2021 Offseason

Predicting The 2021 Chicago Bears Starters

February 24, 2021, 3:13 PM CST

In my first article in a while, I have decided to predict the 2021 Chicago Bears starters. Bears Mock Offseason will come sometime soon hopefully. I don't have a date because that is taking a while. Also, the defense will follow the rumored 4-3 format, so not 2nd ILB, even though Trevathan would go there. Anyways, let's get into the starters.

QB: Jameis Winston (Signed In FA)

RB: David Montgomery, Cordarrelle Patterson, Tarik Cohen

WR: Allen Robinson, Corey Davis (Signed In FA), Darnell Mooney

TE: Jimmy Graham (Contract Restructured), TE Cole Kmet

OT: Christian Darrisaw (RT, Drafted 20th Overall), Dillon Radunz (LT, Drafted 84th Overall)/Germain Ifedi

DE: Brent Urban, Akeim Hicks

DT: Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols

OLB: Khalil Mack, Jayon Brown/Robert Quinn (Split Reps)

ILB: Roquan Smith

CB: Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson, William Jackson III

S: Eddie Jackson, Hamsah Nasirildeen (Drafted 52nd Overall)

K: Cairo Santos

P: Pat O'Donnell

LS: Pat Scales

Chicago Bears 2021 Mock Offseason

March 2, 2021, 10:17 PM CST

It is time for my one and only mock offseason. This will include free agents (Signings, resignings, franchise tags, contract restructures, cuts), trades, draft picks, and more. So basically Bears Mock Draft 2.0 will be included in this. Let’s get onto it.

Resignings

WR Allen Robinson: 3 years, 20 million

RB/WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson: 2 years, 9 million

P Pat O’Donnell: 2 years, 1 million

NT John Jenkins: 1 year, 500k

S Tashaun Gipson (We’ll talk more about him later)

T Germain Ifedi: 1 year, 1 million

LS Pat Scales: 2 years, 500k

CB Artie Burns: 1 year, 250k

DE Brent Urban: 2 years, 5 million

S DeAndre Houston-Carson: 2 years, 750k

K Cairo Santos: 3 years, 3 million

DE Mario Edwards: 2 years, 2 million

All ERFA Players: 2 years, 1 million (J.P. Holtz, James Vaughters, Josh Woods, Alex Bars, Ryan Nall, Michael Joseph)

All of these players are good depth players or quality starters. Obviously the number one priority should be Robinson.

RFA Tenders

K Eddie Pinero (2nd Round Tender)

WR/PR Deandre Carter (2nd Round Tender)

So the reason I am putting tenders on these guys is to see if any team will reach for one. I didn’t have the Bears re-signing Dwayne Harris, so they should put a tender on Carter because Cohen might not be the same punt returner after his torn ACL. Pinero is tricky, but if no one signs him then have him and Santos compete in camp for the starting kicker duties.

Contract Restructures

TE Jimmy Graham: 1 year, 3-4 million (Saves: 4-5 million)

LB Robert Quinn: 4 years, 32 million (Saves: 24 million)

Graham wants to close out his career in Chicago, and restructuring his contract to a reasonable 3-4 million dollars for his last year of his deal is worth it. Quinn would earn 8 million for his last 4 years, a significant drop from the 14 million he would be owed the rest of his time in Chicago.

Cuts

RT Bobbie Massie (Saves: 15.4 million)

CB Buster Skrine (Saves: 5.5 million)

LT Charles Leno Jr (Saves: 9.25 million)

QB Nick Foles (Saves: 16 million)

WR Javon Wims (Saves: 638k)

Tashaun Gipson

So, I said we would talk about Gipson more later. Well now is later. So, I think the Bears should resign Tashaun Gipson. However, we need to save some money. So, I would let him go to free agency, but I would keep an offer on the table. Don’t go any higher than 2 years, 6 million. If a team offers him more money, then let him walk. For now, I’ll say he walks.

