Mongo3451

I have a random theory on running backs in the draft. Most experts are saying that there's no way they'd draft a RB early. I forget what thread it was on, but we all discussed their value. I still believe that versatile backs, that can create explosive plays and/or extend drives are tremendously valuable. The main thing that teams have trouble with is signing their star to the big second contract. So, my theory is that we'll continue to see what we saw this year, with the two good running backs being taken in the first round. Teams will take them, knowing they can control them for 7 years.(5th year option plus two franchise years) After that, they become disposable.

It's a big one for sure. Health is the primary factor...

Having so much cap space and the first pick netted us ten immediate starters. All upgrades! So, yes the team should be greatly improved. I'm totally stoked for the upcoming season; aptly titled, "Justin's Trial".

That I love! But when you get paid to do it, don't dilute your credibility. Bear down!

Adam Rank is a major homer. They are always clowning him on NFL Network. He also has Carolina with a winning record...?

The difference between the two is huge. The 22 Eagles were already established and deep. They probably had 7 defensive lineman that were better than our best and every offensive lineman was better than our best. All they needed was Hurts to get better to make a Superbowl run. We need Justin to get better to make it to average.

I bet he doesn't even realize he's doing it. This will be extremely hard to break if he ever does.

This is what I hope is the key. Last year there was no push in the middle, so it was easy to negate Gipson and Robinson. Now that we have athletes in the middle that can run twists and other stunts, the ends have a chance to free up a little.

I love every glittery assessment of Poles plan and Flus's execution, but every GM had the same plan. What separates one from the other is what each individual fan believes. Poles has done exactly what I wanted for the rebuild, so Flus also gets my trust. I'm so excited about the future...

On Fields, Lombardi is not the only one that has a strong opinion. Chris Simms is no fan either. He was critical of Justin's mechanics prior to the draft and has spoken lately that enough hasn't changed with his throwing motion and slow footwork. We've talked about it here as well. Justin has too many batted balls, due to his turn head, move feet, load arm and release technique. For those short passes that get YAC, he needs to incorporate those movements into one motion to get the ball out a split second sooner. That way DT's hands don't get up and secondary defenders can't react as quickly. Justin has been working on this, as we saw the slightly improved results last year, but he's got a long way to go. I like that he, at least, has the playbook down so he can concentrate on perfecting the execution. Here's to hope! ???

I believe Monty will reflect fondly of his time in Chicago when his career comes to an end. Right now, he's the jilted lover in a breakup.

Every Thursday night on ESPN 1000! I've been listening to the station for years and starting this year, they are the official station of the Bears. If you download the ESPN Chicago app, you can listen anytime. They also broadcast video on Twitch. I love calling into the Carmen and Jurko show, because Jurko is a fellow big guy and I like to talk trenches. Loved listening to Jenkins, it sounds like he's found peace with his role. More than anything, he's stated how much he values teammates showing up in his personal life. That's a big deal for a kid that needs good influences.

You decide... https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-rb-david-montgomery-says-he-feels-refreshed-by-greater-expectations-in-det

I think Poles loves that he got Edmonds for less than Roquan, plus a second round pick. Plus, our running back room is better and cheaper than if he would have signed Monty...

You are correct. Here is the part of the article that led directly to what I misquoted above. Poles and Eberflus have pointed to the challenge for receivers in getting up to speed during the season. After Tuesday’s practice, Eberflus said he’s seen Claypool “getting more comfortable adjusting.” Fields was asked about what he’s working on technically this offseason, and he mentioned going through his progressions quickly, then referenced getting Claypool worked in more often.

Eddie and Darnell are still healing. Jaylon needs a contract extension. Not sure about Nate.

Flus doesn't seem concerned about Johnson. He's in a contract year, so probably not wanting to risk having a freak accident running his ability to get an extension. Good business.

Per The Athletic, this is a quote from Fields, “Chase has improved tremendously from the end of last year to now,” he said. “That’s one thing I’m truly proud to say, seeing his work ethic, his attitude change. You can just see he’s taking another step, so definitely excited for that.” Claypool seems to have humbled himself and bought into the reality of his career. This could be a big upgrade for the receivers.

If his agent doesn't explain it, the NFL GM's will. He'll make more as an all pro guard than a mediocre tackle. He seems like the type to want a huge deal though.

Great depth of he gets his head on straight.

That's almost good depth. No way I'm ever putting Borom on the blindside. To me, he can RT and G depth. Moving Wright to LT would be the best option if Jones goes down.

I've got Tonyan listed at 237. Also, I'm not concerned about Mooney's size either. He's been durable so far, as he has not had any little guy injuries.

One thing I'll be looking for is if Tevin Jenkins makes weight. He was a concern for multiple reasons during camp and as the season wore on. Also in the mix, is whether our new DL gets up to speed quickly. On Velus Jones, I would have him perform some type of special pre snap movement or post snap fake nearly every play he's on the field.

Cliff Stein is back in the house!!!

Swifty is an optimist. Usually, I'm not a fan of his work. In reviewing Dexter, I looked at Lance Zeirline from NFL.com. He's not high on Dexter at all and gave him a 6.0 rating. After doing my own look at Dexter, I tend to agree with Swifty this time. I looked at a comparable athlete, in Deforest Buckner, and Dexter is way more athletic, with more than double the RAS. I believe Dexter's slow off the snap and lack of punch traits stem from his read and react role at Florida. In Flus's defense, he will be asked to seek and destroy, which leads to more natural aggression vs anticipation.