could push one of the veteran depth pieces out the door before Week 1. I promise I’m not an Ohio State fan, even if I mocked them three players this time around.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...cy-josh-simmons-ohio-state-nfl-alfred-collins

 

[Chicago Bears]

Should the Bears sign a veteran backup QB?

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

The roster is filling out, are the Bears set at QB?

The Chicago Bears have made several moves over the last couple of weeks to improve the roster for 2025.

As we now firmly are entrenched in wave 2 of NFL free agency, it’s time for teams to take a look at their rosters and specific needs that they still have.

The Bears have done a great job filling out the roster, but they still have a few holes remaining that they should address before free agency.

One position they haven’t addressed (but may not need to) is in the quarterback room.

The Bears currently have three QBs on the roster: Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, and Austin Reed.

Most teams like to enter training camp with four quarterbacks so they can handle the volume of snaps and throws that QBs have to do during camp, but will the Bears just grab a UDFA QB to fill out the roster that has no real chance to make the team, or will they go for a veteran presence?

At this point, if the Bears try to bring in a significant QB2 to compete with Tyson Bagent, the choices are pretty slim, but there are a few options.

They could do something wild and pursue Jameis Winston. Carson Wentz is available who spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have signed Gardner Minshew and are going in another direction, so Wentz could be an option. Drew Lock is currently not under contract and probably has very little interest in returning to the New York Giants at this point. Other than that, the only other name out there is Joe Flacco.

Most of these names are going to be getting picked up over the next week. Some of them, like Winston and Flacco, might be looking for a path to a starting role, even if they have to accept a QB2 role now, they may be looking for an uncertain QB1 position where they may get an opportunity.

None of those players have spent time with any of the Bears coaching staff, which always provides a strong opportunity for a connection.

If the Bears are comfortable with Bagent as their QB2, they may turn to a veteran presence to work in the QB3 or QB4 role during the offseason program and in training camp. If the Bears do that, they may be looking for someone with familiarity, either with the Bears or with Ben Johnson.

Brett Rypien did a nice job in Chicago last year as a veteran presence with rookie Caleb Williams. The Bears released Rypien so he could have an opportunity to join the Vikings as their QB2, a role he would not have had in Chicago over Bagent.

Case Keenum has been around for a decade and a half and has been in about every offensive system in the league. He could provide some unique insight into the QB room and the Bears coaching staff.

Jeff Driskel was with the Detroit Lions in 2019 when Ben Johnson first arrived there. There is some familiarity there but not much.

Tim Boyle also crossed paths with Johnson in Detroit a couple of years ago and potentially could be on their radar.

But of all the names, the one that might make the most sense is Nate Sudfeld.

Sudfeld has been in Detroit during Ben Johnson’s tenure as offensive coordinator. He knows Johnson and his tendencies well. He spent time in Philadelphia in the Andy Reid system (Doug Pederson) where he was part of a Super Bowl winner, and even spent a year in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan.

He would be a great QB to bring in and work with Caleb Williams on what Johnson is looking for and also bring the perspective of a QB that has been in multiple, excellent offensive systems which is clearly something Johnson is looking for based on his comments and coaching hires.

The Bears could head to the draft with three QBs and add a UDFA and it may be something they end up doing. But if they are looking for a veteran QB who knows Johnson well and can help Williams, Sudfeld could make a lot of sense.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...b-nate-sudfeld-tyson-bagent-free-agency-agent

 

[Chicago Bears]

Mocking the Mocks: Chicago Bears 7 Round Mock from Pro Football Sports Network

Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

PFSN dropped another full seven-round mock draft, and we share the Chicago Bears' selections. This is another one done by our very own Lead Draft Analyst, Jacob Infante.

The NFL Draft coverage from our friends over at the Pro Football Sports Network has been fun to go over these last few months, and with our very own Lead Draft Anlyst, Jacob Infante, helping them cover the draft now, it gives me even more of a reason to check them out. Jacob ran through another full seven-round mock for all 32 teams earlier today, so I wanted to share his Chicago Bears selections here.

Check out what he did and let us know if that’s how you would have drafted it.

10) Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Chicago Bears aggressively addressed their offensive line early in the offseason. But with Joe Thuney’s age, Jonah Jackson coming off an injury, and Braxton Jones hitting free agency in 2026, they still need to plan ahead.

Armand Membou has always stood out physically with his length, agility, and power. In 2024, his technique caught up to his athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect. He could be eased into the lineup as a rookie before eventually starting at tackle or guard.

When I first saw analysts mocking Membou to the Bears, I was against it. He’s always been a right tackle, and the Bears are set at that position. It just seemed like a pointless selection.

But the more I watched his tape, the more I saw the athleticism, power, and technique that could either kick inside to guard or even flip over to the left side. Braxton is gonna get a 2025 payday, and if the Bears aren’t comfortable paying that, then why not get a high upside replacement in the draft and be ready to keep Chicago’s good o-line vibes rolling along?

39) Chicago Bears: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Though the Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to pair with Montez Sweat, their depth off the edge is still suspect heading into the draft.

Nic Scourton is a powerful edge rusher with a muscular, heavy build that carries his listed 285 pounds very well. He has some of the most refined hand usage you’ll see in an edge rusher in this draft class, and his short-area quickness is better than you’d expect for a man of his size.

At the NFL Combine, Scourton checked in much lower than his college weight at 257, but regardless of his size, he was very good at setting the edge and playing the run. That, along with his pass rush plan, would make him an immediate contributor.

41) Chicago Bears: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

After a trench-heavy approach to the offseason, Chicago could potentially consider drafting a running back early, giving Ben Johnson a talented backfield duo alongside D’Andre Swift similar to what he had in Detroit.

Quinshon Judkins would be a strong addition to the Bears’ backfield, as he has the ball-carrier vision and big-play speed to make him a threat just about any time he touches the ball.

At this point, I’d be shocked if the Bears didn't come away with a day-two running back, and Judkins is one of a handful I’d be excited about.

72) Chicago Bears: C.J. West, DT, Indiana

Watching C.J. West on tape, you’ll see a sturdy run defender with a strong anchor who can shed blocks with a variety of moves. After an impressive NFL Combine performance, he’s a worthy top-75 selection.

I knew very little about West until his combine performance, but after he lit up Indy, I checked out some of his film and think he’d be a great fit for the Bears.

148) Chicago Bears - Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

Safety is a sneaky need for the Bears with one starter over 30 and the other coming off a season-ending concussion, and Moore is a high IQ player who lined up all over the ‘Bama secondary.

233) Chicago Bears - Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

Hawes is a physical tight end who can add special teams value while earning time as a reserve.

240) Chicago Bears - Marcus Wehr, OG, Montana State

Wehr’s showing at the East-West Shrine Game put NFL scouts on notice as he worked out at all three interior spots.

I’d be all in if the real draft fell this way, but what about you? What would you change from Jacob’s mock?

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...ootball-sports-quinshon-judkins-armand-membou

 

[Chicago Bears]

Open Thread Question of the Day: Who was your first ever favorite football player?

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When you first started loving football, who was your guy?

Whether you started loving football when you were 5 years old, 15 years old, or 45 years old, there’s always a player that you loved early on when you started loving football.