Free Agent Signings

QB Jameis Winston: 2 years, 20 million

WR Corey Davis: 3 years, 21 million

LB Jayon Brown: 2 years, 10 million

CB William Jackson III: 3 years, 12 million

Trades

WR Anthony Miller to Giants for 2022 3rd Round Pick

I think Miller will stay if A-Rob leaves, but with A-Rob being re-signed, and also signing Corey Davis, Miller will be a top cut candidate. But he has some value so they trade him to New York. I also have the Bears drafting his replacement in the 5th round.

Draft:

Round 1, Pick 20: OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

Round 2, Pick 52: SS Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State

Round 3, Pick 84: OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

Round 5, Pick 165: WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois

Round 6, Pick 204: QB Kellen Mond, Texas A&M

Round 6, Compensatory Selection around 220: EDGE Chris Rumph II, Duke

Round 6, Compensatory Selection around 223: WR Jaelon Darden, North Texas

Let’s go from top to bottom. Darrisaw would be a perfect fit on the left side of the line as a replacement for Leno. Darrisaw would be a top 2 lineman if the tackle class wasn’t stacked this year. Nasirildeen is a strong safety that could start right away should we let Gipson walk. Potentially better than Amos? We never know. Radunz would fill the vacant spot left by Massie, but he would split snaps with Ifedi early season while potentially going full time towards the end of the season. Imatorbhebhe would be the Miller replacement. It sounds like the Bears are really high on him, and he could be another Darnell Mooney. Pace has been really good at late round selections, and Mond could be another stud. He’s not a starter right away, but if Winston is only a bridge then this could be a good selection. Rumph could develop well, especially with his dad being our Defensive Line Coach. Darden has risen on the radar a little bit, and could be our Wims replacement should we not rock with Riley Ridley there. Even still, Darden could be a depth guy and also could have a chance to be the next Darnell Mooney.

Well, that concludes my Mock Offseason. This could lead to a good season. Let me just say that this took about 3 weeks with lots of edits. You notice no Watson or Wilson. Too unrealistic as of now, even though the reports say the Bears have a monster offer on the table for Watson. Soon I’ll start my prospect analysis. So be on the lookout for that!

3 Reasons Why I Like The Marquise Goodwin Signing

April 17, 2021, 7:17 PM CDT

Last night the Chicago Bears announced that they signed former 49ers receiver Marquise Goodwin to a one year deal. There are 3 reasons why I like this signing, so let's figure them out.

Fun Fact About Goodwin: He competed in Long Jump and Track & Field for the U.S. in the 2012 Olympics. If his long jump at the U.S. Trials in 2012 was in the Olympics, he would've won the gold medal.

1. Opens Up More For Mooney

Goodwin's speed + vertical threat allows him to run the deep routes. This opens up more short to mid routes for Mooney. Also, Goodwin has been a reliable pass catcher throughout his career.

2. SPEED DEMON! Meaning He Can Return The Kickoffs

Among active players, Goodwin is tied for second in the fastest 40 yard dash time. This means he can get downfield quickly, and he can return kickoffs. This was a must fill position with the departure of Cordarelle Patterson. And now, Goodwin can take that role as well.

3. Good Mentor For Another Late Round Receiver

I'm looking at someone like Anthony Schwartz of Auburn as a potential late round development plan. NO, HE IS NOT GOING TO THE BEARS IN THE SECOND ROUND MEL KIPER! Schwartz has good speed but needs to develop more before becoming a starter. A first round comparison to Goodwin would probably be Rashod Bateman. Good speed and pass catching ability.

3 Potential Trades To Make Before/During The Draft

April 18, 2021, 9:28 PM CDT

Before draft night comes around, I think the Bears will make some moves to get some cap space and maybe fill a position of need. Now, let’s see these trades.

1. Bears Get A Long-Term Quarterback Answer While Gaining Some Draft Capital

Bears Receive: QB Gardner Minshew II, 25th Overall Pick [via Rams], 2022 Fourth

Round Pick; Jaguars Receive: 20th Overall Pick, 2021 Sixth Round Pick

The Bears not only get a potential long-term quarterback who will likely be replaced, they trade down and gain a 2022 fourth round pick as well. It costs a sixth this year, but we have two of those and can use one of them.

