Good morning, Bears’ fans! It is time for another installment of Bear Dawn. All of the Chicago Bears’ news and notes you need for Thursday, June 18th, 2015. As mandatory minicamp continues, more specific player stories are starting to surface. It will be very interesting to see how the new coaching staff uses both the familiar faces we have become accustomed to, and the new players who were acquired over the off season. We see that beginning to take place at this minicamp.
Da Windy City
Kyle Long has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his two seasons in the NFL, including a Second-Team All-Pro selection last season. Playing right guard, Long has become one of the best interior offensive lineman in the entire league. With incredible quickness and athleticism for an offensive lineman, many have wonder whether Long would make an even bigger impact at the tackle position.
Well, after filling in at right tackle in OTAs, the Bears have continued to challenge Long at tackle during this week’s minicamp. On Tuesday, Long played right tackle throughout the practice period, and according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN, the Bears had him playing left tackle on Wednesday.
Bears head coach John Fox is downplaying the move, but I think it is fair to wonder whether the Bears are planning a full-time move to the outside for Long.
"“I think it’s an injustice to just throw a guy, even as simple as it sounds, left to right, whether you’re doing it with a corner or at outside backer or a guard or tackle,” Fox said according to Dickerson. “They need to practice it. This is a good time of year to kind of get the technique, the sets and all of the different communication that has to happen with the O-line. You know, getting that valuable reps and experience.”"
Long is the Bears’ best offensive lineman, and he has the skill-set to handle the tackle position. I think it is time to challenge him to become a valuable player on the outside. A permanent move to left tackle would probably be getting ahead of ourselves, but moving Long to right tackle full-time, with an eye on him taking the left tackle position down the road seems like a smart move.
Dickerson also wrote yesterday about Jay Cutler‘s belief in Alshon Jeffery as a true number one receiver.
"“I don’t see why [Jeffery can’t be the No. 1],” Cutler said, according to Dickerson.”He makes big plays for us, he knows the offense, he’s a big target, and I think more importantly that’s the guy he wants to become. He wants to become the No. 1 everyday out here, and he’s taking the proper steps."
Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports that rookie defensive tackle Eddie Goldman is “impressing Bears teammates, coaches.” Goldman was the Bears’ second-round selection this year, and he is the most natural fit for the nose tackle position in their new 3-4.
Jarvis Jenkins joins the Bears as a free agent this season, and he is one of the very few on the roster with experience in the 3-4. He has clearly been impressed with Goldman’s ability so far. “Oh, my god,” Jenkins said Wednesday when asked about Goldman, according to Campbell. “Very powerful guy.”
The Korean Times mistakenly credited the Chicago Bears for winning the Stanley Cup.
First-round pick Kevin White has missed both days of minicamp with an undisclosed injury, and Jay Cutler says that White is competing for the Bears’ fourth wide receiver position.
Today marks the last day of the Bears’ mandatory minicamp. I am sure we will hear some very interesting tidbits as the team winds down this afternoon. Until next time, Bears’ fans. Bear Down!
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