For many of us, it was probably a Chicago Bears player, but perhaps for others, like the great, Lester Wiltfong, it was someone else.

Who was your first ever favorite #NFL football player?

Here’s mine. pic.twitter.com/kWDkrAh8ff

— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) March 14, 2025​

Question of the Day: Who was your first-ever favorite football player?​

If you were born this century, perhaps your favorite player started off being Jay Cutler. If you were born in the 90s, perhaps it was Brian Urlacher or Peanut Tillman. If you were born in the 80s, perhaps it was Tom Waddle. The 60s or 70s? It’s probably Walter Payton. But who is your first-ever favorite football player?

My answer: I first started really loving the Chicago Bears in 1984 (pretty good timing). I don’t think I had one favorite player, but I had so many from those '80s teams. I loved probably 20 guys off those teams. I loved Payton, but I also loved Jim McMahon, Jay Hilgenberg, Jimbo Covert, Willie Gault, William Perry, Steve McMichael, Mike Singletary, Otis Wilson, Gary Fencik and more. Before Super Bowl XXI, I became a huge fan of John Elway and followed him throughout his career. But my first-ever favorite football player is a lame one, from a 5-year-old kid who makes decisions that 5-year-old kids make.

The year was 1982. I had just turned 5 years old. I just started liking sports and received my first-ever pack of football cards to open. The 1982 Topps set. I didn’t know many players at this point, heck, I didn’t even know many teams at this point.

I started sorting through the cards and there it was. The team on the card was the Bills. A team with my name? This must become my favorite team! Not only that, I looked at the name: Bill Simpson. That’s right, 5-year-old Bill Zimmerman’s first-ever football card pack included a card of Bill Simpsons from the Buffalo Bills. I was sold. He was my guy.

There it is, the football card that led to my first-ever favorite football player. How long did it last? Probably only a few months, I quickly turned to loving the Bears and haven’t stopped since, but in that moment, I truly remember how excited I was to have this football card. The silliest reason you could possibly like a player, but for 5-year-old me, it made perfect sense.

What do you say Bears fans? Who was your first-ever favorite football player? Share it in the comments below!

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...t-ever-favorite-football-player-walter-payton

 

[Chicago Bears]

Chicago Bears 2025 BPA Mock Draft

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lester kicks off his annual Chicago Bears theme mock draft series like he always does, with a strict best player available exercise.

As I do each offseason, I'll run through various "theme" mock drafts to learn about several players the Chicago Bears could draft. For my first mock of this annual series, I like to make it as easy as possible and just do a straight BPA for all seven rounds.

I used the Pro Football & Sports Network draft simulator, and I picked the top prospect on the board at every selection, with the only caveat being no double-dipping at any position. I feel the Bears have their roster in a pretty good place after the first week of free agency, so any position could be in play.

Here's how the board fell.

10. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Right off the bat, I was disappointed in how the board looked. It's not that I don't like Jeanty or think he'll be a good pro; I just think the running back class is good enough for the Bears to wait and get a back later while addressing the trenches at ten overall.

That said, I'd eventually come around and be fired up to see how Ben Johnson used Jeanty if he ended up in the Navy and Orange,

39. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State - Chicago's defense fell apart last year when Andrew Billings went down with an injury, so free agent Grady Jarrett and a day-two defensive tackle would do wonders for their interior. Williams is quick and athletic enough to stunt in Dennis Allen's new defense, and he has the size (6'3", 334 lbs) to hold his own against the run.

41. Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State - I was hoping an offensive lineman would be on the board early, and Jackson is a guy I could see the Bears having interest in. Much like what new Bears LG Joe Thuney did in K.C. by kicking out to left tackle due to injury, Jackson did the same thing at Ohio State last season when LT Josh Simmons tore up his knee.

72. Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State - The Bears have some question marks opposite Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson, so I could see them adding competition. I'd rather it not come this early, but that's how my BPA board fell.

148. Sai'vion Jones, EDGE, LSU - Defensive end is a must at some point, and Jones (6'5 ", 280) does fit the profile that Dennis Allen wants. I've seen some sites project him on day two.

233. Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech - The Bears did sign a backup Y in free agency, but Hawes has lined up in the backfield and flexed off the line for some wham blocks.

240. Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State - Travis needs to tighten up his technique, but he has good size (6'8", 339) and would be a nice developmental swing tackle project.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...kson-ohio-state-ashton-jeanty-tyleik-williams

 

[Chicago Bears]

The Bear’s Den, March 17, 2025

Chicago Bears assistant offensive line coach Kyle DeVan during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

All eyes are on the draft as teams enter later stages of free agency

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Michael Reese developers throw Hail Mary proposal for Bears stadium - Chicago Sun-Times - Scott Goodman of Farpoint Development hasn’t met with the Bears about his plan for a lakefront Bronzeville dome, but he’s showing his cards as the team has expressed a renewed interest in moving to Arlington Heights.

Column: How Chicago Bears grabbed division rivals’ attention - Chicago Tribune - The Chicago Bears’ aggressive start to the new league year impressed All-Pro Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Here’s how they did it.

Arlington Heights mayoral candidates want to bring the Chicago Bears - Chicago Tribune - The three candidates spoke to a packed auditorium at the Village Hall Thursday, vying to succeed Mayor Tom Hayes, who is retiring.

Bears O-line, Colts secondary, Rams WR corps among most improved units in free agency - The Athletic - Perhaps all of the new signings won’t pan out in the long term, but they should lead to immediate improvement.

Bears sitting in a place for this draft where they’ve rarely been - SI - Analysis: Ryan Poles has done enough in free agency to set the Bears up ideally for the draft and anything more could actually challenge a desired balance.

Consensus 2025 NFL mock draft has Bears leaning in obvious direction in first round - SI - The Chicago Bears have been one of the busiest teams during the 2025 offseason. Here’s how their additions have impacted NFL mock drafts.

Bears coach Ben Johnson not looking to take the easy route - Chicago Sun-Times - Johnson was asked Thursday about trying to make life easier for his new offensive linemen. Ease, he said, had no place in the discussion.

Even after free-agency spending spree, Bears should use precision with top draft picks - Chicago Sun-Times - There’s still a major opportunity to get better at left tackle and address other immediate needs with the Nos. 10, 39 and 41 picks in the draft next month.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Jets move forward with Allen Lazard, for now - NBC Sports - Earlier this month, the Jets gave receiver Allen Lazard permission to seek a trade.

The Sam Darnold contract details remain out of view - NBC Sports - Six days ago, the Seahawks struck a deal with quarterback Sam Darnold.

Roughly 34 NFLPA employees took buyout offer - NBC Sports - Earlier this year, the NFL Players Association offered buyouts to approximately half of its 150 employees.

Seahawks can escape Sam Darnold's deal after one year, $37.5 million - NBC Sports - New deal protects Seattle against a regression by their new QB.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON​

Chicago Bears 2025 BPA Mock Draft - Windy City Gridiron - Lester kicks off his annual Chicago Bears theme mock draft series like he always does, with a strict best player available exercise.

2025 NFL Draft interview: Boise State EDGE Ahmed Hassanein - Windy City Gridiron - WCG speaks with the leader of Boise State’s defense.