2. A Stud Tackle Joins The Bears In Exchange For Some Underperforming Players

Bears Receive: LT Orlando Brown Jr; Ravens Receive: OT Charles Leno Jr, WR

Anthony Miller, 2021 Second Round Pick

This would be a really smart move by Pace. You move on from Miller and Leno, and in exchange get your left tackle. Remember the only reason Brown wants out is because he wants to only play left tackle. We could give him that opportunity. It would cost a second, but with a stud tackle it would be worth it.

3. Pace Frees Up Some Cap Space By Sending Two Veterans To A Familiar Face

Bears Receive: 2021 Fourth Round Pick; Broncos Receive: QB Nick Foles, MLB Danny Trevathan This move is purely about gaining money. The Bears would send Nick Foles and Danny Trevathan over to Denver for a fourth round pick. We don’t have a fourth this year but it could be very useful to us. Remember, we have connections with Denver Head Coach Vic Fangio, and Trevathan played in Denver to start his career. So this move could work out for both sides potentially.

Analyzing The Rookies: Thomas Graham Jr

May 8, 2021, 11:10 PM CDT

Today begins a new series on this website. I will be analyzing the rookies and seeing what kind of value they will bring to the team. Today, we will look at who could be the steal of the draft, Former Oregon Cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. The format of this will be similar to the Prospect Analysis series I did before the draft. Let's take a look at this former Duck who has upgraded to a Bear.

While making the highlight reel on Thomas Graham, I noticed many good things about him, and some bad. Let's start with the good, he can tackle. Against Washington in 2019, he made a great diving tackle to save the game for the Ducks. Against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl later that year, he made a great stop at the first down marker, pushing Badger receiver Quintez Cephus back and saving a first down. Also, when Graham holds his coverage, he can knock the ball away from the receivers. This is something good as well. He can catch the ball, though sometimes it seems like his first instinct is to knock the ball away. I watched some pass deflections that were easy picks, but they were knocked down or dropped. That's not necessarily bad, but it would be better to turn possession over. Something bad I noticed though were some of his blown coverages. Looking at the Auburn game in 2019, the Tigers first touchdown was to a receiver Graham was supposed to be covering. However, Graham was not set yet and wasn't paying attention. I should mention he did pick a ball off earlier in that game though. Later that season, he would let some receivers by him as well. I'm sure there were more because these were just game highlights. It might be a little worse this year due to him having opted out.

Despite the bad, I think Graham was still a steal in the sixth round. He deserved the 78 rank, and did not deserve to fall to 228. But Pace pulled the trigger, and maybe with some work with Jaylon Johnson, he can improve those weaknesses and turn into one of the best cornerbacks in the league.

Players Who Could Have A More Active Role In 2021

May 11, 2021, 6:25 AM CDT

The Bears have some players who haven’t really gotten a chance before. Some have been on the roster for a long time. Due to the changes this year, though, I think a few of them will get more active roles. So, let’s see who they are.

S Deon Bush

When the Bears selected Bush in 2016, he became a very underrated player. Until we signed Tashaun Gipson last year, he looked like he would be our next Strong Safety with Adrian Amos (who hindered his development) having departed the previous offseason. Bush did have a role at SS in 2016, but with Eddie joining, he lost those chances. He has appeared in at least 11 games in every season of his career. With Tashaun Gipson getting up in age, and this being a contract year, I think Bush will get more action under Desai to prepare for a possible starting SS shot in 2022.

WR Riley Ridley

Ridley was also a fourth round pick, but he was taken in 2019. Ridley actually has experience with Justin Fields, as they were together at Georgia before Fields transferred to OSU. In fact, Ridley caught Fields first collegiate TD pass. With Andy Dalton expected to start the whole season, Ridley might have to wait one more year for his shot. Nagy hasn't used him that much, despite him being a second round talent in 2019 taken in the fourth round. Wims-Miller Out, Ridley In.

