flea Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/01/be...nning_back.html Bears eyeing CFL running back? Could the Bears be looking to the North for the first person to provide competition general manager Jerry Angelo has promised for running back Cedric Benson? The Metro News of Toronto reports that the Bears and New York Jets have offered contracts to running back Joe Smith, of the British Columbia Lions of the CFL. Smith set a Lions’ franchise record with 1,510 yards this past season, scoring 18 touchdowns. In two seasons with BC, he’s totaled 2,397 yards with 27 scores and a 5.4-yard per carry average. Smith originally was an undrafted free agent from Louisiana Tech who hooked up with Jacksonville. The 27-year-old has also spent time with Tampa Bay and Tennessee before finding a niche in the CFL. Smith, 6-1, 224 pounds also played in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire. Angelo said in his end-of-season press conference Thursday that he still believed Benson could be a feature back, but that competition was in the works for the former No. 4 overall pick. One would think that would mean more than Smith, but the Bears have always been diligent in scouting all ranks. Two-time Pro Bowl special teams performer Brendon Ayanbadejo played in the CFL. Wide receiver Rashied Davis was originally an Arena League standout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradjock Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/01/be...nning_back.html Bears eyeing CFL running back? Could the Bears be looking to the North for the first person to provide competition general manager Jerry Angelo has promised for running back Cedric Benson? The Metro News of Toronto reports that the Bears and New York Jets have offered contracts to running back Joe Smith, of the British Columbia Lions of the CFL. Smith set a Lions’ franchise record with 1,510 yards this past season, scoring 18 touchdowns. In two seasons with BC, he’s totaled 2,397 yards with 27 scores and a 5.4-yard per carry average. Smith originally was an undrafted free agent from Louisiana Tech who hooked up with Jacksonville. The 27-year-old has also spent time with Tampa Bay and Tennessee before finding a niche in the CFL. Smith, 6-1, 224 pounds also played in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire. Angelo said in his end-of-season press conference Thursday that he still believed Benson could be a feature back, but that competition was in the works for the former No. 4 overall pick. One would think that would mean more than Smith, but the Bears have always been diligent in scouting all ranks. Two-time Pro Bowl special teams performer Brendon Ayanbadejo played in the CFL. Wide receiver Rashied Davis was originally an Arena League standout. He'll be just another guy for the 80 man training camp roster. MAYBE he'd make the team as a special teams player. It's good to hear we're scouring all possible options to improve this team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flea Posted January 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 he's actually not a bad RB(though admittedly I've only seen him play against CFL D's) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixote Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 he's actually not a bad RB(though admittedly I've only seen him play against CFL D's) flea, you said you have seen him play. Is he a speed back, power back, or does he have a good combo of speed & power? Is he a good receiver out of the backfield? Good blocker? Any type of scouting report you can give would be appreciated. Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flea Posted January 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I've not seen him that much Pix but from what i recall of him he's a bit of both Pix he can run over you but also has a bit of elusiveness & can make guys miss. Good receiver out of the backfield but ya need to be in Canada with the 3 down game. Caught 51 passes in 06. When he played in europe he led the league in rushing with 1000+ yards in a 10 game season & IIRC he missed 1 1/2 games Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearSox Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 interesting... anyone know where I can find any video of him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flea Posted January 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 In my video collection LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixote Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Thanks flea. Hope we bring him in and take a look at him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixote Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 According to the agent for Smith, the Bears are not in the picture..... Latest article: Agent doesn't see Bears in mix for CFL star Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 According to the agent for Smith, the Bears are not in the picture..... Latest article: Agent doesn't see Bears in mix for CFL star It just says the Bears have not offered him a contract. That does not necessarily mean we are not in the mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.