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Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Take us inside Halas Hall. Who has stood out on the Bears practice field in recent workouts?
Mark L.
Kenosha, Wisconsin
It’s difficult to say because all the workouts up to this point have been against “air.” The offense has not faced the defense in any 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills except for a brief period of time during the rookie minicamp. The thing that has stood out the most to me while watching the workouts is just how big the Bears seem to be at every position. (Even their offensive coordinator is 6-foot-8!) Just on offense, you’ve got Brandon Marshall (6-4, 230) at receiver, Michael Bush (6-1, 245) at running back and Kellen Davis (6-7, 267) and Matt Spaeth (6-7, 260) at tight end. The quarterbacks are big too, with Jay Cutler the smallest of the five on the roster at 6-3 and 220 pounds. The others are Jason Campbell (6-5, 230), Josh McCown (6-4, 213), Nathan Enderle (6-4, 240) and Matt Blanchard (6-3, 225).
Now in his third year with the Bears, do you think this is a make or break year for Corey Wootton? When the defensive line is discussed in the media, his name is not in the mix anymore.
Kim
Copenhagen
I’m not sure I’d say this is a make or break year for defensive end Corey Wootton, but the Bears would like to see the 2010 fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern step up and produce more than he has in past years. It appears that Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije and rookie first-round draft pick Shea McClellin will be the top three defensive ends, but the Bears believe they can never have too many good pass rushers and would like to get more out of Wootton. He needs to stay healthy and take advantage of the chances he gets to earn playing time in training camp and the preseason.
With the news that the Bears have signed all of their 2012 draft picks, it seems to me that the Bears are often among the first teams to get their rookies inked each year. Who is ultimately responsible for getting these rookie deals done and why do you believe the Bears are able to avoid contract holdouts?
Chris L.
Bears chief negotiator Cliff Stein deserves a lot of the credit. He is extremely well-respected throughout the league and was once an agent himself, so he possesses a unique perspective when it comes to negotiating rookie contracts. I know in my dealings with him, he always responds to any question I have with the correct information almost instantaneously. One agent who has negotiated multiple contracts with Stein told ESPN in 2009: “Cliff is tough but fair, and he’s able to better appreciate the job we do because he’s walked in [our] shoes. He’s got a great perspective from both sides of the debate.”
Email your question to Larry
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FULL CHALK TALK ARCHIVE