Braxton Jones is Underappreciated: Ryan Poles’ Hidden 1st-round pick - Windy City Gridiron - Based on the proven quality of their tackles and the 2025 draft class, the Chicago Bears have probably finished retooling the offensive line unless they get lucky.

Mocking the Mocks: Chicago Bears 7 Round Mock from Pro Football Sports Network - Windy City Gridiron - PFSN dropped another full seven-round mock draft, and we share the Chicago Bears' selections. This is another one done by our very own Lead Draft Analyst, Jacob Infante.

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2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one.

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Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...-ryan-poles-offseason-draft-ben-johnson-march

 

[Chicago Bears]

My Top 10 Running Backs in the ‘25 NFL Draft: #10 Jaydon Blue

Photo by CFP/Getty Images

The RB class is elite this year. Here are Bryan’s takes on the top ten, who he would compare their running styles to, and if he thinks they’re a fit for Chicago.

Born a running back to a father who was a running back (and a mother who was a power forward,) I knew about ball security, stiff arms, and high knees before I could walk. Before every game I played, my pops showed me the same video highlighting the all-time greats and I immediately fell in love with the skill, toughness, selflessness and style of running backs. To this day I enjoy watching the position more than any other.

In other words, yes, I am here for the long overdue RB resurgence! If you’ve been around here long enough, you have likely seen me state that I feel “running backs are the best athletes on the field.” But the beauty of the position is that they come in all shapes, sizes and styles.

Speed backs like Gale Sayers and O.J. Simpson were just as dangerous as Eric Dickerson and Chris Johnson, no matter what generation of athletes they lined up against. Power backs like Jerome Bettis and Craig Heyward got the job done much like Earl Campbell and Christian Okoye, despite being much shorter and wider. All-around backs like Sweetness and Jim Brown, elusive backs like Barry and Marshall, durable workhorse backs like Emmitt and Gore, the list and variety go on and on.

In this series, I will highlight my favorite running backs from the 2025 NFL draft class, one current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether or not I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears.

#10: Jaydon Blue - Texas - SPEED​

Photo by CFP/Getty Images
If you ever watched a Texas Longhorns game, you couldn’t help but notice #23. Why they didn’t lean on him more is beyond me.

Jaydon Blue is a speed back, through and through. As quick and explosive as they come and enters the league with perhaps the most tread left on his tires of any back on this list having only touched the ball 270 total times (56 catches) in his three-year career in Austin for the Texas Longhorns. With career averages of 5.4 yards per carry and 9 yards per catch to go along with 18 total TD’s (7 receiving), Blue was a weapon for his offense that was never truly realized. Perhaps it was the fumbles (6 total) or injuries that kept him out of the gameplan, but when he got his touches, he made them count. Blue is not getting nearly the love he deserves in this loaded class, but I expect him to be a dynamic weapon in the NFL, perhaps to a lesser extent as the player I believe he most closely resembles.

---

Pro Comp: Jahmyr Gibbs​

Blue: 5’9”, 196, 4.38, 1.52 (10-yd split)

Gibbs: 5’9”, 199, 4.36, 1.52

While Jaydon Blue doesn't have the ball security that Jahmyr Gibbs’ has (4 fumbles last season vs. 4 career fumbles for Gibbs in college), nor does he have the same elite level of pass blocking, especially for a back his size, I am not sure there is a better comp in this entire series than these two. Both have exceptional burst, tremendous vision, fantastic hands as a receiver and primed for a better career in the league than as a collegiate athlete. Both are big plays waiting to happen in the run or pass game; I expect Blue’s stock to rise as teams begin to notice these similarities and covet a back with Gibb’s skillset. I would be shocked if he was NOT selected in the top 100 picks.

Here are a couple of clips of each from their college days.

Jaydon Blue has a nasty cut when he's in the open field pic.twitter.com/oiGp4W7fL9

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 25, 2025​

Watching tape on RB Jahmyr Gibbs…

Dynamic player. Pro skill set in the pass game. Rapid accelerator — with ball carrier vision. Big play speed. #Alabama pic.twitter.com/Wx6RIpZnTH

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 25, 2023​

---

Fit for Bears? No​

This might sound crazy to some, considering the level of success that Jahmyr Gibbs had with Ben Johnson calling plays, but I believe the Bears currently have a back with a skill set similar to those of these two in D’Andre Swift. Coming out of college, Swift was 5’8”, 212 with a 4.48 forty and 1.56 ten-second split. I love Blue more than most, but I would be surprised if he landed in Chicago unless he somehow falls in the draft and becomes too valuable a selection to pass up.

Stay tuned for the rest of my list, but sound off below on whether or not you see the similarities between Blue and Gibbs or who you believe is a better comp.​

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...s-ben-johnson-jaydon-blue-texas-chicago-bears

 

[Chicago Bears]

The Bear’s Den, March 18, 2025

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bears bring back another core special team player in Horner

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Trending after first week of NFL’s free agency, as Bears, Raiders retool - The Athletic
- The biggest beneficiaries from the first week of free agency — a list with Caleb Williams, Sean Payton and the teams whose stocks took hits.

NFL free agency 2025 winners and losers: Sam Darnold flying high; 49ers roster takes a hit - The Athletic - Darnold got big bucks to join a Seahawks squad that also added wide receiver Cooper Kupp. He wasn’t the only QB in the news last week.

Chicago Bears hand special teams ace a contract for third season - SI - Through his two-year, $3.97 million contact Travis Homer didn’t do much for the Chicago Bears offense but they’re bringing him back for a third season.

Bears take a good look at another recovering slot receiver - SI - Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman made a visit to Halas Hall the same day as Rondale Moore as the Bears took stock of quick, slot receiver types available in free agency.

Ashton Jeanty watch for Bears looks damaged by pro day result - SI - It’s looking more and more like the Bears would need to trade up ahead of No. 6 if they want to land Ashton Jeanty, especially after Monday’s Arizona pro day result.

Wood: Caleb’s Close-Up - Volume I, Overview - Da Bears Blog - Offseason optimism quickly turned into a real-life dumpster fire.

Olamide Zaccheaus aims to aid Bears’ turnaround - 670 - Veteran receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is excited to be a part of the Chicago Bears after signing a one-year deal with the team in free agency Monday.

Bears are most likely team to draft Ashton Jeanty, according to betting odds - NBC Sports - Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, widely viewed as the top running back in the 2025 NFL draft, could be heading to Chicago.

After witnessing Jayden Daniels’ rise, Bears WR Olamide Zaccheaus here to help QB Caleb Williams - Chicago Sun-Times - He signed a one-year deal Monday.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Vikings release C Garrett Bradbury with post-June 1 designation - NBC Sports - It became obvious the Vikings were moving on from center Garrett Bradbury once they signed veteran Ryan Kelly to a two-year deal with $9.235 million guaranteed.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Will Bengals get deal done with Trey Hendrickson? - NBC Sports - Mike Gesicki?

The game of quarterback musical chairs continues - NBC Sports - The music has stopped, and everyone is waiting for Aaron Rodgers to pick a seat.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON​

Bears re-sign RB Travis Homer to one-year deal - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears’ third-string running back and key special teamer returns for another year.

