The Bear’s Den, February 23, 2018

BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!

BEARRRSSSS / DRAFT / FREE AGENCY

Wiederer: Can Matt Nagy’s Arena Football League experience help spark Mitch Trubisky’s growth? - Chicago Tribune - As the Chicago Bears look ahead to the 2018 season, new coach Matt Nagy is looking to forge a strong bond with quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The duo's connection will be vital to the Bears' turnaround efforts. So how can Nagy's own playing experience in the Arena Football League aid Trubisky?

Kane: Will Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson be available for Bears? Mel Kiper Jr. isn’t so sure - Chicago Tribune - ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had great things to say about Notre Dame All-American offensive lineman Quenton Nelson, but there's a "but" for Bears fans interested in the guard.

[Debate] What's the Bears Larger Need: EDGE or Cornerback? - Da Bears Brothers - Chris Bocker and Will Ingalls debate the Bears' biggest need on defense. Is it cornerback or EDGE rusher?

Mullin: For Bears drafting at No. 8, the 'problem' with Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson is... - NBC Sports Chicago - Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson is a potential fit for the Bears with the No. 8 pick, but it might not be easy to justify taking a guard in the top 10.

Emma: Bears’ Roster Purge Positions Them For Even Healthier Salary Cap Situation « CBS Chicago - With more releases expected, the Bears can enter the new league year with more cap space than most teams in the league.

Legere's Chicago Bears offseason positional analysis: Inside Linebackers - Pro Football Weekly - Without Freeman and possibly Jones, there isn't much ILB depth for Bears

Perez: What would Bears’ Draft classes look like if Mel Kiper was GM? - Bears Wire - A look at each of Mel Kiper's predicted NFL Draft first-round picks for the Chicago Bears since 2010

Brian Urlacher’s uniform from Bears’ 700th win will join him in Hall of Fame - Bears Wire - The Pro Football Hall of Fame tweeted a picture of Brian Urlacher's uniform from the Chicago Bears' 700th win that will join him in HOF

Perez: Former Bear Josh Sitton jumps to head of free-agent guard class - Bears Wire - Former Chicago Bears guard Josh Sitton is now the top-rated free-agent guard in 2018

Mayer: Kiper predicts Bears will pick Edmunds at No. 8 - ChicagoBears.com
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his second mock draft. Check out who he predicts the Bears will select with the No. 8 overall pick in the first round.

Dannehy: Trubisky, Pace Could Put Bears Atop NFC North With Big Off-Season - Da Bears Blog - In twelve months we could be talking about the Bears as the kingpin of the NFC North, as long as General Manager Ryan Pace pushes the right buttons and quarterback Mitch Trubisky takes a big step in the seven months leading up the 2018 season.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Patra: Jon Gruden laments Raiders' lack of coaching stability - NFL.com - Jon Gruden hopes to eradicate the "lack of continuity" that has led to some of the inconsistencies and poor records the Oakland Raiders have endured since he was traded to Tampa in 2002.

Wesseling: Wideout Josh Gordon under Browns' control as ERFA - NFL.com - Josh Gordon is no closer to reaching free agency after rejoining the Cleveland Browns for five games late last season.

Florio: Who else will discuss contract parameters with Brees at Scouting Combine? – ProFootballTalk - It's not really news that the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees (more accurately, his agent) will discuss the parameters of a new contract at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Ken's Note: Doing this would violate NFL rules and probably cost any team that did it a high draft pick... and Florio knows it. Bogus story, presented here as an example of "pot stirring" as recently mentioned in the Den.

Alper: Vance Joseph thinks Broncos are “really close” – ProFootballTalk - We've heard several Broncos players share their thoughts about why quarterback Kirk Cousins should sign with their team as a free agent, but tampering rules don't permit coach Vance Joseph to make the same kind of pitch.

KNOW THY ENEMY

Bukowski: Why WR Donte Moncrief makes sense for the Packers as a buy-low free agent option - Acme Packing Company - From connections to former Indianapolis offensive coaches, to size and speed, the former Ole Miss star could be an ideal fit.

Navigating the Packers’ Offseason: What will Mike Pettine’s hire mean for defensive personnel? - Acme Packing Company - Expect pass rushers and cover men to be the highest defensive priorities for Green Bay this spring.

Gates: New York Jets prepared to offer $60M up front for Kirk Cousins? - Daily Norseman - You like that? Ummmmm. . .no. Ken’s Note: Ummmmm..... YES!

Detroit Lions approval poll: Bob Quinn (February 2018) - Pride Of Detroit - Do you approve of the job Bob Quinn is doing as Lions GM?

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Zeglinski: One man's cut is another man's treasure - Cap casualty fits for the Bears - Windy City Gridiron - NFL teams will look to shed salaries over the next few weeks. Diving into the bargain bin fits of players for the Bears.

Link's Layman’s Guide to Bears Free Agency: Wide Receivers - Windy City Gridiron - Have you ever gone into free agency and hear scores of names but aren’t quite sure who these players are? Well, you’re not alone.

WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS

2 Minute Drill - Website - iTunes - Andrew Link; Steven’s Streaming – Twitch – Steven Schweickert; T-Formation Conversation - Website - iTunes - Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; WCG Radio - Website - Robert Zeglinski

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