ASHKUM BEAR

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?

Johnson said there is no depth chart yet. Everyone competes for their position. Who plays L or R will also be examined. They might look at Darnell as LT, but I think they are best to leave him.

It would be great to see the board so we could understand the process. I did hear Ersery didn't have the lateral movement to fit the Bears needs, so I don't think he was a must and prompted the trade down. Luther Burden wasn't even expected, but after Judkins and Henderson were taken it was a no brainer. If they were, I don't think the Bears trade Buffalo, but we will never know. The trade gave the Bears an OT and DT. What the draft may he looked like if Henderson was available. 1 Loveland TE 2 Henderson RB 2 JT Tuimoloua DE 4 Jalen Royals WR 5 JJ Peques DT 7 Holin Pierce OT

They are behind all their players under contract, but would upgrade if the opportunity came. Watch the Bears day 3 presser. They said they were taking bpa on their board and not reaching for a need. They didn't have assets to move up and were staying on course with their strategy. Does the LB and CB make sense with RB, S, and DE needs? I guess In 2 years we find out, because these were two off the radar picks along with the G/C.

I am glad they have one prospect with physical traits that fit what they like. He finds a way into the back field and racks up pressures and 9 sacks. He will compete amongst Daniel Hardy and maybe Dominque Robinson for the bottom spots.

They brought him in for a top 30 visit too from the day 3 Poles/Johnson press confrence.

I like this kid, maybe because I see Wes Welker or Julien Edelmen types. Also, I was worried they would draft a kicker but they did the wise thing and brought in MSU kicker Kim. He can hit the 55 yd shots. Detroit seemed to find a guy off the street last year that did well. Santos cap could be cleared after his limitations hurt the Bears a few times.

Xavier Carlton DE UCLA - 9 sacks, has good size 6-4 270. He might sneak on the 53 or stick on PS. He can also slide inside to DT.

Bears get a Deebo Samuel type player here. He can line up at RB, slot, and out wide. So missing out on a RB until the 7th isn't exactly correct. Burden will get plenty of jet sweeps. He had 34 carries at 234 yards in 3 years, but will be more involved with Ben Johnson at the helm. Deebo averaged 35 carries a year in SF. Jameson Williams had 15 carries 61 yds being 20 lbs lighter for Johnson comparison.

Detroit and Minnesota both got good guards. A big-good DT for Detroit too. Green Bay got a speed demon and I can see Love finding him on his miracle toss ups many times.

Hard to see unless the move a CB to Safety. They cannot count on Brisker for 16 games.

No one had this draft predicted. I guess we have to let it play out with Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen in the room evaluating the current roster and prospects in the draft. I keep thinking they would need a DE, but Sherman Turner at 6'3 290 can play there and 3T. They must trust RB Swift to be dynamic and Johnson to grind those needed yards out.