Who’s Going to Win the Combine? Anderson is a Football Guy, Eyes on D-Line Targets, and Other Bears Bullets
March traditionally comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. But if a lion’s share of the days are as enjoyable as yesterday’s was (at least, from a weather perspective), then I might vibe well with what is to come this month.
- Patrick put together a list of five players who can bump their draft stock with a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. And, yes, there are potential Bears fits to keep tabs on:
- It doesn’t take much for me to make a case for any of these players to be a potential Bears fit. TCU receiver Quentin Johnston was definitely looking the part of a true WR1 in that Fiesta Bowl win against Michigan. North Carolina’s Josh Downs is another intriguing receiver target. And he might land in Round 2. Even though Chicago has Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon locked into starting cornerback spots, you can never have too many DBs. So why not kick the tires on Georgia’s Kelee Ringo? Let’s add Army’s Andre Carter II and FAMU’s Isaiah Land to our list of edge defenders who pique our interest.
- The highly anticipated Combine workouts begin TODAY with linebackers and defensive linemen. NFL Network’s coverage of the event begins at 2 p.m. CT. Stay tuned.
- After reading up on Wednesday’s Jalen Carter story, I’m surprised he is returning to Indianapolis:
- But I suppose it might be better to tackle that stuff head-on now instead of waiting to do so on his pro day. This is a highly complex situation that I think we should discuss in a careful manner. And we’ll do so in due time.
- Will Anderson Jr. is giving off major “Football Guy” energy here:
- Patrick Finley (Sun-Times) wonders if Anderson has become the draft’s lone “can’t miss” prospect. That conversation comes in the wake of the Carter incident. I’m not quite ready to have that conversation yet. But I’m into furthering our discussions about Anderson as a fit for this Bears team moving forward.
- Anderson has already garnered comparisons to Myles Garrett and Khalil Mack. So why not add to that group? Josh Schrock (NBC Sports Chicago) made note of Anderson name-checking Nick Bosa and Von Miller as players he was studying throughout his college days. Ah, finally, some on-campus studying that turns out to be productive. Anderson being mindful of players he’d like to emulate helps drive home that football IQ stuff that coaches and general managers dream that every player has in them. I’m not sure if Anderson will be the Bears’ guy on draft day, but his case is growing by the day.
- Kevin Fishbain (The Athletic) has additional defensive line targets who could be targets later in Round 1 (hello, trade down options?) and possibly in Round 2. This feels like a good draft to target players in the trenches. Considering the Bears’ needs on both sides of the line, I hope they take advantage of it.
- What an interesting dynamic this could be if it plays out:
- Justin Fields’ name keeps popping up at the Combine because he was very good at quarterbacking:
- Another day, another unique update from Greg Braggs Jr. at the Combine. (CHGO)
- Virginia Halas McCaskey has a most unique perspective:
- Take a hint, Bears!
- Look, don’t get me wrong. I know businesses desire to squeeze every penny and maximize every profit angle. But lowering concessions prices is such a heady thing to do. Lower prices, more buyers, and the potential for more money. It’s not rocket science. Heck, it’s actually simple math.
- A trade deadline history lesson from our friends at BN Blackhawks:
- What in the world is happening with Ja Morant? Some of the headlines he has been in this year have thrown me for a loop:
