Ten Thoughts on the NFL: Chicago Bears and beyond

1) I'm waiting for the Aldon Smith excuse to be, "I didn't say I have a bomb, I said you were the Bomb."

2) If I was a quarterback needy team drafting in the top 10, I think I'd pass on the position until the 2nd round this year. There are just too many question marks surrounding the top QBs, and when you couple that with the talent available from the top prospects at other positions, you have a sound reason to wait for a signal caller.

It's a scenario that reminds me of the 2001 draft when the San Diego Chargers traded out of the top pick, drafted running back LaDanian Tomlinson 5th overall, then plucked QB Drew Brees at the top of the 2nd round.

3) Potential top pick Jadeveon Clowney is done working out for prospective NFL teams, and I have no problem with his decision. Some teams may not like it, but at this point whet does he have to gain? His top 10 status has already been cemented, and an injury during a workout is the only thing that drop him from the early part of the 1st round.

4) LeSean McCoy was asked about some out of work NFL players when Tim Tebow's name came up.

"Tim Tebow?" McCoy responds, with a frown. "My son is two... I'd take my son over Tim Tebow."

Was that really necessary?

I don't think LeSean McCoy has ever seen Bambi.

5) Chad Johnson must really love playing football. How else to explain him readying to work out for the CFL's Montreal Alouettes?

That is unless the 36 year old wide out has another reality TV show in the works...

6) The NFL Pro Bowl will continue being unconferenced next season, but the venue will change. Next year the popular all star contest will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona, followed by the Super Bowl one week later.

The Pro Bowl has to be the most complained about sporting event every season, yet it picks up outstanding ratings year after year. The 2014 game was watched by 11.4 million people.

Who are there people?

7) This is just weird... Julius Peppers will wear #56 for the Green Bay Packers.

8) Phil Emery took over as GM for the Chicago Bears after the 2011 season. In his two years on the job he has only retained 10 players from that '11 roster. As large a turnover as that is, it's the 5th most in the NFL. The Indianapolis Colts only have seven players still on their roster from 2011.

9) Minnesota defensive tackle prospect Ra'Shede Hageman is widely panned for inconsistent film, for taking plays off and for not playing mean enough, but he's aware of the criticism and has taken steps to move past that.

By creating an alter ego.

"The alter ego that I'm starting to develop is that black thug that society doesn't like,"

"To be nasty or ruthless, having that anger and having that swag that yeah, I can do whatever I want - that's the alter ego, because when you're on the field, that's what it takes to beat double teams. You don't give a (bleep). You're crazy and you don't care."

That does seem a bit out there, but to better understand Hageman, you need to understand where he's come from. His story could easily transition to Hollywood, and for more about his journey check out the outstanding long form article from SB Nation.

10) Let's peep out the latest two round mock draft from SB Nation, in particular the picks at 14 and 51 for the Chicago Bears.

Here's who they have the Bears taking in the 1st round;

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald is probably Chicago's preference with this pick. But the secondary is also an area the Bears could look to address in the first round. If not for his injury-riddled career at Virginia Tech, Kyle Fuller might be the consensus top cornerback in this draft. As it stands, he's one of four corners who has a chance to come off the board first. Like D.J. Hayden a year ago, Fuller could make a late rise if he checks out medically.

We've discussed Fuller on WCG before, and I think he would make a solid addition. Talks about the 6', 190 pounder being able to play safety adds value to this selection. I do think the higher ceiling at corner may be found by the player that they have going at 15th overall, Justin Gilbert. Also interesting to note that safety Calvin Pryor is still on the board in their mock.

In the second round they have the Bears drafting an undersized three technique defensive tackle prospect. No, not Aaron Donald, he went 5th overall to the Oakland Raiders, instead they have the Bears going this route;

Dominique Easley, DT, Florida

Dominique Easley is the best defensive tackle in this draft, but multiple knee injuries during his college career will cause him to slide a bit in the NFL Draft. If the Bears are smart, they will pull the trigger on Easley in the second round. He would fill a need and likely be able to take the field at some point during the 2014 season.

Easley didn't work out at the NFL Combine, or at Florida's pro day, but he may hold a workout this week. Health is the #1 concern for him, but if he checks out medically and puts up some impressive athletic numbers, he could shoot back up draft boards.

What are your thoughts on my thoughts this week?