Robinson-Trubisky Reunion Party, Mock Draft Trades Galore, Offense or Defense? And Other Bears Bullets
Sometimes, an image says more than the headline.
But in this case, the two work together like a symphony:
I’ll always have some love for Jason Heyward. His World Series Game 7 pep talk was iconic. And I’ll never forget how he walked up to “Dey Know” by Shawty Lo after the ATL-based rapper died. Bringing hip-hop music to Wrigley Field is something we should all be thankful for — but that doesn’t mean I can’t laugh at what happened above.
- Today is Day 100 of the offseason for us. That is to say that today is the 100th day that has passed since the end of the 2022 regular season. Full disclosure: I’ve felt each and every one of these 100 days. I can’t lie (mostly because I’m a terrible liar), but these have been a long 100 days. But I’m happy to have made it to this point. Lucky really. We’ve had so much NFL Draft talk in that stretch, but just know it is coming to an end soon. Because the NFL Draft is in 8 days.
- I seriously thought visit SZN would need end. But NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shares that today is the last day for squads to interview players at team facilities.
- The NFL Network’s comprehensive draft coverage is going to be something else:
- Bill Barnwell isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But the ESPN writer finds ways to creatively spice up what can be a mundane stretch of pre-draft NFL coverage by mocking 31 draft-day trades for funsies. And when it comes to the Bears, Barnwell cuts a deal with the Seahawks where Chicago moves up to take Georgia DT Jalen Carter. And after seeing GM Ryan Poles make one trade, who’s to say he can’t make another?
- In addition to an eye-popping trade-up (Chicago sends pick Nos. 9, 53, and a 2024 third-rounder to get picks 5 and 83), Barnwell highlights the Lions and Raiders as teams that could have eyes on drafting Carter. Even though Barnwell is going through a writing exercise with his mock trades, it is still notable for him to note the interest from Detroit and Vegas. I don’t imagine the Bears will trade up to draft Carter, but I understand why they would. Not only because of Carter’s talent and upside, but also to keep him off the Lions. Detroit landing Aidan Hutchinson and Jalen Carter in consecutive drafts is a quarterback’s nightmare.
- FWIW: There seems to be a general consensus that Carter won’t drop out of the top 10:
- Carter’s off-the-field issues are going to impact his draft stock. Carter himself said as much (h/t PFT), which feels important. An honest self-assessment of one’s self is often a first step toward better days.
- Getting Matt Eberflus’ defense yet another impact defender would be fine. But in a Tribune Q&A with Daniel Jeremiah, the NFL Network draft guru opines “This should be an offensive-heavy draft” for the Bears. And I can’t blame him one way for feeling that way. Draft a tackle to bolster the offensive line from the get-go. Add playmakers who can take this offense to another level. Sprinkle in some interior line prospects who could start sooner than we might otherwise think. I’m tired of the Bears offense being stuck in the Stone Age. The time to modernize was yesterday. But there is still time to do it NOW.
- Former NFL tight end and fellow Missouri Valley Conference school product Clay Harbor makes a strong case for the Bears to pick an offensive tackle at No. 9 during a visit with NBC Sports Chicago. Citing Pro Football Focus’ big board, Harbor notes there are 12 edge defenders among the site’s top 64 prospects … but just six offensive tackles. In other words, the position scarcity should nudge Chicago to go offensive line early before going with the “D” late. Frankly, that’s a good thought process from Harbor. I hope the Bears weigh that possibility.
- DBB’s Jeff Hughes writes about Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore as one of his favorite players in the upcoming NFL Draft. Adebawore had some first-round buzz, but that seems to have fizzled out. Nevertheless, the Bears seemed to take a shine to the NU standout and could have a good onboarding plan in place if they find a way to draft him. I feel as if Adebawore slipping to the second round (where the Bears have two picks) could result in him going to Chicago depending on how things go early.
- We’re rooting hard for this guy:
- An old friend found a new home in Pittsburgh where he’ll be reunited with another old friend as the Rams sent Allen Robinson to the Steelers. In Pittsburgh, Robinson will once again link up with Mitchell Trubisky. For what it’s worth, the Trubisky-Robinson connection was strong in Chicago. Remember how those two clicked? Fun times. Well, some of them were fun. Other times? Not so much. We wish him the best (especially if Kenny Pickett somehow wins that QB battle for the long haul).
- This is not a headline I thought I’d read:
- No matter what happens today, the Cubs have won four consecutive series. Keep stacking dubs, Cubs. (BN Cubs)
- Blackhawks prospects are out here doing stuff:
