Bear(s) Up!

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Bear(s) Up!

Patrick: Bears are on the way, y’all. I wasn’t completely sure about keeping our quarterback Justin Fields and building around him…but now that it’s done and everything is shaking out, I’m happy. Ecstatic really.

Russ: That’s what I’m talking about, Pat. The Bears—we— did good in this year’s draft; also, and so far, not doing bad in free agency. Our General Manager, Ryan Poles, signed in 2022 following a 13-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, is on a roll. It seems like most free agents want to come to Chicago.

Donald: I swear I want to believe. But the Bears have a history of either getting players at the end of their prime years—and paying them a gazillion dollars to limp to the end—aka Khalil Mack, Kordell Stewart—or snagging players early but, then, failing to grow them into stars. At least not while with the Bears.

John: Because of the freeagency movement plus the draft, there are more oneyear turnarounds in the NFL than in any other pro sports league. Add the fact that the Green Bay Packers haven’t addressed their needs, the Minnesota Vikings won the 2022-2023 NFC North division title despite being outscored overall by their opponents—and the Detroit Lions? The jury’s still out on them. Can’t figure them out.

Patrick: No one can. But I’ll say this: last season, I was

more worried about the Bears losing to them than to the Vikings and Packers. The Lions are just one of those teams.

Russ: That’s how I was with the Lions, too. I felt we could’ve won the division last year, especially with Justin Fields back there. Of course, in hindsight, I realize we need time to get right. Maybe a few years.

Donald: We could—rather, should—see some light by then. If this draft and the free agency for the next few seasons were and are on-point, the Bears could be okay. Until then, don’t ask me for any grades. I don’t like to give credit until I know it’s due.

John: I agree, Donald. That’s why I can’t quite give them an A just yet. I want to see what’s going to go down.

Donald: To see what it really does. I got you.

Patrick: All right, so, for the people, let’s run down the Bears’ 2023 draft picks.

Russ: First pick: Round 1, #10: University of Tennessee offensive lineman (OL) Darnell Wright; round 2, 2nd pick and 53rd overall: Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. That’s all I got, fellas.

John: Let me, Russ. The 3rd pick, still in the 2nd round, 56th overall: Miami defensive back Tyrique Stevenson. The 4th pick—in the 3rd round–64 overall: South Carolina defensive lineman Zaach Pickens. 5th pick, in the 4th round, #115 overall: Texas running back Roschon Johnson.

Patrick: Let me run down the final five picks: Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott, Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell, Minnesota defensive back Terell Smith, Kennesaw State defensive lineman Travis Bell, and last, but not

least, Stanford’s defensive back Kendall Williamson. So, that said, y’all got a grade to give, and I’m asking you, too, Donald

Donald: OK. So, straight off the bat, I’ll give up a D. Not because I believe the Bears did horribly, but because I don’t “pay” until I receive service.

Russ: Boom! All: (Laughter.)

John: For now, B-minus. Lotta defensive players—no running back who can start.

Russ: I’m diehard—John—so I’m going with an A. An intelligent A.

Patrick: I’m rolling with Russ on this one. I really like our 1st pick, Darnell Wright. Bigtime protection for Justin.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org