CB Kindle Vildor/Duke Shelley

We saw more of these two corners towards the end of the year when Buster Skrine and Jaylon Johnson got injured. And they played decent. I'm going to do a series in the future, and I know these two will be towards the top of that series. In fact, all of these guys will be towards the first stretch of that series. Anyways, Shelley and Vildor will get their chance to battle each other out to be the future nickel cornerback, while hopefully Thomas Graham can develop into a good second corner.

TE Cole Kmet

While we did see a lot of Kmet this past year, I think he will get more gametime this year. This is due to him going to take over for Jimmy Graham after his contract expires this year. Nagy should not be doing jet sweeps to Kmet 24/7 though. Instead, he should utilize him as a pass catching threat downfield and in the red zone.

DB DeAndre Houston-Carson

I don't think he will be a starter, but I would like to see more of him on defense because of his clutchness last season. He has been a viable special teamer throughout his career though.

Any MLB

I'm not saying Trevathan is bad, but we need to find his heir. He's getting older in age, and we need a young guy. Players like Josh Woods, Joel Iggy, and James Vaughters stick out to me. But maybe we have other hidden gems now, such as Jeremiah Attaochu. There's also Christian Jones, but he is 30 now and won't be a long-term starter. Losing Kwiatkowski hurts.

Predicting The Bears Final 53-Man Roster

May 17, 2021, 9:30 PM CDT

With rookie minicamp beginning today, I will predict who I think will make the final 53 man roster for the Bears. This is based on my opinion. Let's go.

QB (2): Andy Dalton, Justin Fields

I honestly don't think Foles will be on the roster at the end. He might play during preseason but I think he will be part of the final roster cuts. Dalton and Fields are obvious locks to make the roster.

RB (5): David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen, Damien Williams, Khalil Herbert, Artavis Pierce

I think five running backs will make the roster. Montgomery, Cohen, and Williams are locks. Herbert will get in for his return ability. This is where I could end it, but I think the Bears will let Pierce be on the roster, in case of injuries. Ryan Nall will likely not make it.

WR (6): Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, Dazz Newsome, Riley Ridley

A-Rob and Mooney will be WR1 and WR2. But WR3 is an open position, and all these guys could take it. Even Anthony Miller could get it, if he wins it in camp. My prediction though, is Damiere Byrd wins the "starting" WR3 place, but the others will get lots of time as well.

TE (3): Jimmy Graham, Cole Kmet, J.P Holtz (conditional)

Graham and Kmet will make it, with Graham also being on the last year of his contract. Now, I put Holtz as conditional here. This is only if the Bears plan on having a fullback. Then I think Holtz would play there. Nall could also be a FB option.

OT (3): Teven Jenkins, Germain Ifedi, Larry Borom

With Charles Leno and Bobbie Massie gone, I think Jenkins and Ifedi will start with Borom being a rotational guy, likely more for Ifedi.

IOL (5): James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, Alex Bars, Elijah Wilkinson, Sam Mustipher

I think all of these guys are locks to make the final roster. The starting roles will be Daniels, Mustipher, and Whitehair, with the other two being able to rotate all around the line.

DE (4): Mario Edwards, Akiem Hicks, Charles Snowden, Trevis Gipson

The Bears will carry 4 defensive ends in my prediction. Edwards and Hicks will start. Snowden was a great pickup and a very underrated player who could be great with proper development. I don't know how he went undrafted. Gipson also makes the roster for depth, but he will likely be a weekly inactive player.

DT (4): Bilal Nichols, Eddie Goldman, Angelo Blackson, Khyiris Tonga

If we do move to a 4-3, Nichols and Goldman will start. Blackson and Tonga will win the race for the backup roles here. I see Blackson having a larger role then Tonga however, simply because Blackson has experience while Tonga is a rookie.

OLB (4): Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, Jeremiah Attaochu, James Vaughters

The three I think will play will be Mack, Quinn, and Attaochu. Vaughters will probably be an inactive player each week barring an injury. Attaochu was an underrated signing though who should get a lot of gametime if Quinn doesn't get on track.

