News from the Bears 2023 offseason program

[HisRoyalSweetness]

With rookie minicamp underway, here's thread for posting any tidbits from that, OTAs and minicamps.

First up...

Words of wisdom

As he did last season, Bears coach Matt Eberflus had former Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman talk to the rookies at the team meeting prior to practice.

“Just his message about being a pro,” Eberflus said when asked why he brought Tillman back, “about being a pro. About what it takes. It’s not gong to be easy. You gotta handle hard better and you’re going to have to go through adversity, but it’s the guys that persevere that make the difference.

“He talks about preparation and the passion and the perseverance that it takes to be a pro. Just outstanding. And it means a lot when it’s coming from him, because he’s a special guy.”
...

Peanut’s message

With or without his renown for the “Peanut Punch,” Tillman is an effective speaker whose messages generally resonate with players — especially cornerbacks.

“One thing he said is run to criticism. I take that very personal, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson said. “I definitely was enlightened by it because it gave me an opportunity to realize that criticism is there to help. Everybody’s not gonna love you. You’re not put in the world for that. But I’m gonna be the best me that I can and take the criticism and grow as a person and as a man.”

https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2023 ... it-someone

It's always great to hear about Charles still being involved with the team. Hopefully he'll one day turn up wearing a gold jacket because the man fully deserves one.

[RichH55]

Charles Tillman is my favorite Bear of All Time (*)

(*) I was ultimately too young for Walter. I know the Median age here still thinks Bill George is an upstart - but I do what I can!

[Middleguard]

I know the Median age here still thinks Bill George is an upstart - but I do what I can!

Hence, my name.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Bears announce Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellows

Bears coach Matt Eberflus has announced the coaching additions of Eddie George and Randy Shannon, both of whom will join the club's 2023 OTA staff as part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

Similar to previous years, the club will once again welcome six additional Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching fellows to join them for veteran minicamp and training camp. The additional six hires will be announced in June. The program's objective is to use NFL club's training camps to give coaches and scouts opportunities to observe, participate, gain experience and ultimately gain a full-time NFL coaching position.

"We are very excited to welcome these two highly talented coaches in Eddie and Randy. Allowing them to join our staff during our OTAs enables us to offer this unique opportunity to current college coaches during their offseason," Eberflus said. "We are confident that these coaches will be great assets to our team during their time here, and we are looking forward to learning from them as well."

George, a former NFL star running back who joins the Bears staff May 15 for a two-week period, is the current head coach at Tennessee State University, a role he has held for two seasons.
...

Shannon brings 31 years of coaching experience to the Bears OTA staff. He currently serves as the co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Florida State University, a role he was promoted to prior to the 2022 season. In his first year at FSU, Shannon served as the school's senior defensive analyst (2021).

In 31 years of coaching, Shannon has directly tutored nine first-team All-Americans, 79 all-conference performers and 74 NFL draft picks, including 21 first-round selections.
...

Full article: https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears ... dy-shannon

[RichH55]

Eddie George has to be the 1st guy ever to go from a stage production of Chicago to coaching in Chicago

[Atkins&Rebel]

Hmmm, Hopefully Eddie doesn't have any lingering 'Jeff Fisher coaching tree' stank. I know...played for not coached with. But Eddie was one of the main reasons Fisher was successful at all.

[Moriarty]

Eddie George has to be the 1st guy ever to go from a stage production of Chicago to coaching in Chicago

Crazy.
Did not know about that at all.

(hidden link)

[Arkansasbear]

Eddie George has to be the 1st guy ever to go from a stage production of Chicago to coaching in Chicago

Crazy.
Did not know about that at all.

(hidden link)

Hadn't heard that. Don't know why your link is hidden, but here's another one.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffarnold ... b7ef3a7867

[HisRoyalSweetness]

[HisRoyalSweetness]

[Middleguard]

There's a photo of Doug Kramer on the field practicing at OTAs.

[Arkansasbear]

Eislan and Krammer take reps at center.

Johnson signs rookie contract.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Bears top CB Jaylon Johnson misses OTAs

A player can miss Organized Team Activities for any reason, and Bears coach Matt Eberflus was quick to point out that they’re voluntary, but cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s absence has everyone’s attention because he’s up for a contract extension and hasn’t gotten it yet.

