The Bears Den: June 18, 2015 - Chicago Bears minicamp news & notes

Eddie Goldman impressing teammates, coaches - Rich Campbell: There's optimism, based largely on Goldman's college evaluation, that he can fortify a line that was part of one of the NFL's worst defenses the last two seasons.

Practice absences can’t be helping Bears learning curve - Moon Mullin: Having multiple potential starters and key subs missing while coaches and players work through the most detailed installation sessions can only be a detriment to the team.

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Defense will take shape after 'underwear football' - Adam Jahns: John Fox likes the progress defense is making, but it’s too early for true answers to be gleaned.  Bob LeGere: Expects big impact from Pernell McPhee.

Jarvis Jenkins brings sizable 3-4 experience to young D-line - Spawn of Hub: The Bears' botched Ray McDonald signing grabbed national headlines, largely obscuring the arrival of a second free agent D-lineman with a 3-4 background.  Rich Campbell: Jenkins determined to improve as a pass rusher.

Fuller juggles new scheme, leadership role - Brad Biggs: Kyle Fuller likes what he’s experienced so far in Vic Fangio's scheme and feels like he has leadership to offer the secondary and the defense. Patrick Finley: Fuller among punt return options.

Bears offense headed in right direction - Larry Mayer: Jay Cutler is pleased with the progress the Bears have made learning their new offense, but the veteran knows that the unit still has miles to go.

Kyle Long moves to LT on Day 2 of minicamp - Jeff Dickerson: Offseason program allows coaches to move players outside of their comfort zones and take reps at different positions, mainly for emergency purposes.  Brad Biggs: Fox sees value in preparing for the unexpected.

Marquess Wilson not 'forgotten man' - Patrick Finley: Playing special teams to make the club is a far cry from this time last season, but Marquess Wilson has been catching coaches' eyes in offseason workouts.  Not-Hub Bartelson: Wilson taking team-oriented approach.

Team notes - Larry Mayer: Jay Cutler confident in Alshon Jeffery's ability to step up, is excited to reconnect with Eddie Royal, and likes what he has seen of the O-line.

Team notes - Not-Hub Fishbain: John Fox on the defense, says it's important for O-linemen to get reps at different spots; elaborates on the changing role of the safety position.

Team notes - Bob LeGere: For Bears, work with Colts can only help; John Fox confident in Kyle Fuller; Jarvis Jenkins sharing experience in 3-4 with younger D-linemen.

[Video] - Not-Hubs Fishbain and Atkins and Son of Hub: The focus of day two of Bears minicamp was primarily that of the defense, and Vic Fangio’s revamped 30 front.

[Video] NFL Network - Stacey Dales talks one-on-one with Jared Allen on his switch from DE to linebacker and his new head coach John Fox.

Photos - ChicagoBears.com: The Bears went back to the field on Wednesday for the second of three mandatory minicamp practices at Halas Hall. More from Hub-or-not-Hub.com.

Bears have eye on safety, running back - Brad Biggs: Team work out Sherrod Martin and Daniel Thomas [non-Tribune link].

[Video] SportsTalk Live - How will Martellus Bennett help the Bears?

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Know thy enemy: Lions - Greg Gabriel's 2015 preview: The Lions have the people at the skill positions to be very good, but their chances of success hinges on the O- and D-lines.  Michael Rothstein: Eric Ebron's confidence could help him in year 2.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Returning intact, the Packers have plenty of strength up front on the O-line ... Dom Capers still going strong.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: Adrian Peterson's return gives Vikings a plethora of backfield options, with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata combining for 1,108 rushing yards and nine TDs last season ... Cordarrelle Patterson has to earn spot in offense.

[Video] - John Dodge: Lots of work ahead to prepare Soldier Field for Blackhawks rally.

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