Alaskan Grizzly

Well known and highly regarded ESPN contributor Chris Mortensen passes at 72. As I travel with my 87 year old dad I’m reminded how important family and close friends are and how quick life changes. Take care of yourselves and cherish your loved ones. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/chris-mortensen-dies-at-72

This and other less than mainline beat writers are putting this content out. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/caleb-williams-draft-rumors-visit-bears-justin-fields-trade/8503a257ef3d4b57e8ca0d3d A bit more reputable, NBC Sports says the same thing (waiting until 20 March USC Pro Day). https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-caleb-williams-to-visit-bears-after-uscs-march-20-pro-day

So was the story of Warren firing Cliff Stein for ‘alleged leaks’ back in January all a smokescreen? Why didn’t the Bears hire Kingsbury as OC even after (allegedly) going all the way to the West Coast to talk to him about Caleb?

THANK YOU Jim Miller.

This time they appear to do.

Word. I’ll co-sign on this. Apples to apples comparison collegiality, Justin and Williams measure out similarly. Records-wise and competition-wise (IMHO) Justin has the edge. He also has a leadership edge (collegiately) based on things like advocating with the Big 10 commissioner to play during COVID. That being said, if the coaches think Justin is damaged goods (because of the first three years of abuse/neglect in the NFL), then I’m good with moving on. Whether it be Maye, McCarthy, Daniels or Nix I’ll learn to cope. Just can’t bring myself to get excited about Williams.

Probably because he’s not a QB prospect. A lot more investment (not just money ) involved . Mostly like ‘face of the franchise’ stuff to consider .

Mine was going to High School and skiing with Tommy Moe. He went on to win gold in the Olympics, I did not…not even close.

He’s been pretty constant about his opinion of McCarthy. He called him “generational” at one point.

Speaking of Drew Brees and his ‘height challenge’, this puts Williams a whole 1 and 1/8” taller than Brees who was measured as 6’0”.

A bit heavier (sturdier) at 227 and clocked a 4.45 40 time in the combine where Williams is thought to be between 4.57-4.60

Neither do I. Don’t really see them set at Bagent being their primary backup either. Perhaps a veteran QB would be a good backup but Waldron already made it clear his offense would work for either rookie or veteran. I’d be curious to see what the Redskins’ strategy was behind drafting RG3 with the first pick then Cousins in the 4th round of the same year. Obviously now we know of the two, Cousins’ career has been more than just as a career backup. What's to say the Bears don’t look for a decent backup in this years’ crop of QBs and eventually, if the need arises, trade either that player, if Fields works out or vice versa? And before I’m convinced no one will trade for Justin why then are there ‘so many teams’ lining up to trade for him now and why are we hoping to get at the very least a high 2nd round pick for him?

The not throwing in the combine and having his dad represent him versus having an agent are not “old” developments. Or at least old revelations.

IE: Jalen Carter last year. I don’t have any issue with Poles making the right choice, I trust him. I may not agree with him in the end but I like the product he’s brought us so far. FWIW I was glad he opted for Wright instead of Carter. That was a smart move.

I’m curious if there is anything to be gained to do like San Diego did years ago and trade the player (in this case Eli Manning) versus the pick itself?

Historically speaking in the sports world there have been some positive outcomes for athletes with over-bearing parents. Archie Manning, Richard Williams, Mike Agassi and to some level LaVar Ball. But this reeks of a different level and makes me think of a more complex (aka complicated) version of Ball. I’d even say with how we’ve seen Caleb act out in public that it could be a negative influence on him. Poor kid.

Stealing this from Xwitter. I think someone like Adam could refute it. As a numbers simpleton such as myself I’m intrigued.

I think if you draft a QB in later rounds, like McCarthy or Nix, they sit while Justin starts. Or rather they compete in training camp for the spot. (Oops my bias once again appears. ?). That’s assuming you’ll have traded the #1 for capital. As far as the “red flags” being raised on Williams the closer we get to draft day? Hell yes I’m concerned.

From the so-called "QB whisperer" I say we need to draft either Daniels, Nix or McCarthy (in that order as available). Why? Daniels played in the SEC and won the Heisman THIS YEAR. Nix also played in the SEC before going to the Pac12....oddly enough his two years in the PAC 12 (against many of the same opponents) were very similar to the two years Williams spent there: Nix stats while at Oregon: 658 / 879 for 8101 yards (74.9%) 9.2 Y/A 74 TDs 10 INTs 177.8 Rate Williams stats while at USC: 599 / 888 for 8170 yards (67.5%) 9.2 Y/A 72 TDs 10 INTs 169.2 rate McCarthy played and won in the NCAA playoffs.

Or maybe he meant the combination of Waldron and Fields would be exactly how that occurs? Because while in college, Fields was able to do just that. Look no further than the Sugar. Bowl playoff game against Clemson in 2021 where was the Tigers were expected to dominate. Especially after Fields was nearly taken out just before the half.

Seeing more and more people start to talk and think this way. Those of us in the ‘Fields camp’ have been saying it the whole time. Makes way too much sense. https://x.com/justinfieldsfc/status/1762189062520377635?s=46&t=KrpJmhSTc4DI1sACtjisOQ

So in a controlled environment with 'familiar' players?

Why not (I wonder aloud...but not really all that surprised)?? ?

That's an amazing amount of "chedder". Didn't someone here mention with a strong team around them (assuming all these picks become "blue chip" quality) how much does it matter who the QB is? Or was that the argument made of why Purdy is as good as he is?

Good for him to keep working his craft. I saw a commenter on the post noted the brace on his thumb. Must still be a lingering issue.