NEWSLETTER
We’re the same kind of weird if you’re looking at your calendar and mapping out fun things to do in the coming days, weeks, and months because you *KNOW* summer is coming. The time to dream big things is now. Not later. Today.
• The Chicago Bears are building something, so it is apt to say this group is:
🏗 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 pic.twitter.com/3fDrWcBUI0
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 21, 2021
• On a list highlighting each NFL team’s hidden gems, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox presents Eddie Goldman as the Bears’ best-kept secret. And upon reading this, a lightbulb went off over my head like I was in a kid’s cartoon having just gotten a brilliant idea. Goldman fits this profile on several layers. Firstly, he opted out of the 2020 season. It’s the most literal way to have a best-kept secret. Getting Goldman back is almost like signing a free agent. Think of it in those terms, and Chicago’s offseason looks that much better.
• Secondly, Goldman plays a position that isn’t at all glamorous. Playing nose tackle in a 3-man front isn’t going to make too many sizzle reels. Nor will plugging gaps for would-be rushers or eating double-teams so pass-rushers and linebackers can bully through. Goldman flew below radars before, and missing a year during his prime years could further allow for him to be overlooked. But I think Bears fans have a grasp of his value and potential impact.
• When he is back, this is a small sample of what Goldman can do:
• There’s a reason this group tried an outside-of-the-box in-house option (Bilal Nichols) at the position, targeted a depth option (Daniel McCullers) for help, and kicked the tires in free agency (Snacks Harrison). Chicago has done well in recent years with plug-and-play defensive linemen. It’s just that the nose tackle position is so hard to fill because there aren’t enough body types with the type of athleticism needed to play at a high level. So, in other words, be prepared to welcome back Goldman with open arms. The expectation is he’ll be back.
• While under-the-radar players are on my mind, part of me can’t wait to see who the Bears’ UDFA summer standout will be. Every year has one, so I expect this year to be no different. Larry Mayer (Bears’ official web site) plows through some options, with Virginia outside linebacker Charles Snowden and Coastal Carolina running back CJ Marable being at the top of his list. This front office has shown a knack for unearthing UDFA gems. Cameron Meredith, Cre’Von LeBlanc, and Bryce Callahan come to mind when thinking about the top performers. At minimum, this year’s class should provide camp competition from the get-go. And if it brings something more to the table, then let’s consider it a win.
• It’s 73 now, but nevertheless, a timely reminder:
Hey @ChicagoBears fans! Today marks 74 days until the Greatest Gathering in Football History takes place in Canton.
Guarantee your spot to celebrate Jimbo Covert and the #PFHOF20 Class: https://t.co/cKStTyLark pic.twitter.com/LbMcgZrxwg
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 23, 2021
• Because 2020 was such a blur, here’s a reminder that Jimbo Covert *AND* Ed Sprinkle were elected to the mega-loaded HOF class that will combine two year’s worth of nominees. The Bears now have a whopping 30 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And while that’s pretty cool on its own, I’m looking forward to adding some more modern nominees.
• The internet is for sleuths. For instance, take this from Eric Edholm (Yahoo) who notes the Jaguars had the same pre-draft grade on first overall pick QB Trevor Lawrence and WR Jaylen Waddle. All because the Jaguars didn’t blur out grades on their draft board when sharing behind-the-scenes video on their draft class. Oops. For what it’s worth, Waddle’s grades were probably good everywhere. After all, he went sixth overall to the Dolphins.
• I’m happy for Charles Leno Jr., who landed on his feet in Washington. Getting a starting left tackle gig after his release from Chicago is no small achievement. Based on his assessment of his new team (via Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post), I think the two are an ideal match:
“Nobody gave this team a shot last year and they ended up winning the division and going to the playoffs and actually being competitive in the playoffs. That let me know right then and there that this is a team I want to be with. I’m a very competitive person and I want to match that, if not intensify that when I come here.”
• That underdog sentiment sounds so familiar. Seventh-round picks earning a second contract, then receiving Pro Bowl honors at the peak of his powers just doesn’t happen.
