ASHKUM BEAR

Production wise, they were equal. But speed wise, Golden had 4.29 to Bryants 4.61. I'm happier w Burden on our side. Golden replaces Watsons 4.36 but sacrifices in some size. I hope our DBs figure out Loves toss ups and start picking those off.

Every single draft I am like what? We do so many mocks that we have our wants embedded. I hope Banks becomes a great LT because we seen his game and knew he might be our last shot at drafting a high end LT. As for RB, I can hold off a year for that guy since we paid Swift and have some guys that could surprise. I watched a Hyppolite interview and think this guy will do what it takes to be great. I cannot wait to see him take a spot.

I think besides missing out on the LT and Jentry run early, Poles capitalized. Loveland and Burden might be 2 of the games biggest nuisance for defenses to cover. Comparing Tripilo to Ersery, we might feel shorted, but they were both 2nd round guys which netted a bad ass DT/DE. So in the long run, missing a higher RB, Monangai might be a steal that we never expected.

This draft class drew high praise and graded the 3rd best. We have had different opinions, but to think of the weapons added you can only imagine how fun Sundays can become. https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/news/chicago-bears-receive-elite-grade-for-2025-draft-class-from-nfl-rankings

I hope he does, but he will have a possible rising star on his heals and both contracts will be up in 4 years. He has a year of experience to jump start these next 4 years that might be the "greatest show on sod". Poles will have his work cut out in those coming days to manage the cap. Draft picks will become more important to maintain the talent when they can no longer pay everyone.

GB - Key Acquisitions: Banks (65.4), OG, Hobbs (61.4), CB Top Draft Picks: Golden, Belton, Williams Biggest losses: T.J. Slaton (DT), Josh Myers (C), AJ Dillon (RB) Wild Card: How many near INTs from Love will turn into actual INTs? SOS: 23rd Summary: No change (Golden replaces Watson) I can see it now, Love throwing his lucky moon shots and Golden being the recipient. The NFL did a great job building the rival hype and I expect to see the Bears open at Lambeu Field for Sunday Night Football.

He reminds me of a slower Rutger, Isiah Pacheo, who ran 4.36 compared to Monangai 4.6, (Roschon 4.58). The stat that stands out is their 10 yd splits, Monangai is 1.54, Pacheco 1.55. D Henderson and Roschon had 1.52. He will hit the gap and get his 5 yds. He may also get swallowed up at the LOS or break a tackle for 20. Roschon is a bigger back, 6' 210. Kyle 5-8" 210. Kyle's profile allows him to slip tackles and he has great balance with a lower center of gravity. Let's not look past Ian Wheeler 5-11 210 and ran 4.39. He can pass pro and can take it to the house. The RB stable has some horses and it will be interesting to see the 53 man come fall.

Burden has a lot to learn, but if he's down for it, the sky's the limit. He has the skill set to become the Bears best WR. He could be this years Malik Nabers. I hope this puts Odunze on notice and he rises to the challenge. All of this hinges in Caleb being able to be accurate and not holding the ball too long.

I'd take Williams, he had 17 tds with Johnson in 2022. He is a big back, 6-1 225. We have sonic and need a real boom.

Isn't it nice, even though we had to buy 3 out of 5. We are at least collecting some young talent to develop and Roushar is a good guy to coach them. If he can get Braxton, Kiran, or Tripilo to become a good LT, we have the cornerstones. Finding the keystone, or center might be a need before 2027 when cutting Dahlman can save 12 million in cap with only 2 mil dead. We might have that player in Stromberg or Newman, but it seems the great teams have a really good C.

He has a lot of work to do just to get his original strength back before surgery. Regardless of who starts at LT, defenses will see that as a weak link to attack the QB. Until the Bears show they can protect that, teams will try to exploit that gap.

We will also have a battle between 11 and 12 personal. 11 having the edge if Loveland can't get into practice early. If Burden comes to OTAs and Camp and is blowing it up, Loveland and the 12 personal may take a back seat. Loveland needs to be ready to fight because if he played equally as well of the bat, maybe the bears run more 12.

That could be the case. I did watch some videos this morning on Tripilo. He will need some work to fix some of his issues which I think we have a great coach to help him. His main issue is getting more fluid in his hips for run blocking. His 33 to 33-1/2 arms could become an issue in pass pro, but he has good slide with his feet and holds defenders well. I think in camp, Kiran and him rotate at LT until Jones returns. Wright is a last resort to shift and he may see a couple plays here and there at LT so he's ready for the last resort. The Bears need 10 good players on oline because as we see, guys get banged up. It will happen year in and year out. We have 4 guys capable of playing LT, 5 counting Thuney, so we should see our best line in decades for once.

You could tell who Ben really wanted, but Poles wanted everyone on board with their decision, so Ben said he was on board with the RB and OTs. He knows they need oline, but deep down wanted his Laporta. The dude was crazy rocking in his chair that things fell his way. I like Courtney and agree with what she picks up. She reads between the lines.

Tripilo has 33" arms, so he may end up there if he can't handle the outside. Nothing wrong with it. Thuney getting extended is not a given so they draft two guys who could play there if needed.

Ozzie Trapilo might make a great guard if Thuney is too expensive. He was looked at as the most ready in the draft to play right away at OT, so I expect him to compete there first. I want to see the Bears keep drafting oline until they can have a starting unit with all their guys they have drafted.

Did you hear about Flus? He didn't call a timeout on Thanksgiving so the world would see. He was trying to help Cunningham too.

You might be on to something. Cunningham turned down the Jax and Tenn jobs because he knows he can get Poles fired and take over.

Poles read your comments last year about wanting to trade up for Odunze and held his composure this year.

Phoenix was responding to me. I was giving my thoughts on how the Bears draft room was right before Henderson was taken. How Poles would get excited that he and Burden were still on the board and how they should draft if they both remain when pick 39 comes up

I listened to a podcast tonight, I think Joniak amd Thayers. Whoever it was mentioned how Johnson likes a lot of RBs in camp. Detroit had 7 last year. Monangai and Wheeler could be the next Pacheou, but it's unknown. I don't see them going into camp with only Swift and Johnson as their main carriers, so I expect them to sign another decent option and maybe another flyer on a ps type.

The only ones available the Bears could have taken was Mykel Williams. Poles threw a knuckle as predicted and took Loveland.

Last year they had a better group and 6: Swift, Roschon, Herbert, Homer, Wheeler, and Blasingale. Right now: Swift, Roschon, Homer, Wheeler, and Monangai. I can see them adding a solid vet to the mix. That doesn't mean they are not happy with who they have, just upping the competition so the Bears have a good group going into the season

My way to early 2026 mock draft. More about looking at the roster and composing needs. Ben gets his RB, then DA takes over. Later rd picks G, S#2, K. 1-24 Jeremiah Love RB ND 6-0 205 2-48 Braylon Shelby DE S Car 6-5 265 3-86 Dillon Thieneman S Pur 6-0 207 4-118 Demonte Capehart DT Clem 6-5 315

They might show Banks going because they expected 3 to go. Poles: "And....Banks is gone, are we still on Loveland?" Ben Johnson starts rocking faster in his chair like an addict about to get his fix, yes Yes YES. Round 2. Poles: "Henderson still there and my god so is Burden." Guys think we can get both 39 and 41? Which one do you think the Saints might take, Kamara is getting older but Burden is a top 20 value. Never mind, Patriots just took Henderson. What you think Antwaan, do you want Burden? Want to call him and tell him he is a Bear?