ILB (3): Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan, Christian Jones

Remember, I have a 4-3 so one ILB would play. That would obviously be Roquan. Father time is seemingly catching up with Trevathan, who didn't look his normal self last season. Jones is a decent signing, a former Bear actually, but he is 30 years old as well.

CB (6): Jaylon Johnson, Desmond Trufant, Kindle Vildor, Duke Shelley, Thomas Graham, Artie Burns

All 6 of these corners have the capability to start. Johnson and Trufant should and probably will be CB1 and CB2. The rest is up for grabs between the other 4. I think Vildor will win that job though.

S (4): Eddie Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, Jordan Lucas, DeAndre Houston-Carson

You can't not keep clutch DHC on the team. A great special teamer who emerged with two clutch plays in back-to-back weeks early on in the season. Jackson and Gipson are obvious. Many forget about Jordan Lucas because he opted out last year.

ST (3): Cairo Santos, Pat O'Donnell, Pat Scales

These are the guys who will be the special teamers. Plain and simple.

Roquan Smith vs Fred Warner

July 4, 2021, 6:34 PM CDT

Roquan Smith is the most disrespected player in the league. Yeah I said it. He was left off of the Pro Football Focus top 50 list when he should've been on it. He gets absolutely no recognition from the media, and was left off of a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nod as well. While he's quietly becoming a superstar, the media likes to focus on Fred Warner. Why though? Well, lets take a look at both's stats and see who's been better throughout their career.

Games:

Roquan-44

Fred-48

Tackles:

Roquan-361 (Ro Because Of Missed Games)

Fred-367

Sacks:

Roquan-11

Fred-4

INT:

Roquan-4

Fred-3

PD:

Roquan-14

Fred-21

TFL:

Roquan-31

Fred-15

So, judging by this data Roquan is clearly the better player. So why did Fred Warner get First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl over Ro? It's simple, the NFL media hates the Bears. Ro should've easily been a Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro over Fred. But because he plays for Chicago, he gets less recognition then he should. Remember, all these stats are coming in less games played as well. This next year, Roquan will show everyone why he is the best ILB in the league.

What Would A Nick Foles Trade Look Like?

July 31, 2021, 7:23 PM CDT

The Bears need to clear up cap space. One of their biggest hitters in cap space is third string quarterback Nick Foles. Now, the trade for Foles was a disaster to begin with. Pace should've known that we needed to resign ARob, so getting a large cap hit guy was not smart, especially trading a fourth round pick for him (pick used on LB Shaquille Quarterman). However, the Bears have been struggling to move him on because of his contract. The most likely scenario was him being traded around training camp/preseason, and a couple of suitors have popped up. The first and the originally most obvious are the New York Jets. They have 3 QBs on their roster, none of whom have thrown a pass in the NFL. With one of those being 2nd overall pick Zach Wilson, the Jets need a mentor at QB. Here's the trade that I think could go down.

Bears Receive: 2022 6th-Round Pick

Jets Receive: QB Nick Foles

This is the most likely return I could see for Foles, a late round selection, which here would be a 6th round pick. Originally this was going to be the only mock trade. However, within the past few days, a new team has joined the trade possibilities. The Indianapolis Colts. Carson Wentz has a foot injury that he is seeking help for, and this could require surgery which could leave him out for a few weeks. The Colts probably don't trust Jacob Eason or Sam Ehlinger to hold down the fort, so someone like Foles would be a massive help. Here's what I'm thinking.

Bears Receive: Conditional 2022 5th-Round Pick (6th If Foles Starts 0 Games)

Colts Receive: QB Nick Foles

Basically the Jets trade with a twist. The Colts pick will probably be late in the fifth due to them being playoff contenders, so it would land close to the Jets likely high sixth round pick. If Foles starts 1 game this is the pick. However, if Wentz returns before the regular season, the Bears would only get a 6th barring Wentz doesn't get hurt. Either way, Foles would be a great addition to the Colts squad as a great depth/experienced guy. He would fit that same role perfectly with the Jets as well.

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