In search of an opportunity to make an impact on the football field, quarterback Mike Glennon always kept an eye on the happenings in Chicago.
Glennon will get his chance to write his chapter in Bears history as the team’s newest quarterback. He takes over for Jay Cutler, and will have a handful of new targets to throw to – not to mention any number of draft candidates who could be picked by the Bears later this month.
Though, it appears as if the Bears are more likely to lean toward drafting a defensive impact player early, rather than an offensive weapon. But time will tell. Perhaps the team can get both if the franchise is feeling creative in how it uses its picks. Glennon would certainly appreciate any help he can get to improve an offense that finished tied for the fourth fewest points in the NFL in 2016.
Moving on …
According to Ian Rapoport, you can add Ohio State safety Malik Hooker to the list of elite prospects who have visited the Bears ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft. Hooker is one of the draft’s top safeties, and hasn’t seen his stock drop much despite undergoing surgery kept him from participating at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Pro Football Focus’ updated prospect rankings rates Hooker as the second-best safety (and 11th best player overall) in this class.
Joshua Dobbs isn’t going to be a high draft pick, and that’s OK because it should allow the Bears to address other areas of need with its higher draft picks. Still, Dobbs is the kind of quarterback worth keeping an eye on in middle or later rounds. Over at The Athletic, Dan Durkin takes a look at the Tennessee quarterback who would make sense for a team willing and able to take its time in the developmental process. Dobbs as smart as college prospects get, as he is on track to graduate with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Sounds challenging, which could make learning a pro football playbook look easy. But because Dobbs is rough around the edges, whichever team that drafts him must put its full effort in rounding him into shape in the huddle and in the study room.
It probably wasn’t his intention, Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly notes that Tony Romo closing the door on football seems to have opened up a window for Jay Cutler. And should Romo return, it’s worth noting that the Cowboys have submitted paperwork to release Romo which would officially make him a free agent upon his return. Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman talked to an AFC general manager who is 100 percent convinced Romo will play again, so hold off on sending your retirement gifts for right now. As for Cutler, veteran reporter John McClain doesn’t see a scenario where he or Colin Kaepernick is signed by the team. It seems as if the job belongs to Tom Savage.
Pernell McPhee was voted by his teammates as the winner the Ed Block Courage Award, which symbolizes professionalism, strength, and dedication as a community role model. Not only is it good seeing a player awarded for professionalism, but it’s also nice reading that McPhee says he’s getting healthier:
In another sign of kindness, former Bears tight end Martellus Bennett helped the Morgan Park boys basketball team get state championship rings with a generous donation. A tight budget prevented Morgan Park High School and the Chicago Public Schools from making it happen, but Bennett, Fenwick High School, and actor/comedian Hannibal Buress were among those who aided in making this dream come true for the Morgan Park boys basketball team.