Whenever I get a little bit behind on posts, I try to sum up the news of the day on Bear Dawn.  Here we go:

Gabe Carimi is Betting Big on Himself

We’ve all been ragging on Carimi for staying away from Halas Hall but someone out there thinks he’s doing the right thing and betting big on himself.

“Now, where it gets a little sketchy, you can’t go back and be OK. You can’t go back and be good. You’ve got to go back and be damn good. That’s where the pressure falls back onto the player and, to be quite frank, that is where it belongs. Let these guys stand up and man up for themselves. These are their careers. If Gabe Carimi is going to be labeled as a bust, let this man do it on his own terms.”

Preach on!  If he’s going to be a bust, better he stay away from Halas Hall so as to not spread around whatever he’s got in case it’s contagious.

 Robbie Expects to Return as Good as Gould

Robbie Gould expects to be cleared to return by the Dallas surgeon who worked on his injured calf on Tuesday and the Bears to clear him by Wednesday so he can re-join his teammates in workouts by Thursday.

“I’ll be just as good. I have busted my butt to get healthy and I can’t wait to get out there and show everyone.”

Can’t wait to see Robbie back in action.

Draft Move

The NFL draft could be on the move in 2014. Thanks to a Rockettes show scheduled for Radio City Music Hall, the draft is getting pushed back, likely to May 15th on a 1-year trial basis.   No other changes are confirmed at this time, but there’s been some talk about moving free agency and the start of the league year up to the end of February and the scouting combine to mid-March.

And all the NFL bloggers out there let out a big cheer!

Bears Player Tweet of the Day

Yesterday’s tweet of the day, from Kyle Long:

It’s amazing what we are able to do thanks to technology

— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) May 21, 2013

So long…

Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen.  We hardly knew ye.

Hello…

Undrafted rookie cornerback Maurice Jones out of Temple.

And Finally…

If you’d like to help the folks in Oklahoma, donate to the Red Cross or other reputable charities, watch out for scams and for God’s sake, go hug your kids and loved ones.

Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks before the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears head into Day 3 with more needs than picks, with just three selections left, barring a trade to pick up some late-round value.   The good news is that there is still plenty of talent out there and Phil Emery can prove he’s the smartest guy in the room by making some smart late round choices.  Let’s look at the top players available at positions of need for the Bears. 

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Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon offensive lineman Kyle Long speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears bolstered their offensive line with the 20th selection in the NFL draft by selecting Oregon guard Kyle Long.  He’s the son of Howie Long and brother of DE Chris Long.  Here is his profile and scouting report from our friends at National Football Post.  (more…)

Apr 24, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Select NFL prospects stand atop the marquee before for the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Draft Day!  

Besides the opening game, this has to be my favorite NFL event.  Every team is involved and it’s loaded with drama, intrigue and suspense.   The NFL did themselves a huge favor to moving this to a prime time multi-night event.  Here’s how the coverage breaks down: (more…)

August 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon (8) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears might have Jay Cutler at quarterback and they may only have five draft picks but that doesn’t mean that they’re going to going to go into the 2013 draft and not at least consider taking a signal caller.  Phil Emery is doing his homework right up until the time it’s due, having quarterback Mike Glennon to Halas Hall for a workout on draft eve.  Let’s learn a little more about this prospect, who’s projected to be a second or third round selection.

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Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

On the eve of the NFL draft I have some guarantees for this coming endless weekend of the NFL draft besides the fact that the New York fans will boo their own team’s selections.  (more…)

December 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs with the ball after a pass reception against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins are next up on the clock.  The Dolphins have been very active this offseason, making a few big signings to address some needs.  They made the biggest splash with Mike Wallace, a vertical threat to stretch opposing defenses and Dustin Keller to give Ryan Tannehill some opportunities for big plays.  They also re-signed Brian Hartline and Matt Moore.  On the defensive side of the ball, they grabbed linebackers Dannell Ellerby and Phillip Wheeler and brought in Brent Grimes to help their secondary.

Where do they look in the draft?  Another cornerback could make a lot of sense.  A defensive end or defensive tackle would also help bolster an improving defense.  Do they double down and add another offensive weapon like another top wide receiver?

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