The Bears Den: April 01, 2015 - Offseason Chicago Bears news & notes

Bears' best and worst free agent additions - Hub Arkush, Son of Hub, and Not-Hub Fishbain recap the Bears' moves in the first three weeks of the 2015 league year and discuss their favorite and least favorite signings.

The unlikely friendship between a Chargers scout and Walter Payton - Robert Klemko: The qualities that Chargers scouting director Kevin Kelly looks for in a prospect are the same he saw in his mentor, Walter Payton, with whom he struck up an unlikely friendship.

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Bears ink Rodgers to one-year contract - Larry Mayer: The Bears on Tuesday signed free-agent running back Jacquizz Rodgers to a one-year contract. Rodgers spent his first four NFL seasons with the Falcons [Video highlights].  More from: Not-Hub Fishbain ... Patrick Finley ... Brad Biggs ... Bob LeGere.

Antonio Smith worth a look as Bears' next 'prove-it' player - Not-Hub Atkins: Teaming the experience of Smith in the 3-4 with the brains of Vic Fangio could be a smart use of a cheap deal.

5 Free Agents Still on the Chicago Bears Radar - Erik Lambert: There is still the possibility of seeing another notable player added before the draft arrives in a month. Here are five names that could prove a huge help for them.

Draft preview - Andy Benoit and Andy Staples take a look at problems and solutions for each NFC North team. Does tight end take priority over wide receiver for the Bears?

Draft preview - James Neveau: The Bears could definitely use some help at DE, but with his off-field issues, could Randy Gregory still be a fit for them?

Draft preview - Dan Durkin: Best suited to outside linebacker in a 3-4, Virginia’s Eli Harold is raw but his athletic upside and collegiate production makes him a late first-round or early second-round prospect.

Draft preview - Not-Hub Hubsson: Amari Cooper might be the safer pick, but Kevin White's size and speed uniquely stresses defense and could make him a dynamic playmaker and high-volume touchdown producer at the next level.

5 Free Agents That Can Serve As Backup Plan At WR For Bears - Aldo Soto: What free agent wide receivers can come in and take some of the pressure off of Alshon Jeffery?

Ball energized after speaking with Fox - Larry Mayer: The chance to play for John Fox was a major factor in veteran cornerback Alan Ball’s decision to sign with the Bears last Friday.

QBs destined for 2016 relocation - Adam Schein brings up Jay Cutler's demeano(u)r. Excellent analysis there.

Why Bears Fans Can Trust John Fox With Jay Cutler - Erik Lambert: Time and again Fox has proven his ability to elevate QBs to better overall play than they’ve experienced anywhere else in their careers. Don’t believe it?  See for yourself.

5 Bold Chicago Bears Predictions That Could Seriously Happen - Erik Lambert: Here are five bold predictions about the Bears that could easily come true if their decisions pan out as hoped. You won't believe #1.

Why It’s Perfectly Logical The Bears Want Kyle Long At Tackle - Erik Lambert: Here are some logical reasons it would make a ton of sense in both the short and long-term. #3 will bring you to tears.

Draft Success Rate of Each Bears GM May Surprise You - Erik Lambert: If Ryan Pace wants a winning team he must at least hit on 9% of his picks. Check out the success rates of every GM in team history.

Tank Johnson plans to offer advice to McDonald - Brad Biggs: Former Bear, currently working to complete his degree in sociology and hoping to get a job with the NFL when he's done, advises NFL prospects about how to stay out of trouble and believes Ray McDonald can restore his name.

[Video] Inside the Bears - Willie Young goes deep-sea fishing in Costa Rica with Lyndsay Petruny.

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Why PATs should just be eliminated altogether - Ross Tucker: If you really want to improve the game, get rid of the extra point. That eliminates the health and safety issue, while also saving all of us some precious time.

Draft preview - Matt Bowen: In a weak safety class, Samford's Jaquiski Tartt is a midround prospect who should be an absolute stud on special teams, and has the ability to eventually push for a starting role in this league.

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