The Bear’s Den, April 14, 2020

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

This week we are on to Notorious Earworm songs... those songs that you can’t get out of your head... how about two of the greatest sports anthems?

Which, of course, must be followed by...

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

BEARRRSSSS

2020 NFL Draft: 5 offensive linemen Bears could pick in second round - NBC Sports Chicago - If the Bears want to upgrade their offensive line with one of their second-round selections, one of these five guys is probably going to be the pick.

Bears need to use the NFL Draft to build a meaner, nastier team - NBC Sports Chicago - It’s the latest in a long line of draft questions for Ryan Pace.

NFL announces all offseason programs up to training camp will be held virtually - NBC Sports Chicago - Barring any major chances to national policy, Halas Hall will remain shut down until Training Camp.

NFL releases more virtual draft details, here’s what we know so far - NBC Sports Chicago - Here’s how next weekend’s online event will look.

Myth or Reality: What the Trends Say about Ryan Pace’s Drafts - SI.com - Bears general manager Ryan Pace has made 32 draft picks in five years and it’s enough time to find trends developing.

NFL, union approve virtual offseason workout program - WGN Radio - The NFL and its players union have agreed to conduct “virtual” offseason workout programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic until every team is permitted to open its facilities. Teams can hold voluntary classroom instruction, workouts and non-football educational programs using online platforms, according to a memo sent to the teams that was obtained by...

Prospect Profile: QB Jalen Hurts - 670 The Score - The Bears still need a long-term answer at quarterback, and they hold a pair of second-round picks. Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts is projected to be selected in that range.

Brad Biggs’ NFL mock draft 2.0 - Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs’ latest projections for next week’s NFL draft, from picks No. 1 and No 50.

RIP

Tarvaris Jackson dies in a car accident at 36 - ProFootballTalk - Former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, a second-round pick of the Vikings in 2006, has died in a car accident. He was 36.

POLISH SAUSAGE

NFL: Personnel should comply with local and state "stay at home" regulations - ProFootballTalk - The NFL has taken a hard line with players regarding various types of off-field behavior. The NFL is not taking a hard line with players regarding the current mandates of the pandemic.

Teams with new head coaches will get their extra week of work - ProFootballTalk - The five teams with new head coaches were supposed to start their offseason programs April 6. That didn’t happen, obviously.

Virtual offseason program remains strictly voluntary - ProFootballTalk - Many things about the offseason program have changed for 2020. One thing remains the same: The virtual offseason program is voluntary.

Virtual offseason program set to begin April 20 - NFL.com - The NFL and the players union have agreed to a virtual off-season program that will provide the chance for classroom instruction, workouts and non-football education programs while team facilities remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

2020 NFL Draft to be presented across NFLN, ESPN, ABC - NFL.com - The 2020 NFL Draft will be simulcasted across NFL Network and ESPN with Commissioner Roger Goodell introducing picks from his home.

NFL, union prepare for virtual offseason workouts - Chicago Sun-Times - The NFL and NFLPA agreed on the format for a "virtual offseason" during coronavirus stay-home orders Monday.

NFL Draft analysis: Bears have already invested at inside linebacker - Chicago Sun-Times - The last time he had a first-round pick, in 2018, Bears general manager Ryan Pace made Roquan Smith just the third interior linebacker drafted in the top eight this century.

ESPN and NFL Network will join forces for the NFL draft telecast, with an added ‘Draft-A-Thon’ to pay tribute to health care workers and first responders - Chicago Tribune - ESPN and NFL Network will join forces for this year’s NFL draft. They will produce a broadcast that will air on both networks over all three days.

Panthers wisely reward Christian McCaffrey, the new face of the franchise - ProFootballTalk - With Cam Newton gone and Luke Kuechly retired, Christian McCaffrey has become the face of the Panthers. He’s also now the wallet.

Panthers give Christian McCaffrey big extension - ProFootballTalk - Panthers coach Matt Rhule said last week he considered Christian McCaffrey more than just a running back.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Green Bay: Nobody cares

Detroit: Nobody cares

Minnesota: Nobody cares

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Wiltfong's Mocking the Mocks: Dane Brugler’s 7-round Bears mock - Windy City Gridiron - We continue taking a look at when the NFL experts think the Bears are going to do in the 2020 NFL Draft in our Mocking the Mocks series.

Wiltfong: Grading Ryan Pace’s First Round Draft Picks - Windy City Gridiron - In this seven-part series we’re asking you guys to grade each round of Ryan Pace’s drafts through the years.

Infante’s 2020 NFL draft: Potential offensive line targets for Bears in Round 2 - Windy City Gridiron - Offensive line was a weakness for the Bears in 2019, so they could end up drafting one of these prospects in the second round.

THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following is not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS

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