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Five Down, Okwo and Beekman Sign

by Adam T on May 29, 2007 4:16 PM CDT

The Bears today took another step towards being the first team to have their entire 2007 draft class under contract.

Third round linebacker Michael Okwo and fourth-round guard/center Josh Beekman have both signed. They are signed to four year deals.

Okwo:

"I'm really excited that it's all over and done with and now I can focus on the next chapter in my life, which is playing for the Chicago Bears," Okwo said via telephone from California.

Beekman:

"It was very exciting," Beekman said. "It's the first process in becoming an NFL player and it's very exciting to know your worth and know that you are etched in history. Signing with the Chicago Bears was an exciting thing for me and I really can't wait to get to work even more because it reinvigorates you right when you sign."

The only two remaining draftees left unsigned are first rounder Greg Olsen and second rounder Dan Bazuin.

Credit: Devin47

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I wonder if they're offering bigger contracts...

...than usual. Knowing that they have been good in picking out and developing talent, I wonder, if, in an attempt to avoid contract problems down the road, they are offering better than normal terms.

There has to be a method, because even "nice guys" can't sign so many picks this quickly so often.

by tyger1147 on May 29, 2007 4:26 PM CDT reply actions

That is a good question

They have to be offering something different or at least have a completely different approach then other teams.

by Adam T on May 29, 2007 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think the Bears are overpaying

but they seem to be the only team giving out all 4 year deals. Some teams give out a mix of 3 or 4 year deals.

by RME JICO on May 30, 2007 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Doesn't matter to the Bears

they can release these guys after 3 years and they become restricted free agents I believe. Basically the players are coughing up a year of free agency with a 4 yr deal if I understand it right.

Visit The Cub Reporter (mvn.com/mlb-cubs)

by thecubreporter on May 30, 2007 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Has any other team

signed any draft picks? I haven't kept up very well, except for on this blog.

Has a team ever signed all of its picks before any other team signs one?

--Torch

by torch on May 30, 2007 8:32 AM CDT reply actions

Yes and No

Yes, other picks have signed, and no, not that I know of.

by RME JICO on May 30, 2007 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions

I know Philly

has signed a couple.

by Adam T on May 30, 2007 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Dang...

Devin47 has a lot of time on his hands to keep getting this stuff up before the man who runs the blog :)

by lopey986 on May 30, 2007 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

nope

just happen to be listening to the radio at the right times.

by Devin47 on May 30, 2007 10:50 PM CDT reply actions

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