Speaking of LT, Braxton tweaked his ankle twice in 1 on 1 drills facing Booker. He left practice early and Kiran replaced him.

Also DB Owen's carted off field with lower body injury and DB Dallas Flowers left practice. DBs are getting dangerously thin.

6 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

It is not really a good thing, but since the guy we decided on last season was more a RT and is out for at least half the season and we are now leaning on a guy we were letting walk in FA because he couldn't hold a block against the bull rush, I want one of the 3 guys we have in camp to excel. Having them fight for their livelihood will bring the best one forward. As of today, Kiran is looking like the odd man out. All I am asking is for the Bears to test him again to see if he responds because they are not keeping him on the 53 if he doesn't. I don't enjoy throwing away expensive things I've invested in without trying to fix it with multiple angles of pursuit. If I was wealthy, then save me my time and worries and scrap it, but I am not.

Two positions the Bears have not drafted and developed into greats for 40 some years is LT and DE. Two positions that need deep draft evaluations every year and to use the pick if a guy is there until you have a great.

yep

On 8/6/2026 at 9:41 AM, ASHKUM BEAR said:

It is not really a good thing, but since the guy we decided on last season was more a RT and is out for at least half the season and we are now leaning on a guy we were letting walk in FA because he couldn't hold a block against the bull rush, I want one of the 3 guys we have in camp to excel. Having them fight for their livelihood will bring the best one forward. As of today, Kiran is looking like the odd man out. All I am asking is for the Bears to test him again to see if he responds because they are not keeping him on the 53 if he doesn't. I don't enjoy throwing away expensive things I've invested in without trying to fix it with multiple angles of pursuit. If I was wealthy, then save me my time and worries and scrap it, but I am not.

Two positions the Bears have not drafted and developed into greats for 40 some years is LT and DE. Two positions that need deep draft evaluations every year and to use the pick if a guy is there until you have a great.

I used to think there were organizational trends, but every time there is a new GM or HC, it changes the equation. So Poles+Johnson is different than Poles+Eberflus, which is completely unrelated to Pace+Nagy. In reality, you would have to follow the GM or HC to find the real trends.

Also, how much development is really occurring? Almost every good player in the league is highly drafted, and even then, some are not evaluated properly.

A great example is Maxx Crosby. He was not only drafted in the 4th round, but was the 2nd DE taken by OAK that year. Clelin Ferrell was not only taken before Crosby, he was drafted 4th overall. Yet somehow, on the same team, same staff, etc, Ferrell flops and Crosby rises. OAK actually got it wrong, and if development had a measurable impact, Ferrell would be an All-Pro.

Ultimately, it comes down to the individual player's motivation and desire to be great. The margins are so small at the top that at a certain point it is just effort and drive.

On 8/6/2026 at 9:41 AM, ASHKUM BEAR said:

It is not really a good thing, but since the guy we decided on last season was more a RT and is out for at least half the season and we are now leaning on a guy we were letting walk in FA because he couldn't hold a block against the bull rush, I want one of the 3 guys we have in camp to excel. Having them fight for their livelihood will bring the best one forward. As of today, Kiran is looking like the odd man out. All I am asking is for the Bears to test him again to see if he responds because they are not keeping him on the 53 if he doesn't. I don't enjoy throwing away expensive things I've invested in without trying to fix it with multiple angles of pursuit. If I was wealthy, then save me my time and worries and scrap it, but I am not.

Two positions the Bears have not drafted and developed into greats for 40 some years is LT and DE. Two positions that need deep draft evaluations every year and to use the pick if a guy is there until you have a great.

They clearly are rotating all of the LT group to get a look at all of them. Someone here already mentioned that, a coach stated that in an interview. They are doing the same thing they did last year. A second round pick sounds like they did address the LT position and was looking good until his injury. They only have so many 1st round picks Caleb, Rome, Wright, Loveland and Thieneman. Looking back, they have added enough talent to question Rome but that's hindsight. The DL has been a position of neglect but they have been putting offense first in trying to build around Caleb. We won 12 games last year with the roster building that Ryan has done. He has made many mistakes but he hired BJ and drafted Caleb and has a direction with this team of which I believe is headed for a SB run, next year or if fortunate, this year. Every team has some questions except, IMO, the Rams. I do see the depth getting better going forward. We had been a top 5 rated OL last year by a couple of different websites. Kiran, Braxton, Willis and (RT?) Theo gives us enough talent to get the job done with Ozzy still in the future.

