Bears Bullets: Eddie Jackson Punt Return Highlights, Thorpe Award Watch List, NFL Suspensions, More

Jul 15, 2017

Eddie Jackson has some moves:

Sometimes, I like to get lost down YouTube rabbit holes. And to be honest, it’s happening more frequently as I try to dig up highlights of some of the Bears’ newest players. Jackson, one of the Bears’ two fourth-round picks, is the latest because he is mentioned by CSN Chicago’s Chris Boden’s special teams preview as possibly getting a look as a return specialist during training camp.

Bears specialists haven’t been all that special since the team parted ways with Devin Hester. Last season, the Bears finished 18th in kick return average and 19th on punt returns. Considering potential issues they could encounter moving the ball through the air, getting the special teams unit to tilt the field position battle in the Bears’ favor could be helpful in 2017.

The Bears project to have one of the league’s best offensive lines, and Pro Football Weekly’s Kevin Fishbain previews the group that might be the offense’s biggest strength. It all starts with the interior, which Pro Football Focus boasts as one of the reasons the site ranked the unit as a whole in the top five. Kyle Long’s health (and potential move to left guard), Cody Whitehair’s development (and potential breakout) as a second-year starter, and Charles Leno Jr.’s performance in a contract year will factor into whether or not the line will remain a strength throughout the season.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport offers up who he believes is the most disappointing on each NFL team’s roster going into the 2017 season. There is no shortage of candidates on the offensive side of the ball for the Bears, but Davenport settles on wide receiver Kevin White. Picked seventh overall in 2015, White hasn’t been healthy or productive in his first two seasons and knows that his third year is a very important one for his future.

We recently took an early peek at what this crop of college cornerback prospects will look like as college football season rapidly approaches. You’ll see some crossover from that group and the players listed on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list. The Thorpe Award has been given to college football’s best defensive back since 1986, and last year’s winner – USC’s Adoree’ Jackson – was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 18th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Sources indicate to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott could face a one or two-game suspension stemming from the NFL’s investigation to domestic violence accusation from 2016. Last July, Elliott denied a domestic violence accusation made against him in Columbus, Ohio.

Michael Floyd’s komboucha defense didn’t spare him from being tagged with a four-game suspension to start the season. Floyd has been suspended without pay for violating the NFL’s substance abuse program, the league announced on Friday. He was cut by the Cardinals after a DUI last year, but signed with the Vikings in the offseason after a brief stint with the Patriots.

What are you thankful for? Let some of the Bears players share their perspective:

written by

Luis C. Medina

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

Sounds Like Caleb Williams and the Bears Are Already Hashing Out His Rookie Deal

The latest from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is QB-heavy. And if you're a fan of the Chicago Bears, you will want the section dedicated to Caleb Williams. There is all sorts of good stuff about his play style, background,...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bears

QB Friendly Bears, New Lions Threads, Tottenham-bound, and Other Bears Bullets

I'll say this about Taylor Swift: Surprise dropping a double album (with the second installment dropping at 1 a.m. CT) prepared me for how to best piece together Bears content at an unholy hour next week while simultaneously trying to...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bears

What About Byron Murphy II as a Bears Target With the No. 9 Pick?

I'm starting to wonder if maybe University of Texas star Byron Murphy II fits the bill as a Chicago Bears draft target.. In his latest at NBC Sports Chicago, Bears insider Josh Schrock wonders if Chicago's football team could be...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

One Pundit Thinks Trading Up to Draft Joe Alt Makes Sense For the Bears

The idea of the Chicago Bears drafting a butt-kicking offensive tackle is something that continues to pop up. Perhaps Notre Dame's Joe Alt is something on the team's radar. NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah opines Alt could be someone...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks To Surround Caleb Williams

The winds of change are howling through Halas Hall. After years (decades) of searching, the Chicago Bears appear set to finally land their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, with the top overall pick. This signals a new era for the Bears, but the...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Draft Day is Coming, NFC North QB Prospect Watch, Crews, Warren, and Other Bears Bullets

The Chicago Cubs finished a winning road trip with a series win against the defending NL champs. Taylor Swift has a new album that drops at 11 p.m. CT. And the Chicago Bears will usher in a new quarterback era...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How Will Quarterback Chaos Unfold In First Round?

