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.

During the draft I heard Mel Kiper Jr. say that Caleb Hanie had the second strongest arm of the quarterbacks this year next to Joe Flacco. What is the scouting report on Caleb and what were his college statistics?

Brent S.
Lombard, Illinois

Caleb Hanie does have a strong arm and a quick release and he throws a very tight spiral. All of those attributes were certainly evident Friday during the first practice of rookie minicamp. He’s a drop-back passer and not a scrambler, but he’s athletic enough to keep plays alive with his feet. In terms of weaknesses, Hanie has been known to try to force passes into coverage. But that may have to do more with trying to do too much while not having a very strong supporting cast around him at Colorado State. As a senior last year, Hanie completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 2,455 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

I’ve heard rumors that there are some scouts who believe that the Bears’ fifth-round pick, Kellen Davis, may in fact be a better pass-rushing prospect than a tight end. Have you heard these rumors? If so, did the Bears take this into consideration when they picked him?

C.J.
Prattville, Alabama

The Bears are well aware of Kellen Davis’ ability to rush the passer—he registered two sacks last season while lining up occasionally at defensive end for Michigan State. But I’m pretty sure the Bears will work the 6-7, 262-pounder exclusively at tight end for now, especially when it comes to improving his blocking skills. He has good athletic ability and he’s an absolutely huge human being. The first time I saw him in the Halas Hall lobby, I thought for sure he was an offensive tackle.

Our local paper here in Canandaigua, NY, stays that local prospect Ryan Poles, an offensive lineman from Boston College, was signed as a free agent by the Bears on Monday. But I cannot find any Chicago outlet to verify his signing. Can you verify his signing?

Dave L.
Farmington, New York

Ryan Poles has not been signed by the Bears; he is one of 28 prospects participating in the rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis. In past years, the Bears have signed a handful of the tryout players to their roster following the minicamp. One player who took that route is safety Brandon McGowan. The other players who are trying out are Lindenwood P Zacrey Atterberry, Miami S Willie Cooper, Missouri-Rolla WR Ashton Groneworld, San Diego State LB Marc Hull, Texas S Drew Kelson, Texas LB Robert Killebrew, Mississippi TE Robert Lane, Boston College DE Nick Larkin, California P Andrew Larson, Massachusetts RB Matt Lawrence, Oregon State DE Gerard Lee, West Virginia DB Antonio Lewis, UCLA RB Chris Markey, New Mexico State G Mike Martinez, Alabama LB Darren Mustin, Middle Tennessee State S Damon Nickson, Texas Tech DB Chris Parker, Notre Dame P Geoffrey Price, Iowa State LS Matt Purvis, Kansas State P Tim Reyer, Indiana FB Josiah Sears, Iowa DB Adam Shada, North Carolina State TE Marcus Stone, Texas A&M TE Joey Thomas, Rutgers WR James Townsend, Illinois DT Mike Ware and Clemson LB Nick Watkins.

Email your question to Larry

 
 
Share
 
 
Chalk Talk Archive
RSS
 
Also on ChicagoBears.com