I trust the brass running the team enough to fix the spots that look weak to be okay.

I dont go to training camps anymore but several people keep mentioning Kaden Davis. Can he upgrade Scotty Miller or Walker with him at WR?

2 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

Kiran, Braxton, Willis and (RT?) Theo gives us enough talent to get the job done with Ozzy still in the future.

I dont understand this logic at all. You can only play one of them at a time, they dont add together into one super player.

After the Bears lost Bryant to injury, I looked at OTC to see if there were any Safeties available that were at least serviceable. The only name I came up with was Xavier Woods, and the Bears just signed him.

28 minutes ago, BearFan PHX said:

I dont understand this logic at all. You can only play one of them at a time, they dont add together into one super player.

I'm referring to the competition between them and the winner will be fine. Last year, we had a lot of questions with LT and it didn't hurt us. We aren't adding anyone at this point so we get what we get and I trust them to know what they see.

8 minutes ago, adam said:

After the Bears lost Bryant to injury, I looked at OTC to see if there were any Safeties available that were at least serviceable. The only name I came up with was Xavier Woods, and the Bears just signed him.

I haven't been on X but another body can't hurt.

2 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

I'm referring to the competition between them and the winner will be fine. Last year, we had a lot of questions with LT and it didn't hurt us. We aren't adding anyone at this point so we get what we get and I trust them to know what they see.

but youre assuming one of them will be better than average? I could take 5o people with crutches, race them, and the fastest one still isnt going to win any track and field events?

Youre kinda arguing that if you have more guys, and a good eye that creates a good player, and Im just saying that doesnt make any sense to me.

2 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

but youre assuming one of them will be better than average? I could take 5o people with crutches, race them, and the fastest one still isnt going to win any track and field events?

Youre kinda arguing that if you have more guys, and a good eye that creates a good player, and Im just saying that doesnt make any sense to me.

I will say having Roushar and Ben Johnson here, the guys we have now will not be the same as if Eberflus was HC. The guys we have are capable. They may need extra coaching, help w chips, and schemes, but they will not be as awful as Justin Fields or 1st year CW running for their lives or on their back every snap.

15 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I will say having Roushar and Ben Johnson here, the guys we have now will not be the same as if Eberflus was HC. The guys we have are capable. They may need extra coaching, help w chips, and schemes, but they will not be as awful as Justin Fields or 1st year CW running for their lives or on their back every snap.

I hope so. I tend to think Benedet is the floor. I dont trust Braxton or Wills until I see it with my own eyes.

I can understand the logic that we will get the best out of guys because of Roushar and the coaching, but i dont really know what the best of Braxton or Wills is? Or Amagadje?

Obviously I havent had private views of these guys during the offseason, so our staff knows more than we do, but I still think we have a hole at OT, and that Benedet is the floor. Maybe Wills will revitalize and shock me - it's possible - but i have no real reason to bet on that? So I think it's Benedet or even Decker.

Id love to be wrong about this.

4 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

I hope so. I tend to think Benedet is the floor. I dont trust Braxton or Wills until I see it with my own eyes.

I can understand the logic that we will get the best out of guys because of Roushar and the coaching, but i dont really know what the best of Braxton or Wills is? Or Amagadje?

Obviously I havent had private views of these guys during the offseason, so our staff knows more than we do, but I still think we have a hole at OT, and that Benedet is the floor. Maybe Wills will revitalize and shock me - it's possible - but i have no real reason to bet on that? So I think it's Benedet or even Decker.

Id love to be wrong about this.

Benedict isnt even taking snaps at LT. This is down to Jones, Wills,and Armagadjie. Ive heard good reports on all 3. I know they are not all-pro players but we will get the best of the 3 to hold the position until Trapilo can compete. The best part is Thuney has pull on this.

8 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

Benedict isnt even taking snaps at LT. This is down to Jones, Wills,and Armagadjie. Ive heard good reports on all 3. I know they are not all-pro players but we will get the best of the 3 to hold the position until Trapilo can compete. The best part is Thuney has pull on this.

I know he isnt but based on last years performance I still think he is the floor. I agree that isnt the common wisdom right now, just my opinion.

Its possible that we would have to move Thuney to LT. We do have options are OG. Again, not predicting it, but i know its one of the doomsday scenarios?

12 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

but youre assuming one of them will be better than average? I could take 5o people with crutches, race them, and the fastest one still isnt going to win any track and field events?

Youre kinda arguing that if you have more guys, and a good eye that creates a good player, and Im just saying that doesnt make any sense to me.

Im not arguing about anything, I am giving my opinion. I trust that Roushar, BJ and Poles will know what they see, of which we havent seen yet. As you said I am assuming they will be at least average but its the same situation as last year, it has questions. How did it turn out last year? If they thought there was going to be a problem, they would have brought in an old overpaid vet to play there.

Every day, we read about players who have stood out from others on and off the field. Caleb, Rome, Burden, Loveland, Kmet, Davis, Thomas, Wright, Booker, ... the list goes on and on. You would think half of our roster is made up of Pro Bowlers.

Of course, we know preseason hype means nothing.

What worries me is that over a dozen players are getting so much hype, yet, with the exception of a few comments solicited from players when asked, little is said about Thieneman.

He has never been singled out in press reports as someone who was a top performer in one of the practice sessions.

I know he is a rookie, learning the defense, but it seems we should be hearing more positive feedback on his performance than we have.

It worries me.

I think we can't climb on the worry wagon until we get ready to play real games. Some injured players will be back, we will get to see them play on the field. If more players get injured and none come back, I will be the first line being worried. No use projecting bad , we have plenty of time for that.

Here is a video that should make you feel good about our future, he's not a Bear's pundit that gets paid to talk about the team.

Terrod Armstead

On X today, Cam Lewis and Luther Burden left the field early with trainers. People get exicted that its something serious. Just like the other day Sweat and Braxton left early were back on the field today. Worry when they pick them up with a cart.

Seen a chart about cost in the OL, we were 15th. Wrights contract doesnt go into effect until 2027 so that will change.

Offensive Line Investments for 2026

16 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

but youre assuming one of them will be better than average? I could take 5o people with crutches, race them, and the fastest one still isnt going to win any track and field events?

Youre kinda arguing that if you have more guys, and a good eye that creates a good player, and Im just saying that doesnt make any sense to me.

Not sure why you keep saying I mean something else than I explained to you what I meant. The team have several players competing for the job, and one will win. I dont think any are all pro, they dont have to be. With a lot of 12 and 13 grouping , BJ scheming plays, LT will be just fine. Its okay if you disagree, I dont care.

17 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

but youre assuming one of them will be better than average? I could take 5o people with crutches, race them, and the fastest one still isnt going to win any track and field events?

For starters, average is good enough in this situation. Are we are seriously comparing professional football players, competing for a position, to the Special Olympics?

The LT situation is in OK shape. If they ever see it as futile, we'll hear that Thuney had slid over a spot. I realize we all want it to be above average, but reality and the salary cap make it almost impossible.

1 hour ago, Pixote said:

Every day, we read about players who have stood out from others on and off the field. Caleb, Rome, Burden, Loveland, Kmet, Davis, Thomas, Wright, Booker, ... the list goes on and on. You would think half of our roster is made up of Pro Bowlers.

Of course, we know preseason hype means nothing.

What worries me is that over a dozen players are getting so much hype, yet, with the exception of a few comments solicited from players when asked, little is said about Thieneman.

He has never been singled out in press reports as someone who was a top performer in one of the practice sessions.

I know he is a rookie, learning the defense, but it seems we should be hearing more positive feedback on his performance than we have.

It worries me.

Just in time. It was reported that Thieneman had a great practice today.

1 hour ago, Stinger226 said:

Here is a video that should make you feel good about our future, he's not a Bear's pundit that gets paid to talk about the team.

Terrod Armstead

Good video, he worked with Braxton in the offseason and it looks like the Bears were impressed enough to let him join the team for 3 days. He is now a huge fan and spoke very positively about how special this team is and how they are doing it the right way. We are no longer a team that looks at any NFL team, Chiefs/Rams, and think we will lose. These Bears will come prepared and have the skills to beat any team.

1 hour ago, Mongo3451 said:

For starters, average is good enough in this situation. Are we are seriously comparing professional football players, competing for a position, to the Special Olympics?

The LT situation is in OK shape. If they ever see it as futile, we'll hear that Thuney had slid over a spot. I realize we all want it to be above average, but reality and the salary cap make it almost impossible.

Last year was the same kind of questions with not knowing how BJ and Roushar would mold the whole OL. This year we have less questions than last year and now know both OL and OC can scheme around with an average LT.