Advertisement
 
News
ChicagoBears.com > News > Chalk Talk Story
 
Chalk Talk

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of e-mail questions from fans every day on ChicagoBears.com.

Larry: What are the Bears’ chances of drafting Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall? With his speed, shiftiness, power and receiving ability, he’s a playmaker who would take pressure off the quarterback and the offensive line.

Bill L.
Placentia, California

Bill: It’s difficult to evaluate the likelihood of the Bears drafting anyone at this point before free agency, pro day workouts and the NFL scouting combine. But Rashard Mendenhall likely will be one of the top running backs available in the draft and I certainly hope that he’s one of the prospects the Bears consider, though they may have more pressing needs to address in the first round of the draft. Mendenhall possesses an excellent combination of speed and power, plus he’s a hard worker with good character who will only get better as a running back.

Larry: In various mock drafts, the Baltimore Ravens are projected to take Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. Would the Bears consider trading with the Ravens for Troy Smith to help solve their quarterback problem? He showed lots of potential moving the ball at the end of the season while also having good mobility. What are your thoughts?

Levi
Virginia

Levi: In no way do I think that Troy Smith would help the Bears solve their quarterback situation. He may have shown some potential late in the season with the Ravens, but he has only played in four NFL games with two starts. Plus the Bears had seven chances to draft him last year before the Ravens chose him in the fifth round (174th overall) and didn't.

Larry: What are your thoughts on the comments Bernard Berrian made on the quarterback position? I honestly think that Bernard Berrian is a huge asset to the Bears and I would hate to see him go. Like he said, the quarterback position has been “a carousel.”

Jon
Tennessee

Jon: Bernard Berrian isn’t the only one who wants the Bears to bring stability to the quarterback position. General manager Jerry Angelo and coach Lovie Smith have both said that that’s a main objective for the team moving forward. I wasn’t surprised that Berrian said that what happens with the quarterback position could impact his decision to re-sign with the Bears. It’s difficult for any receiver to build a rapport with a quarterback when there’s a revolving door at the position. I’m not so sure, however, that the issue will be resolved in the next few months. I think there’s a good chance there will be a competition in training camp and the preseason to determine the starter.

Email your question to Larry

 
 
Share
 
 
Chalk Talk Archive
RSS
 
Also on ChicagoBears.com