My Top 10 Running Backs in the ‘25 NFL Draft: #10 Jaydon Blue - Windy City Gridiron - The RB class is elite this year. Here are Bryan’s takes on the top ten, who he would compare their running styles to, and if he thinks they’re a fit for Chicago.

2025 NFL Draft interview: Pittsburgh WR Konata Mumpfield - Windy City Gridiron - WCG’s lead draft analyst spoke with Pitt’s star wide receiver.

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Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one.

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Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...draft-ben-johnson-travis-horner-special-teams

 

[Chicago Bears]

There is no Running Back Revolution

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

There are those who believe that the NFL is due to return to a time when it makes sense to draft a running back in the first round. Those people are probably wrong.

Reynoutria japonica, or Japanese knotweed, is categorized as an invasive species in North America. It’s now found in more than 40 states and more than half a dozen Canadian provinces, and it is almost impossible to get rid of once it takes root. If you cut it down, you might actually just help it spread out from the fragments that are left. If you burn it down, it will probably come back–and so it takes multiple burnings to actually remove it. High concentrations of very select poisons are often necessary to truly kill it, and even this takes time, and usually it requires injecting the toxins directly into the stem.

Photo by NICOLAS MAETERLINCK/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

I’m reminded of knotweed every time I see the insistence that this year is the year to take a running back in the first round. This year will be different.

Well, let’s see if we can get at the stem of this problem–or at least burn it down with a bit of fire to make it possible to contain it a little bit. To be clear, first-round running backs are not making some bizarre resurgence, nor should a team hoping to make the playoffs prioritize acquiring a running back early in the draft.

Rushing to the Playoffs​

From 2020-2025, there have been 40 divisional champions, and 29 different running backs have led these divisional champions in rushing. While seven of these men were drafted by some team in the first round, only four of them were actually drafted by the team that they were playing for at the time of their success. There are also more players drafted on the third day of the draft (5) as there are players whose teams acquired them on the first day. Likewise, free agent running backs outnumber first-round running backs by five to four as well. And a whopping 13 different players were drafted in the second or third round of the draft and then went on to be the leading rusher on that team as the team in question won a divisional championship.

It gets worse for first-round running backs if they are weighted by appearance, of course, because no first-round running back has repeated the feat in the last five years. Of the 40 appearances, only 10% were by running backs drafted by the team in question in the first round. That’s less than half as many as the 11 appearances by running backs acquired in free agency (it’s closer to a third). Nearly half (18/40) of the divisional championship rushers came from the second and third rounds, of course, with almost all of the rest (6) coming from the final rounds of the draft. The one outlier is Christian McCaffrey, who was actually a trade. The package given up to acquire him was worth only #42 in the draft, meaning that he was acquired for the value of a high second-round pick.

In the last five years, seven different men have led a team in rushing in back-to-back campaigns for a divisional championship. None of those men were acquired by that team in the first round.

Additionally, and contrary to what some might believe, Saquon Barkley being available as a free agent is not a bizarre one-off circumstance. Sony Michel and Leonard Fournette both left the team that drafted them in the first round and then led another team in rushing during that team’s push for a divisional championship. Fournette did it twice. Add in the way McCaffrey was traded, and it seems almost mundane for a team to acquire another team’s first-round running back as part of a push for the playoffs. Four different teams have done it in the last five years.

Playoff Rushing​

Let’s go about this another way. How about conference championship games and the Super Bowl itself?

On the NFC side, the losing team in the NFC Conference Championship Game acquired their leading non-quarterback rusher in that game via a Day Three pick twice, via a Day Two pick pick twice, and via free agency a single time. In the interest of transparency, Jahmyr Gibbs did play in the NFCCG for the Detroit Lions, but he was outgained by a 2:1 margin by free agent David Montgomery. Also in the interest of transparency, one of those second-round picks was also Deebo Samuel, who is not even a running back.

On the AFC side, three of the losing teams saw their rushing attack led by Day Two picks and two were led by free agents, but again Clyde Edwards-Helaire was at least on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs in when they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

What about the ten conference champions? They are evenly split among free agents (4), seventh-rounders (2), players drafted in the second round (2), and then McCaffrey and Kenneth Gainwell (a fifth-rounder for the Philadelphia Eagles).

The Super Bowl tells the same story, although the entirety of the situation is probably summed up best by Super Bowl LV, wherein the team that drafted a running back in the first round (the Chiefs) lost to the team that picked up their running back in free agency (the Buccaneers).

So no, first-round running backs are not making a resurgence. If recent trends show anything, it’s that a small handful of teams position themselves to build good teams through the draft and then to take advantage of talent that hits free agency in an opportunistic fashion, picking up the running backs they need with either lower-value picks or in free agency, after mismanaged teams made the mistake of burning draft capital on luxury players.

As teams face the exceptionally deep running back class of 2025, they need to remember that successful teams these days seem to draft their leading rusher in Round 2 or Round 3, or else they simply pick up their rusher in free agency.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...icago-bears-playoffs-championship-run-barkley

 

[Chicago Bears]

Mocking the Mocks: Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bears taking Mykel Williams

Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With a week of free agency on the books, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. dropped a brand new NFL mock draft, and he based his latest mock on what he’s hearing from executives, scouts, and coaches around the league.

He didn’t make any trades this time, but he does have the Chicago Bears going in a new direction, Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams.

Here’s what Kiper had to say about his pick for the Bears.

I’ve gone offensive line for the Bears in both of my previous mock drafts, but that box was checked in free agency. Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson then signed center Drew Dalman. And while the Bears also added Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett on the defensive front, they could still use someone like Williams coming off the edge. They ranked in the middle of the pack last season in sacks (40) but were 24th in pass rush win rate (36.5%).

Williams is a toolsy prospect who can beat blockers with his speed or power. He missed time with an ankle injury early last season but still picked up five sacks. Given a little more time to develop, he could be a really solid NFL edge rusher.

Williams isn’t a player who has been mocked to Chicago very often, but he has good size at 6’5’’, 260 pounds, with 34 3/8’’ arms. In three years on the talented Georgia defense, he had 67 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, four passes defended, a fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles. He needs to work on a pass-rush plan, but he’s a good athlete, plays with a high motor, and plays the run well.

In Kiper’s mock, Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty was off the board, as was Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, but all the offensive linemen were still available.

What are your thoughts on Williams to the Bears at 10 overall?

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...r-chicago-bears-taking-mykel-williams-georgia

 

[Chicago Bears]

Bears Announce Jersey Numbers for Recently Added Players

Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Joe Thuney isn’t messing with a good thing, while others shake it up in Chi-town

The excitement of free agency period and the upcoming NFL Draft also carry the natural turnover of rosters across the league. Many Chicago Bears fans have been buzzing about the acquisitions the team has made via trade and free agency, which is typical this time of year. A little less typical, perhaps, is the enthusiasm with which the national media has spoken about GM Ryan Poles and new Head Coach Ben Johnson’s recent decision-making.

That is to say, there’s a lot to like about the new names in Chicago. New names such as Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Grady Jarrett (to mention a few). Today, however, the Bears took to their social media channels to announce the new numbers that will be worn by the players recently added to the team:

New digits

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 19, 2025​

Same Stuff, Different City​

• WR Olamide Zaccheaus will wear the number 14 that he wore last season with the Washington Commanders. This was last worn by Gerald Everett.
• TE Durham Smythe will carry over the number 81 that he’s worn his entire career, previously with the Miami Dolphins. This was last worn by Dante Pettis.
• LG Joe Thuney will be wearing the number 62 that he wore while winning Super Bowls for both the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. This was last worn by Theo Benedet.

