Izzy Gone, Onobun Can’t Catch On as Bears Make Cuts
Jun 17, 2014; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Fendi Onobun (84) leaps over a ball during Chicago Bears minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears wrapped up their three day mandatory minicamp with some roster moves. The most notable moves were terminating the contract of Israel Idonije and cutting tight end Fendi Onobun and quarterback Jerrod Johnson. Cutting Idonije might be surprising to some, but in my ridiculously early roster prediction, I anticipated the Bears would cut Izzy:
"The only holdovers on my list to make the squad are Paea, Collins, Ratliff, Bass and Washington . The new free agents and draft picks will all make the team. Izzy Idonije could struggle to make this team. In my mind, it’s between Izzy, Bass and Washington for two spots. I think Emery gives the nod to youth and “his guys” over Izzy."
Sometimes I hate it when I’m right.
Just the other day, I wrote about Fendi Onobun during our Countdown to Kickoff roster preview. The thing about Fendi is that he’s athletic as heck, but you’re not long for this league as a stretch tight end if you can’t catch. After a rough couple of days at camp and a number of dropped balls, it’s clear that Onobun didn’t heed my advice and catch 1000 balls a day. Don’t be surprised if the Bears look to add another depth TE to compliment Martellus Bennett.
The last big move was cutting Jerrod Johnson. When Jimmy Clausen joined the team, it became apparent that Johnson was likely to be the odd man out. As Clauson impressed both coaches and Cutler with his work ethic and early grasp of Marc Trestman’s system, Johnson became expendable. When coach Trestman said the Clausen would be coming to Bourbonnais, it all but sealed Jerrod’s fate and sets up a really interesting battle for the #2 quarterback spot between Clausen and Jordan Palmer.
Other roster moves include cutting S Sean Cattouse and signing DE Jamil Merrell and LB Conor O’Neill,
Next stop Bourbonnais!