Johnson was not on the field for practice Tuesday, and Eberflus didn’t say whether he’d been part of the offseason workout program.

The next two weeks of OTAs are optional, then the Bears have mandatory minicamp June 13-15. When asked if Johnson told him whether he’ll be at Halas Hall for those practices, Eberflus said, “I’m not going to comment on that. I know we talked about that, but ask him when you see him.”

https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2023 ... isses-otas

[HisRoyalSweetness]

[Moriarty]

Bears top CB Jaylon Johnson misses OTAs

A player can miss Organized Team Activities for any reason, and Bears coach Matt Eberflus was quick to point out that they’re voluntary, but cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s absence has everyone’s attention because he’s up for a contract extension and hasn’t gotten it yet.

Johnson was not on the field for practice Tuesday, and Eberflus didn’t say whether he’d been part of the offseason workout program.

The next two weeks of OTAs are optional, then the Bears have mandatory minicamp June 13-15. When asked if Johnson told him whether he’ll be at Halas Hall for those practices, Eberflus said, “I’m not going to comment on that. I know we talked about that, but ask him when you see him.”

https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2023 ... isses-otas

It's not uncommon for established vets to be lazy or show displeasure about their contract - but I'm not sure this is helpful for him. He may be overestimating his standing - here and leaguewide.
Not that he's likely to get dumped this season, but his absence may not be making them fonder.

[TheWorldBreaker]

It's not uncommon for established vets to be lazy or show displeasure about their contract - but I'm not sure this is helpful for him. He may be overestimating his standing - here and leaguewide.
Not that he's likely to get dumped this season, but his absence may not be making them fonder.

It’s not a big deal to miss OTAs, a lot of veteran players prefer to train on their own. Robert Quinn didn’t participate in OTAs and set the franchise record for sacks, for example.

[The Marshall Plan]

It's not uncommon for established vets to be lazy or show displeasure about their contract - but I'm not sure this is helpful for him. He may be overestimating his standing - here and leaguewide.
Not that he's likely to get dumped this season, but his absence may not be making them fonder.

Unrelated to any of his recent behavior I would be totally fine letting JJ go after this season and replacing him with one of the first rounders we have. He's just not a shutdown #1 CB.

[RustinFields]

No Nate Davis at OTA's. Ja'Tyre Carter is currently starting at RG.

[dplank]

The league limits the amount of on field work so much I don’t see all that much value for vets doing the OTAs this time of year..

[Moriarty]

It's not uncommon for established vets to be lazy or show displeasure about their contract - but I'm not sure this is helpful for him. He may be overestimating his standing - here and leaguewide.
Not that he's likely to get dumped this season, but his absence may not be making them fonder.

It’s not a big deal to miss OTAs, a lot of veteran players prefer to train on their own. Robert Quinn didn’t participate in OTAs and set the franchise record for sacks, for example.

I'm not at all concerned about how it impacts his regular season play.

I'm talking about whether he's doing smart things for what his next contract is going to look like.
If your current team says "nah, we're good, have fun with your next team" that can sometimes cut your leverage and external demand, too.
I still feel like the Bears are pretty on the fence about him. Maybe even cooler than that.

Unrelated to any of his recent behavior I would be totally fine letting JJ go after this season and replacing him with one of the first rounders we have. He's just not a shutdown #1 CB.

[UOK]

Sounds like OTAs have gone pretty well so far. Obviously all the news coming out of Halas Hall right now is going to be positive, but still, always feels nice to feel some momentum at this point.

I hope Davis gets in so the line can begin gelling ASAP.

[wab]

Notes from Day 2

There were four players absent during Tuesday’s voluntary practice: Eddie Jackson, Darnell Mooney, Jaylon Johnson and Nate Davis.

Future Hall of Fame player Jack Sanborn and Travis Homer were in attendance but did not participate.

The Bears’ starting offensive line combination without Davis: LT Braxton Jones, LG Teven Jenkins, C Cody Whitehair, RG Ja’Tyre Carter, RT Darnell Wright.

Justin Fields and DJ Moore had the play of the day during Tuesday’s workout. Fields connected with Moore deep down the right sideline. Moore beat Kindle Vildor and made a diving catch.

On defense, Tremaine Edmunds wrapped practice with a pick-6 of PJ Walker, which ended in an end zone celebration.

There were some notable moments with the sled during Tuesday’s practice. In one instance, rookie Gervon Dexter almost took out Matt Eberflus. Then it was defensive end Trevis Gipson breaking the sled during practice.

New Bear DeMarcus Walker also had a nice play on Tuesday, where he beat his man for what would’ve been a sack.

DJ Moore worked against Kindle Vildor, Jaylon Jones, Michael Ojemudia and Greg Stroman Jr. during Tuesday’s practice. (Jaylon Johnson wasn’t present and rookie Tyrique Stevenson is working his way up the depth chart).

Ja’Tyre Carter worked at right guard with Nate Davis not in attendance. Lucas Patrick also rotated in.

Justin Fields was accurate for most of Tuesday’s practice. Josh Schrock noted he did have two notable misses (sailing a pass to Chase Claypool and overthrowing rookie Tyler Scott).

Cole Kmet and Chase Claypool had some nice catches during Tuesday’s practice.

Sounds like Velus had a decent day as well. I also saw somewhere that Carter worked at center a little bit but now I can't find it again.

[IE]

I have a ton of skepticism around offseason hype now. I sort of always enjoyed it over the years, bought in and thought it was mostly true. Sometimes things happen in the season that turn some hype into a dud (injuries or certain players are exposed once the real football starts) - so I always thought there were decent reasons for why the hype wasn't realized, or fully.

Then that 2019 debacle with Nagy 2.0 blew it all out of the water for me. It was clear unsubstantiated hype. Desperate delusion or dare I say deception. I thought sitting Mitch in the preseason was evidence they were going to come out strong. But then reality hit that they were literally hiding Mitch and doing everything they could to get him ready (because he wasn't). The flop in the opening game vs Green Bay in prime time is burned into my soul. And then the ongoing debacle - several entire half games with literally no yards or scoring - made me promise myself I'd never again buy into offseason hype.

I have a lot of faith in DJ Moore. He's a given, IMO - a star. There is no question he'll help the Bears because he's helped much worse QBs and teams IMO. I do believe the Bear Oline will be quite a bit better. I hope and pray that JF1's performance on the field start to match his clear commitment and dedication to his development, the team, the game... I believe we saw some signs/flashes of that mid-season last year, and so for me it is more a question of how much he improves than if he will at all (he will). But the cornerbacks are really bothering me right now and who knows on the DL. Who knows on Pool and Mooney and Kmet - they've all flashed at times but have also played a lot of games where they had very little impact. Foreman's performance last year was intriguing but he is sort of a feast-or-famine back. Juice is a great RB2 but how will he do with 12-15 carries a game? Which guys will show up?

I'm cautiously optimistic for this fall. Excited to see it, for sure. But also fully braced for disappointment. I'm predicting 10 wins but fully recognize it easily could end up at 6 if the worst case happens (and it can - it HAS before). IF it does I believe that will mean both the overall defense remaining bad despite a couple of nice linebackers AND the offense not lighting up behind JF1. In that case and the Bears win fewer than 8 games, I believe they will be drafting one of those top 2 QBs in the next draft. And between us I don't even care if that happens - I want my team to win. A LOT. So whatever it takes to have that happen and sustained... I'm down.

[The Marshall Plan]

@IE

JF1’s morning loaf is going to get us 6 wins by itself.

Our schedule is setup with a bunch of patsies.

Poles also seriously upgraded the roster. This is nowhere near the same team.

If we only wind up with 6 wins then Flus should be launched.

[wulfy]

A little disappointing that Nate Davis hasn't showed - a new big money player you would hope would like to show up and make himself part of the team.

A thing that worries me about Davis was a random report after we signed him that Mike Vrabel "hates" him.

So, what was behind the Titans not wanting to bring Davis back in the first place? Well, it might have to do with the fact that head coach Mike Vrabel reportedly really, really wasn’t a fan of his right guard.

Per Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron, he was told that Vrabel did not like Davis at all, with the source even going as far as saying the Titans head coach “hates” him.

Talked to someone close with Titans to get an idea of Nate Davis. His first response:

"Vrabel hates him."

https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2023/03 ... ate-davis/

[IE]

@IE

JF1’s morning loaf is going to get us 6 wins by itself.

Our schedule is setup with a bunch of patsies.

Poles also seriously upgraded the roster. This is nowhere near the same team.

If we only wind up with 6 wins then Flus should be launched.

I tend to agree with you. I do think they're going to win. I'd rather not attribute it to the schedule but at this time it does appear weaker. There is no question in my mind that if Flus can't get more than 6 wins with this upgraded team he should be in trouble.

IF it is because of coaching error, like Nagy's brutal gaffes - definitely. If (oh please no) it was because the offense behind JF1 just continues to sputter for whatever reasons (e.g. a few great games but more bad ones than not, and continued dramatic lack of consistency)... then he has to be in play.

You don't get two top 10 draft picks in the same year very often (if ever). Poles MUST do every single thing within his power to make sure the Bears have a QB who can be a star AND consistent. So he has to pull the trigger and trade up to 1 or 2 to get another highest potential guy if there is ANY question about JF1. The chance may never come again. Like AZ with Kyler. That is an example that there are no guarantees. But you have to do what you have to do.

[The Marshall Plan]

@IE

JF1’s morning loaf is going to get us 6 wins by itself.

Our schedule is setup with a bunch of patsies.

Poles also seriously upgraded the roster. This is nowhere near the same team.

If we only wind up with 6 wins then Flus should be launched.

I tend to agree with you. I do think they're going to win. I'd rather not attribute it to the schedule but at this time it does appear weaker. There is no question in my mind that if Flus can't get more than 6 wins with this upgraded team he should be in trouble.

IF it is because of coaching error, like Nagy's brutal gaffes - definitely. If (oh please no) it was because the offense behind JF1 just continues to sputter for whatever reasons (e.g. a few great games but more bad ones than not, and continued dramatic lack of consistency)... then he has to be in play.

You don't get two top 10 draft picks in the same year very often (if ever). Poles MUST do every single thing within his power to make sure the Bears have a QB who can be a star AND consistent. So he has to pull the trigger and trade up to 1 or 2 to get another highest potential guy if there is ANY question about JF1. The chance may never come again. Like AZ with Kyler. That is an example that there are no guarantees. But you have to do what you have to do.

I really do think JF1 is going to be fine. It’ll be a function of how well the OL blocks. JF1 can make any throw needed and he’s a legit dual threat.

If the season does go down the crapper it’ll be because there’s no pass rush and the defense just gets picked apart every game.

[Arkansasbear]

A little disappointing that Nate Davis hasn't showed - a new big money player you would hope would like to show up and make himself part of the team.

A thing that worries me about Davis was a random report after we signed him that Mike Vrabel "hates" him.

So, what was behind the Titans not wanting to bring Davis back in the first place? Well, it might have to do with the fact that head coach Mike Vrabel reportedly really, really wasn’t a fan of his right guard.

Per Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron, he was told that Vrabel did not like Davis at all, with the source even going as far as saying the Titans head coach “hates” him.

Talked to someone close with Titans to get an idea of Nate Davis. His first response:

"Vrabel hates him."

https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2023/03 ... ate-davis/

I kind of get the guys who have been with team / in the same system not showing up, but the new guy???

I would think he would want to be in OTA to learn verbage and just to get to know the team.

Not a huge deal, but it would be better if he was here.

If Jackson wasn't hurt and didn't show up, I wouldn't give that a second thought, but this just doesn't sit right with me.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

I kind of get the guys who have been with team / in the same system not showing up, but the new guy???

I would think he would want to be in OTA to learn verbage and just to get to know the team.

Not a huge deal, but it would be better if he was here.

If Jackson wasn't hurt and didn't show up, I wouldn't give that a second thought, but this just doesn't sit right with me.

I know these OTAs are voluntary, but missing them always seems an unnecessary risk for a player to take in the highly competitive world of the NFL. If you're not there then you're giving up reps to someone who's doing everything they can to take your job away from you.

[Bears Whiskey Nut]

Claypool getting a lot of love in OTA's. Apparently he's working hard and looks completely different than the receiver we traded for mid-season. If CC really looks good in the #2 position this year, the receiver room could be special.

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears ... -offseason