All-New Everything​

• DT Grady Jarrett will revert to the number he wore in college at Clemson, 50, which was famously worn by Mike Singletary in Chicago and last worn by Carl Jones. Jarrett previously wore number 97 with the Atlanta Falcons.
• C Drew Dalman will be trying something different when he wears number 52, famously worn by Khalil Mack for the Bears and last worn by Darrell Taylor. Dalman previously wore number 67 with the Atlanta Falcons.
• DE Dayo Odeyingbo will wear number 55 this season, most famously worn by Lance Briggs in the Windy City and last worn by Jacob Martin. Odeyingbo previously wore number 54 with the Indianapolis Colts.
• RG Jonah Jackson will continue his trend of going back to his Detroit days, as he will wear number 73, the same number he wore as a member of the Detroit Lions (and as an Ohio State Buckeye). This was last worn by Jake Curhan. Jackson previously wore number 72 with the Los Angeles Rams.

Jersey numbers are fun, but you know what else is fun? Draft pick numbers. Is it April 24th yet?

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...added-players-joe-thuney-grady-jarrett-dalman

 

[Chicago Bears]

The Bear’s Den, March 20, 2025

Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Did the Bears actually sign a legit return man? Time will tell.

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DENMASTER KEN’S VIDEO GRAB BAG

BEARRRSSSS​

Chicago Bears moves win GM Ryan Poles rave reviews and possibly more - SI - Opinion keeps coming back favoring Bears GM Ryan Poles and the end result if it all continues this way through the draft can only lead to one outcome.

2021 All-Pro Returner Devin Duvernay Signs With the Chicago Bears - BN - The Chicago Bears have added two-time Pro Bowl return specialist to their roster.

Wood: Caleb’s Close-Up - Volume III, Time to Throw - Da Bears Blog - Let’s start by looking at how Caleb Williams did on play-action drop backs compared to standard passing plays.

Bears add receiver/returner Devin Duvernay on a 1-year deal - 670 - The Bears have added receiver/returner Devin Duvernay on a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday. Duvernay, 27, is a five-year NFL veteran who earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2022 as a returner.

Devin Duvernay, a former All-Pro returner, signs a 1-year deal - For the Chicago Bears, this free-agency window is a critical period for general manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson to upgrade the roster.

Chicago Bears 2025 free-agency tracker: Returner Devin Duvernay signs 1-year deal - The Athletic - After shoring up the offensive and defensive lines, GM Ryan Poles re-signed Stephen Carlson, Doug Kramer and Travis Homer.

Chicago Bears sign another Devin to be their return man - SI - Former Ravens and Jaguars return man Devin Duvernay has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bears and brings a possible speed factor to the passing game as well.

Jonah Jackson’s contract extension presents troubling financials for Chicago Bears - SI - The Chicago Bears gave guard Jonah Jackson a one-year contract extension after trading for him from the Los Angeles Rams, making him the most expensive guard in the NFL in 2026.

Bears sign former Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay to 1-year deal - Chicago Sun-Times
- He’s reached two Pro Bowls in his five-year career.

POLISH SAUSAGE

NCAA continues push to dump player prop bets from legalized gambling - NBC Sports
- With March Madness starting this week, the NCAA is taking new steps to get bettors who lose (redundant) to leave college basketball players alone.

Byron Leftwich joins University of Colorado coaching staff - NBC Sports - Byron Leftwich was a successful offensive coordinator for four seasons in Tampa, which provided him with opportunities to interview for multiple head coaching jobs.

Morrissey: What’s a berm? And other thoughts from a departing Sun-Times sports columnist - Chicago Sun-Times - After 43 years in the business, it's time to say goodbye — and thank you. Ken's Note: Is this our last chance to be reminded yet again what an insufferable asswipe Morrissey is? Let's hope so.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON​

Bears Announce Jersey Numbers for Recently Added Players - Windy City Gridiron - Joe Thuney isn’t messing with a good thing, while others shake it up in Chi-town

New Bears WR Olamide Zaccheaus wants to see this from Caleb Williams - Windy City Gridiron - Zaccheaus has recently played with both Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts.

Bears sign 2-time Pro Bowl returner & WR Devin Duvernay - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears have added some more speed at the wide receiver position.

When Mock Drafts go Meh: Four “I guess” Drafts for the Chicago Bears - Windy City Gridiron - A lot of mock drafts aim to look forward to opportunity. These drafts look at what might happen if Chicago’s front office makes choices that fall short of fan hopes.

Remaining questions surround the Chicago Bears after free agency - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears have done a lot of work in the first week of free agency, but there are still questions to be answered.

Dayo Odeyingbo called one of the top 5 value signings of NFL free agency - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears have completely reworked their trenches this offseason through trades and free agency, and the upcoming NFL Draft could see them add even more talent to the offensive and...

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THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one.

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Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Dr. Patti Curl; Ryan Droste; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Dan Durkin; Taylor Doll; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Dr. Ken Mitchell; Danny Meehan; Bryan Orenchuk; Jack R Salo; Khari Thompson; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; T.J. Starman; Khari Thompson; Dr. Mason West; Bill Zimmerman; 2nd City Gridiron; Like WCG on Facebook; Like 2nd City Gridiron on Facebook.

A few of us are also over at Bluesky.​

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...on-draft-ben-johnson-devin-duvernay-kick-punt

 

[Chicago Bears]

Teven Jenkins signs with the Cleveland Browns

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

On Thursday, the Cleveland Browns signed former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins. Terms of the deal are unknown at this time.

During Teven’s four-year run in Chicago, he appeared in 45 games with 38 starts at both guard positions and left tackle. There’s no question that when he was on the field, he was one of the Bears' best offensive linemen, but he was sidelined for 23 games with various injuries.

He was originally a second-round pick of the Bears in 2021 after former general manager Ryan Pace traded up 13 spots to get him. He arrived with plenty of excitement after his time at Oklahoma State, but injuries have defined his time in the Navy and Orange. With Jenkins gone, just two members of Pace’s drafts are still on the Bears: Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson.

---

In case you missed it, here’s the full list of Bears who have signed elsewhere this free agency period.

• Teven Jenkins, OL - Cleveland Browns
• Jaylon Jones, CB - Arizona Cardinals
• DeAndre Carter, WR - Cleveland Browns
• Jacob Martin, DE - Washington Commanders
• Jake Curhan, OL - Arizona Cardinals
• Byron Cowart, DT - New York Jets
• Jack Sanborn, LB - Dallas Cowboys
• Coleman Shelton, C - Los Angeles Rams
• Darrynton Evans, RB - Buffalo Bills
• Darrell Taylor, DE - Houston Texans
• Larry Borom, OL - Miami Dolphins

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...-the-cleveland-browns-chicago-bears-ryan-pace

 

[Chicago Bears]

The Bear’s Den, March 21, 2025

Chicago Bears Ron Rivera (59) victorious with Walter Payton (34) on sidelines during game vs Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Irving, TX 11/17/1985 | Set Number: X32385 TK2 R9 F20

Old friends find new jobs, Ron Rivera in California and Teven Jenkins in Cleveland

WE WANT YOU!

Would you like to show your Chicago Bears spirit to the world? I’m starting a feature where Windy City Gridiron readers can share pictures of themselves and their families and friends in Bears attire. Simply email a picture to me at the following address: denmasterken at aol dot com. The pictures need to be clear, and full resolution (i.e. full size from your phone if that’s how you take them). Include any description information you like along with the photo!

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

DENMASTER KEN’S VIDEO GRAB BAG

BEARRRSSSS​

Browns agree to 1-year deal with guard Teven Jenkins, add depth to O-line - The Athletic - Jenkins, who ranked as the No. 33 free agent on The Athletic’s top 150 list, played the first four years of his career with the Bears.

Bears’ trade for impact starter dubbed team’s smartest decision of 2025 NFL offseason - SI - The Chicago Bears made a series of massive transactions during the 2025 NFL offseason, but one stood out among the rest as GM Ryan Poles’ smartest move.

Dead-on accurate mock drafter foresees controversial Bears pick - SI - The second-most accurate mock drafter over the last five years has a mock draft out calling for the Bears to select one of the most polarizing players at No. 10.

Teven Jenkins finds a team willing to let him rebound from injuries - SI - A disappointing and also frustrating career in Chicago came to an official end for Teven Jenkins after he came to the Bears as the 39th overall pick.

Wood: Caleb’s Close-Up - Volume IV, Under Pressure - Da Bears Blog - As we already noted in the first part of this series, Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times this year, the highest value in the NFL by a wide margin. So today, I want to try and figure out who is to blame for that, which will help give insight into how the Bears can fix it going forward.

Report: Former Bears guard Teven Jenkins to sign with Browns - 670 - Formers Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins will sign with the Browns, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported Thursday. Jenkins was a second-round pick of the Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Ten best moves of the 2025 NFL offseason so far: Bears, Bengals, Rams among teams trending up - In this edition of The First Read, Jeffri Chadiha scans all the action from the 2025 NFL offseason and identifies the top 10 moves thus far. Which teams have made the best decisions over the past few months?

Browns add former Bears guard Teven Jenkins - NBC Sports - One of the NFL's top available free agent offensive linemen is heading to Cleveland.

Removal of automatic first down for defensive holding/illegal contact will have unintended consequences - NBC Sports - The Lions have proposed removing the automatic first down for defensive holding and illegal contact fouls.

Former Bears guard Teven Jenkins signs with Browns - Chicago Sun-Times - Jenkins’ return to the Bears was unlikely even before the team traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson earlier this month.

Soldier Field a moneymaker with or without the Bears, retiring park district CEO says - Chicago Sun-Times - Even if the Bears build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, Soldier Field — owned by the Chicago Park District — remains a “great asset for the city” and will be just fine, said Rosa Escareno, who hands the park district reins to Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa in less than two weeks.

Bears GM Ryan Poles' extended rebuild ends with upcoming draft, and there's no margin for error - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears need immediate help to bolster a push for the playoffs this season, as well as long-term, financially-conscious installations as Poles holds three picks in the first two rounds at Nos. 10, 39 and 41.

Comparing 3 Bears stadium proposals in Arlington Heights, Bronzeville and the lakefront - Chicago Sun-Times - Three multi-billion dollar proposals have been put on the table for the next home of the Chicago Bears. Here's a look at how each one sizes up.

Chicago Bears: Tracking their moves in NFL free agency - Chicago Tribune - For the Chicago Bears, this free-agency window is a critical period for general manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson to upgrade the roster.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Cal makes hire of Ron Rivera as G.M. official - NBC Sports - Ron Rivera officially has a new job.

Browns add former Bears guard Teven Jenkins - NBC Sports - One of the NFL's top available free agent offensive linemen is heading to Cleveland.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON​

Teven Jenkins signs with the Cleveland Browns - Windy City Gridiron - On Thursday, the Cleveland Browns signed former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins. Terms of the deal are unknown at this time.

Ben Johnson’s Chicago Bears values special teams - Windy City Gridiron - We normally see defensive minded head coaches place a value on special teams, but so far it seems Chicago’s Ben Johnson understands the importance of the third phase.

My Top 10 Running Backs in the ‘25 NFL Draft: #9 Ollie Gordon II - Windy City Gridiron - The RB class is elite this year. Here are Bryan’s takes on the top ten, who he would compare their running styles to, and if he thinks they’re a fit for Chicago.

Breaking Down Jonah Jackson’s Contract Extension - Windy City Gridiron - Two weeks after the Chicago Bears’ trade acquisition of former Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson, the team extended him but didn’t take on much more future liability in the process. We’ll take a deeper dive into Jackson’s one-year extension and how it’ll impact the Bears moving forward.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE

2nd City Gridiron is our video home! So hit the link and help us grow that brand!

THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one.

Powered by RedCircle

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Dr. Patti Curl; Ryan Droste; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Dan Durkin; Taylor Doll; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Dr. Ken Mitchell; Danny Meehan; Bryan Orenchuk; Jack R Salo; Khari Thompson; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; T.J. Starman; Khari Thompson; Dr. Mason West; Bill Zimmerman; 2nd City Gridiron; Like WCG on Facebook; Like 2nd City Gridiron on Facebook.

A few of us are also over at Bluesky.​

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...les-offseason-draft-ben-johnson-teven-jenkins

 

[Chicago Bears]

Most NFL fans believe the Chicago Bears had the best free agency period

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Fun results from the national SB Nation Reacts this week!

Earlier this week, I asked you guys to give a letter grade for the Chicago Bears' first week of free agency, and you were overwhelmingly positive, with 67% voting A and 30% voting B. But considering that WCG is mostly Bears fans, I wasn’t surprised by the high marks. Our fans are energized by head coach Ben Johnson, and Chicago’s sudden emphasis on the trenches was a shot of adrenalin. The Bears still have some work to do, but there’s a professional bunch of linemen manning both sides of the ball now.

So, while our fans cast most of the votes in the aforementioned poll, NFL fans of all 32 teams chimed in on this week’s SB Nation Reacts survey, which was emailed to fans. The Bears again came out on top by a hefty margin, with 30% of fans voting that Chicago had the best free agency period.

There are no offseason banners to hang, but with high marks from not only all the fans but also various local and national media outlets, it’s nice to see so many believing the Bears are on track to be relevant as a franchise.

Fingers crossed that winning this offseason will pay more dividends than the last time.

---

If you want to participate in the weekly emailed SB Nation Reacts surveys, you can sign up here. We share Bears-centric survey questions at WCG from time to time, but the emailed ones cover league-wide topics.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...-free-agency-period-drew-dalman-grady-jarrett

 

[Chicago Bears]

2025 NFL Draft interview: Notre Dame DT Howard Cross III

Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

WCG’s lead draft analyst spoke with the anchor of Notre Dame’s defensive line.

After an accomplished six seasons at Notre Dame, defensive tackle Howard Cross III is one of their most productive defenders in recent program history.

Cross ended his time with the Fighting Irish on a high note, tallying four sacks as a starter for a team that made it all the way to the national championship. An explosive interior defender with a large sample size of tape against high-level competition, he now looks to carry his level of individual and team success over to the pros as he heads into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Windy City Gridiron spoke with Cross about the national championship run, growing up with a father in the NFL, how he’s perfected having a strong first step off the ball, and more.

JI: Looking back on your time at Notre Dame, what would you say was your favorite moment from your time with the program?​

HC: Obviously, the national championship run is up there. It’s a fantastic way [to go out], and any guy really dreams that that’s the way they go out. Obviously, [it’s] not the end result that we wanted it to be, but you know what? We went all the way. We beat teams that previously, no one ever thought that we would ever be able to beat. It was just a crazy experience and a crazy ride.

Howard Cross' club swim

Smaller, stockier frame with an explosive lower half and technically refined hands pic.twitter.com/JuwWOBi3vW

— NTB_43 (@NTB_43) September 1, 2024​

JI: I was amazed how well you guys rebounded after that upset loss to Northern Illinois. How did you rally back after that game and dominate the rest of the year the way you did?​

HC: I mean, look; I’m at that point [where it] was the fifth, sixth year [I had been at Notre Dame]. It was our second game of the season. After beating the SEC team [Texas A&M] everybody was worried about, and we beat them, and then we lose our second game of the season. I remember going like, “with all due respect, I didn’t come back for another season to throw in the towel after game two. Especially this year, when one loss does not define your season. We gotta keep that mentality.”

At that point again, I really think that the NIU loss was the single best thing that happened to us all year. Because from that point, we realized that any team can beat us if we don’t prepare correctly. We just took that to heart. Whether we played the best team in the nation or the worst team in the nation, we still kept rolling.

Howard Cross III, IDL, Notre Dame

No 2025 defensive line prospect had a more dominant game than he did at Duke. Quick penetration against Green Bay Packers 5th rounder Jacob Monk. Able to bend and finish for the sacks on Riley Leonard. Game clincher. pic.twitter.com/XD4V7J99I0

— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) May 4, 2024​

JI: When you got to Notre Dame, you started off with Brian Kelly as the head coach, and then Marcus Freeman came in. How would you compare their coaching styles?​

HC: I feel like Kelly was more of a coach’s coach; [that’s] more along the lines where Kelly was. He is a great coach [and] knew how to put a program together, but he just kind of oversaw everything. He was directing from the top, while Coach Freeman is more like a player’s coach. He’ll get in the action. He spends most of his time coaching on the field, more than overseeing everything at once. He’ll pick one side or the other, then he’ll sit there all practice and act like a defensive coordinator or an offensive coordinator. That’s what we like to see out of a coach.

Notre Dame DT Howard Cross is so freaking disruptive. So explosive in tight spaces with great pad level pic.twitter.com/INGAyTiwAg

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) June 5, 2024​

JI: Looking into your background a little bit, I saw you were a wrestler in high school. You won the state championship...​

HC: So, I want to say, I’m not sure that came from. I’ve never wrestled in my life (laughs). I keep getting asked this! I don’t know. I’ve never wrestled in my life. I probably could, I’m not gonna lie to you, but I never wrestled before, so I’m not really sure where that came from.

JI: Someone’s gotta edit your Wikipedia page...I feel like you could pull it off, too, with your leverage and athleticism.​

HC: That’s on everything, apparently, because anything that they said, “you’re a wrestler”, I’m like, “I never wrestled. You know this!” I feel like I could pull it off, but yeah.

JI: Your dad, former Giants tight end Howard Cross, having played in the league, the lengthy career that he had, being a Super Bowl champion. What did that mean, growing up with someone who’s been in the league, and how does it help, going through this pre draft process, having someone so close to you that’s gone through a lot of the same things?​

HC: On-the-field stuff, my dad’s really just been there along the way, pushing me. Funny enough, he didn’t want me playing football. He was just really throwing me towards whatever I wanted to do. As long as it wasn’t boxing or UFC, he didn’t really care. When I chose football, he pushed me, taught me the ropes, taught me how to push through when I was tired, and everything in between, technique and everything like that.

When I got to this stage, he’s honest. When I got in this process, he knows how [it goes]. It’s been a minute since he did it, but he knows how the process goes. He knows when you get in the league every day, you’re on the field, or else. It’s practice or games, you got to play, like your job’s on the line. I mean, I knew that, and he taught me that in high school. Whenever anybody’s [trying to explain it to me], I know how this works. I know it’s a business, and I’m excited to go out and compete for it.

JI: When I watch your tape, the explosiveness is something that really stands out to me. How do you manage that, not only the athleticism to fire out, but the timing with it?​

HC: It’s really just practicing my get off, but also just watching film. I think it was last year where I really started to — not this past year, the last year — get into watching film. I used to Aaron Donald and those guys, and he’s jumping the snap, and before, I was like, “oh, he’s just getting lucky every time”. But then, watching it, he’s looking at the guy in front of him. Maybe they’ll twitch, they’ll lean forward, they’ll look back. Their body will move a certain way, or their body will start to lean forward, or something like that. Something little will give away when the play is about to start. It could be an audible. It could be their offensive alignments, their eyes looking back and forth. Something on the line is giving away when they’re about to snap the ball. My job, and I think it’s fun, is to do detective work and try and figure out what it is throughout the week.

JI: How’s the pre-draft process going for you?​

HC: It’s fun. I mean, it’s stressful, not gonna lie, for me and stressful for everybody in this process. But, to be pretty honest to you, I’m just ready to put on the pads. I’m not trying to be corny, but I’m just being real. This is all fun stuff, but I just want to get back on the field and start moving. This whole doing drills and stuff like that, it’s cool, but I’m ready to get rolling.

JI: How do you like to spend your free time outside of football?​

HC: So, the generic answer would be video games, but really, I’m not gonna lie to you, I enjoy cooking. Cooking is kind of my thing. I’m not only talking about, “I make pasta with tomato [sauce],” like, no, I make bolognese, ossobuco, I make that kind of stuff. I’m big on cooking. I grew up in an Italian family. I asked for a whole recipe book, and every time I try to make something every weekend, I’ll try a new dish, or try another culture or something like that. I don’t know. I just think it’s fun.

JI: I come from an Italian background, too, so I know how serious they are about their food. Outside of that, what are some other things you like to cook?​

HC: I’ve done poke bowls. I’ve done ramen once. I grill — everybody grills — I’m trying to move into Japanese, Asian [food]. I’m trying to make dumplings, udon, that kind of stuff. So, I just think it’s really cool, you know? My favorite show’s The Bear. I like that kind of stuff.

JI: Let’s say I’m an NFL general manager, what would I be getting if I drafted you to my team?​

HC: Not in a corny way, you’ll be getting a dog. You’ll be getting somebody who is constantly in the film room looking for ways to get ahead, to beat his opponent, and a guy who loves to compete. To be honest with you, I don’t really think anything is going to stop me from getting to what I want to be. Whether that be on the field, off the field, I will do anything in my power [to be great]. I’ll stay in the film room an hour extra longer than everybody else, I’ll lift a little more. I will do anything. Also, I can play any position that they need me to. I love being a d-lineman, but if you want to be, I don’t know, a fullback or a blocker on punt, I’ll be an All-Pro blocker on punt. Anything a team needs me to do, I will make sure that I’m the best at that.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...nterview-howard-cross-iii-notre-dame-football

 

[Chicago Bears]

Mocking the Mocks: Who the experts think the Chicago Bears will draft

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

We check in on a few mock drafts to see what they have the Bears doing.