Only one week remains until the biggest event of the NFL offseason — the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams is going first overall unless something totally unexpected happens. But outside of that, there are still so many questions left to...

Matt Rooney

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Mock Draft Trade Proposals Seem to Target One Particular Position

I had a great visit with my therapist today. Between that and an afternoon cold brew, I've got enough in me to power through an evening Bears post. Let's dig into some recent mock drafts that are giving off a...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Sounds Like the Bears Will Consider Taking Brock Bowers If They Stay at No. 9

For all the discussion about the big three wide receivers who could be on the Chicago Bears radar on NFL Draft weekend, a different high-profile pass-catcher is apparently garnering some interest from the team. All-American tight end Brock Bowers had...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Hire Ted Crews as Special Advisor to President Kevin Warren

The Chicago Bears continue building out their organizational staff around President Kevin Warren. And their latest addition arrives to Halas Hall with three Super Bowl rings in tow. The team announced the hiring of Ted Crews, who has spent the...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Picks

Braves vs. Rangers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Coming off a three-homer game last time out, Travis d'Arnaud leads the Atlanta Braves (13-5) into action as -157 favorites against the Texas Rangers (11-10). First pitch from Truist Park is set for 7:20 PM ET Saturday, live on BSSW.Charlie...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Reds vs. Angels Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Cincinnati Reds (10-9), led by the red-hot Elly De La Cruz and his two-game homer streak, are -127 favorites to pick up a win over the Los Angeles Angels (9-11) Saturday at 6:40 PM ET, live from Great American...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Orioles vs. Royals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Cedric Mullins (10 games) will look to add to his hitting streak when the Baltimore Orioles (12-7) and Kansas City Royals (13-7) meet Saturday at 7:10 PM ET, live on MASN2 from Kauffman Stadium. Mullins and the Orioles are favored...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Mariners vs. Rockies Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Colorado Rockies (4-15) face the Seattle Mariners (9-10) at 8:10 PM ET on Saturday following a five-game losing streak.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Mariners will send Luis Castillo (0-4) to the mound, while Dakota Hudson (0-3)...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Reds vs. Angels Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Los Angeles Angels (9-11) play on the road against the Cincinnati Reds (10-9) at Great American Ball Park. The game is set to start at 6:40 PM ET on Saturday.The Reds will call on Graham Ashcraft (2-1) versus the...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Braves vs. Rangers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Atlanta Braves (13-5) look to add to a five-game winning streak as they host the Texas Rangers (11-10) at 7:20 PM ET on Saturday.The Braves will look to Charlie Morton (1-0) against the Rangers and Nathan Eovaldi (1-1).Braves vs....

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Orioles vs. Royals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Baltimore Orioles (12-7) visit Kansas City to face the Kansas City Royals (13-7) at 7:10 PM ET on Saturday.The Orioles will call on Corbin Burnes (2-0) versus the Royals and Cole Ragans (0-1).Orioles vs. Royals Pitcher Matchup and Game...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Playoffs Begin, Locker Clean Out, Summer Thoughts, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today. It's the most exciting time of year for 16 cities in the NHL because every one of them -- yes, even the Islanders and Capitals -- have a chance to win it all....

Tab Bamford

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Cleveland Guardians (14-6) are favorites (-172) on the moneyline when they take on the Oakland Athletics (8-12) Saturday at 6:10 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA.Cleveland's Logan Allen and Oakland's Alex Wood have been named the starters for this contest.Guardians...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Picks

Phillies vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Following a two-homer game last time out, Alec Bohm leads the Philadelphia Phillies (12-8) into action as -322 favorites against the Chicago White Sox (3-16). First pitch from Citizens Bank Park at 6:05 PM ET on Saturday, live on NBCS-PH.Zack...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

Bears Bullets: Eddie Jackson Punt Return Highlights, Thorpe Award Watch List, NFL Suspensions, More

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular