ASHKUM BEAR

I can see NFL minds adding more twists to it than the XFL has. It won't be boring and it should generate shorter fields. There are even people suggesting the Steelers use Justin Fields as one. As for the Bears, UDFA Ian Wheeler will have a good chance making the team because of this rule change. LB Carl Jones also has a window with his athleticism for coverage. They have some decent players against in this crop and a handful will stick at least at the practice squad level.

I guess the best way to see it is to watch XFL. I imagine the Bears identified returners, blockers, coverage and a kicker that can pin point to take advantage of this. "The ball ideally will drop between the 20-yard line and the goal line, called the "landing zone," where the receiving team will have one or (more likely) two returners. If the ball lands in the end zone or goes out of the end zone, the resulting touchback will be spotted at the 30-yard line. If it's kicked out of bounds, the ball will be placed at the 40. No one but the kicker and returner(s) can move until the ball is caught or hits the ground. That will create an admittedly awkward few seconds when 19 or 20 players are standing still while the ball is in the air"

Teams will most likely use two men deep on KR returns. I would guess it is competition for Homer or if the Bears trade Herbert. Poles put a team together to review the new Kick Off rules and to review the team to make sure they were ready for it. My guess is Jones and Wheeler/ Scott will be on the field. Plus Wheeler is a sleeper being a small school complete RB.

Ian Wheeler RB/KR signing is for the new kickoff rules. Bears will need to KR specialists and Wheeler must have been ID by scouts for this purpose. All UDFA sign 3 yr deals according to this video.

I am sorry to read this Pix. You have had a tough run lately that would break many. You have always had a good heart since the times I first found Bear Talk over 20 years ago and you still do. I hope the Bears can help bring you joy with this new era beginning. This site has been my escape even though the team hasn't been exactly how we would like it to be.

I think he will give much more than Robinson, but I don't think it will be Mark Anderson either. If he accomplishes his assignment of adding the strength and contain, he could turn into a surprise addition year 2 or 3.

I have only seen one highlight film on Booker. IMO, he has a non-stop motor but seems out of control. He moves the QB with pressure but does it help or hurt because the plays I watched it seemed to get the QB into a safer place to make a play. He needs a lot of work before being an impact and the Bears have a coach I have seen do it (Washington). I won't expect much from Booker this year but to be asked to add 15# of strength and to learn some space control when pursuing so he doesn't move himself out of his contain area.

I can see Yannick back just for the Bears and himself to redeem themselves, but if he resigns this year on a one year and a FA in 2025, he will be a 10 year vet which takes away that higher compensation value if signed else where. Just for that, they should consider someone younger. It will come down to the Bears desperation.

Just said this, we already know before the kick off.

As long as they get a long term C in that high mix, maybe 3rd but I'd be good going DE, DT, C/G rounds 1 and 2. Then DE round 3 if it's heavy in talent.

The very early Walter mock draft had the Bears selecting 3 DL. 2 DE/edge and a 3T. The depth on the top 50 seem to favor our need next year and noticed a lot of size so there is no finding guys that need to add 15#.

I would okay if they did one year team friendly deals with: Yannick Ngakoue DE- I'd give him another shot if nothing else. He wouldn't be the main focus with Sweat. CALIS Campbell DE- solid vet who can set an edge and still be a good rotational player. Mercedes Lewis TE-another solid vet who enjoyed the team. Connor Williams C - I'd do longer if the docs feel a full rehab was in process.

If he gives the defense an advantage and helps put them into the top 5, it's a smart move and worth considering over the dline. Now for Flus to tighten his dbs so we get those quick 3 and outs and hand Caleb a short field.

Yeah, it is wishful thinking. He will probably see maybe 30% of the snaps. I am sure they will get him in the line up to keep the defenses on their toes.

I am rooting for Jenkins to have a healthy (contract) season and the Bears find a way to keep him, that will help keep the gel and nasty. The 2025 draft will be the icing especially if our needs line up.

Comparing to Jones, his arm length is over 1" longer, he is stronger and can handle the bull rush. I don't think we are looking at a starter year one, but a swing OT and possible LG if needed as he gets accustomed to NFL speed. Jones will have competition, which is good. I am happy to see Poles make Oline a priority. I wish he had addressed the C with someone with a higher ceiling than Bates, but I am sure in time it will be addressed.

True, I thought about slashing that as DE/DT. Even with Dexter, Billings, and Pickens they can still use another good player to add to the rotation. We will find a vet FA to take that role this year.

Thought I was safe to mow the grass and come back to see they traded back in. Time to dust off the Marty Booker jersey.

2025 finishing touches to rebuild RD1 - DT RD2 - C/G RD2- DE RD3- C/G RD5- CB RD6- LB RD6 - WR RD6 - RB

He is on the older side at 26 years old. From Melborne Australia, so his interviews should be fun.

2024 draft 1) Caleb Williams 1b) Rome Odunze 2) Monteze Sweat 3) Kiran Amegadje OT fixed 4) Keenan Allen 4b) Tory Taylor 5) Ryan Bates. I'm not complaining.

He will be a starter and possibly be one of the leagues best. The Bears were one of the worst in punting and now elevated that phase. A DE/DT or C might not even see the field.

I am not a fan on taking a punter with other needs at DE/DT. I didn't think they will need to punt with all these weapons too, lol. Maybe Poles trades back in and gets one. But, if he is supposed to be one of the best and he can pin them deep, it will help win games.

Glad they are dropping capital on the O. This was was round 1 pick next year, that's looking more like D now.

Following on here only, but hoping for Bralen Trice DE.