Let’s take a trip around the interwebs to see what a few mock drafters have the Chicago Bears doing in the upcoming NFL Draft with the tenth overall selection.

CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli has the Bears going with defensive end Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M, and here's what he had to say.

If you were to draw a prototype of what new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen looks for in a pass-rusher it’d look a lot like Shemar Stewart. The Bears won’t shy away from taking an OT here if they like one, but after their moves in free agency, the defensive line feels like the more pressing need right now.

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Bears taking LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell in his latest mock.

The overhaul of the offensive line is now complete with a new left tackle in place. Chicago’s trio of March O-line acquisitions would be sandwiched between two top-10 picks in Campbell and right tackle Darnell Wright.

Chad Reuter from NFL.com recently did a four round mock, and he has the Bears going with offensive lineman Armand Membou from Missouri.

Membou manned right tackle for most of his three seasons at Missouri but handled weak-side edge rushers when occasionally lining up as a tight end outside the left tackle. General manager Ryan Poles — briefly a Bears offensive lineman himself — may believe the athletic, long Membou can make the transition permanently to challenge Braxton Jones, a free agent in 2026, for the LT spot this season.

Mike Band from NFL.com, who works with Next Gen Stats Research & Analytics, has the Bears taking Kelvin Banks Jr., offensive lineman from Texas.

GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson rebuilt the interior of Chicago’s offensive line in a few short weeks, trading draft picks for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signing former Falcons center Drew Dalman in free agency. Former first-round pick Darnell Wright is entrenched at right tackle, but the left side remains uncertain, as Braxton Jones recovers from an ankle injury suffered late last season and is in a contract year. Few quarterbacks need stout protection more than Caleb Williams , who was sacked 68 times as a rookie, third-most by any player in a single season in NFL history. Enter Kelvin Banks Jr., 2024’s Outland Trophy winner, who projects as a franchise left tackle capable of completing the overhaul up front. There could be a push to grab Ashton Jeanty if he’s available, but Johnson’s track record during his time as offensive coordinator in Detroit suggests he’ll continue to emphasize the trenches.

Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice also gives the Bears LSU’s Will Campbell.

Despite concerns about his arm length, everything else is there for Campbell to be a solid NFL tackle. With Darnell Wright already in place on the right side, he and Campbell could be the tandem that keeps Caleb Williams upright for years to come.

Rob Rang from FOX Sports has the Bears taking Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia.

There isn’t a trophy given for winning the offseason, but if there was, GM Ryan Poles and the Bears might be the champs. He lured Ben Johnson from their division rival Detroit Lions to serve as head coach and nabbed several new starters along the line of scrimmage in trades and free agency. As such, the Bears could go in virtually any direction at No. 10 overall. Why not gamble on a three-time All-SEC selection with more tools than the local Home Depot?

The 33rd Team’s Marcus Mosher has the Bears going with Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.

This feels high for Kenneth Grant, but the board did not fall well here for the Bears. Tyler Warren was also considered, but Grant is the pick as the Bears try to rebuild their defensive line into a powerhouse.

Grant has unusual athleticism for a nose tackle and would give them another option to pair with Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter. With every team in the NFC North running the ball well, adding an athletic nose tackle to an already good defense doesn’t seem like the worst idea.

Our guy Jacob Infante recently did a mock draft, and you can watch his process here on our 2nd City Gridiron channel (Rated WCG-MA).

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...bears-will-draft-shemar-stewart-will-campbell

 

[Chicago Bears]

What is the Chicago Bears Biggest Remaining Need?

Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears' roster moves have slowed in the last week, and with the pool of available free agents shrinking and the NFL Draft about a month away, I asked our team for their thoughts on the team's number one need.

Here’s what we had to say.

Defensive end​

Jeff Berckes: Edge. The Bears could go into the season with what’s on the roster, but good defenses rotate 7 to 8 guys regularly on their defensive line to optimize their reps and keep them fresh. The Bears have three worthy DTs and 2.5 worthy Edge defenders. They need to keep adding beef.

Josh Sunderbruch: Teams need to have at least three guys who can rotate through the position, and for new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the third guy is going to probably take 30-40% of the snaps. Last year’s #3 was Austin Booker at barely 25%. Odeyingbo will presumably replace Walker, but unless Booker takes a major step up, Chicago is short one edge defender.

Bryan Orenchuk: With the release of DeMarcus Walker and the subsequent acquisition of Dayo Odeyingbo, we essentially ended up where we first started: In need of a pass rush threat opposite Sweat. After all the additions to OL and DT, DE has become the biggest need in my mind.

Sam Householder: You need many bodies there to rotate and keep guys fresh. The Bears have made moves, but they could still use a 1A rusher to compliment Tez. Dayo is a bit of an unknown, but there isn’t anyone other than Grady who will likely command double teams.

Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.: You can never have enough pass rushers, so finding another player to get after the quarterback is a must. While I think they’ll add another on the interior, I think defensive end is the bigger need. Sweat and Odeyingbo are a nice starting duo off the edge, but Booker is still too unproven as a prospect to be the number three.

Running back​

Mason West: Could the Bears play a game today? Yes. Between Swift and Roschon they could survive, especially if you add in a scheme change and better o-line play. That being said, Roschon’s concussions have clearly had a negative impact on him and Swift was bottom of the league in Rushing Yards Over Expected (-174) and 3rd worst rushing efficiency according to NextGen Stats.

Linebacker​

TJ Starman: Stealthily, it might be linebacker, which makes letting Jack Sanborn walk and sign with the Dallas Cowboys for just $1.5 Million a little painful. I’ll give Dennis Allen and the new coaching staff the benefit of the doubt on that decision, but the fact is the Bears don’t have much depth behind Tremaine Edmunds, who has struggled to live up to his massive contract and could be a cut candidate next offseason and T.J. Edwards, who is on the last year of his deal. Swayze Bozeman, Carl Jones, Amen Ogbongbemiga, and Noah Sewell don’t inspire much confidence.

Safety​

Mongo Peanut: I don’t think the Bears have a long-term answer at either safety position. Brisker is good when healthy but has serious health concerns due to concussions sustained. Kevin Byard has been a good veteran presence but is likely in the twilight of his career and has one year remaining on his deal. Add in Hicks and Owens, and the Bears top four Safeties leave a lot to be desired. A safety in the 2nd round should not be out of the question.

Left tackle​

Erik Duerrwaechter: Ryan Poles was less than subtle about adding competition against Braxton Jones, and per Brad Biggs, along with others, the Bears did at least kick the tires on the thought of landing Ravens Pro Bowl LT Ronnie Stanley if he didn’t re-sign with Baltimore. They could very well add a veteran like D.J. Humphries in the near future or even explore yet another trade. I do think the actual competition/replacement is more likely to be drafted within the Bears’ first three picks later this spring.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...safety-linebacker-running-back-offensive-line