New to BearGogglesOn.com, we will be diving into our weekly Chicago Bears Mailbag. We don’t have all the answers, but we like to act like it. Submit your Bears related questions to @BearGogglesOn, @BestHumanTalent, or draftpoirrier@gmail.com using the tag, #BearGogglesOnMailbag!
In this week’s mailbag, we’ll look at the long term, and short term futures for the Bears and their players.
From: Corey Diab (@coreyeldiablo)
“Who are you looking at as the best free agents/draft prospects the Bears could add this offseason?”
Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
The Bears are expected to have somewhere around $60 million available when free agency starts next season, a few player scheduled to hit the open market that should interest the Bears are Jets defensive end Mohamed Wilkerson, Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall, and the potential link up of recently departed 49ers and current Raider Aldon Smith.
Regarding the draft, if the rest of the season plays out the way the first five weeks have, the Bears should be looking to add the best defensive talent available. My current favorite, UCLA LB Myles Jack.
Check out my mini-scouting report on Jack from FanSided affiliate NFLMocks where I have weekly mini-scouting reports, here.
From: Kevin Blazejak (@Myybadd)
“Do you know if the #Bears are still hearing offers for Forte even with the two wins? If so, why wait?”
All offseason Bears’ new GM Ryan Pace and John Fox preached about instilling a “winning culture” when talking about trying to turn around the Bears’ terrible 2014 season. Matt Forte has been an important part in the Bears’ gameplan each week and has played a crucial role in both wins this season. With things starting to look up for the Monsters of the Midway, I would imagine Forte’s home is in Chicago, at least until the end of the season.
From: Jim Walker (@JimWalker13)
(Regarding Fantasy Football) “Is Alshon ever gonna be healthy?”
Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
There have been conflicting reports on Jeffery’s availability it seems every week, and it seems like the “injury” is traveling up and down his leg… It would probably be safe to assume Jeffery sits out this week and obviously having the bye-week off to fully recover. If the Bears do not have a definitive answer from doctors or Jeffery for the Nov 1. game against Minnesota, the Bears simply need to end his season and place him on injured reserve. If you own him in fantasy… I’m sorry for the run around Fox and Co. have made of the Bears’ injury report.
From: Annie Pinkert (@yessmiss)
“Didn’t Alshon Jeffery have some sort of similar attitude related issue in college that caused his draft stock to fall?”
Actually, the biggest knock on Alshon his final year at South Carolina was his drop in production and the weight (nearly 30 pounds) he added on between his sophomore and junior years. During the draft process, Alshon told reporters he was asked by the Gamecocks OC to put on weight as he would be used more as a blocker downfield rather than a pass threat. Between poor luck with QB Stephen Garcia’s off field issues, and the emergence of Marcus Lattimore, Alshon’s potential was dampened.
Next: Fantasy Football Week 6: Start'em / Sit'em