The Bears Den: February 23, 2015 - NFL Combine Chicago Bears news & notes

Bears must hope Fox's boundless energy and enthusiasm is contagious - Dan Wiederer: John Fox's hallmark over his 37-year coaching career has been his natural magnetism, his knack for being able to bring out the best in those around him.  Larry Mayer: Mannelly: Bears eager to play for Fox.

Bears entitled to expect fast turnaround under Fox - Moon Mullin: Veteran coaches from traditions of winning NFL organizations are more likely to effect near-immediate reversals of fortune than newbies in game-day headsets.

On Bears defense, it's clear all the pieces aren't anywhere near in place - Brad Biggs: In preparing for draft and free agency, the Bears are in position to add pass rusher with No. 7 pick but have needs at all three levels of the defense.

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Pace pleased with vision, balance he has with Fox - Bob LeGere: Ryan Pace and John Fox have a shared vision for the future of the Bears, and it seems much different than what the team looked like the past two seasons.

After scheme change, Bears 'D' eyes new faces - Patrick Finley: Ryan Pace, who helped acquire personnel when the Saints switched from a 4-3 to 3-4, said the Bears’ new scheme opens up the draft. Washington NT Danny Shelton to meet with Bears ... Pete Prisco: Bears could use Shelton's run-stuffing ability.

Adapting to a 3-4 - Moon Mullin: Fits for Jared Allen, Wilie Young among Bears unknowns ... Switch to 3-4 holds changes for secondary.

Dante Fowler could be 3-4 edge rusher Bears are looking for - Mark Potash: Recent Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections at OLB have been dominated by players with double-digit sacks, and is a position this year’s draft is widely considered particularly strong and deep at.  More from Dan Durkin ... Rich Campbell.

Draft preview: Safety - Dan Durkin: Unfortunately for the Bears this draft class is light on talent at the safety position, but there are some prospects to keep an eye on.  Top inside linebacker prospects ... Not-Hub Fishbain: Potential targets for the Bears in the front seven.

Team Report - Dan Hanzus: Leading his first offseason in Chicago, John Fox must resolve the Jay Cutler situation. Do the Bears move on from the embattled QB, or keep him for another campaign?

Will loaded WR class impact decision on Brandon Marshall? - Adam L. Jahns: Alshon Jeffery is entering the final year of his contract and will be looking for an extension, which could heighten the need for drafting a receiver.

Team notes - Dan Pompei’s thoughts on the latest Bears happenings.

NFLPA projects $143 million cap - Rich Campbell: The Bears have a 'healthy' salary cap situation at approximately $23 million under the NFLPA’s projection.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Jeff Joniak wraps up media availability on day 4 at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Bears history - Brad Biggs: Booms [Richard Dent!] and busts [Cade McNown!] from past Bears drafts.

Groh helped Alabama trio develop - Larry Mayer: Alabama receivers Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White and Christion Jones all credit Bears receivers coach Mike Groh with helping them develop early in their careers with the Crimson Tide.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Former Bears D-lineman Michael Haynes, now managing Heads Up Football and educating coaches on player safety, talks with Larry Mayer at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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From the Combine - Greg Gabriel's notebook, and part 2 ... Rob Rang: Five takeaways from the DL/LB drills ... Gary Mihoces: LB drill standouts.

Instant replay expansion under consideration - Dan Durkin: As thrilling as the playoffs were, they were tainted by controversy related officiating, from pass interference judgement calls to process of the catch to ball inflation.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Kevin Patra: Can Detroit keep Ndamukong Suh and make the salary cap work? Is Reggie Bush on his way out?

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Tramon Williams waits as Packers talk contracts with Randall Cobb, Bryan Bulaga.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Manouk Akopyan: Decision on whether to stick with generational running back Adrian Peterson undoubtedly impacts how the team will shape its roster.  Will Brinson: Disputed report that AP wants to play for Cowboys.

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