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.
Second-year pros Kevin White and Jeremy Langford no doubt will be relied upon this season and beyond to be key playmakers on an offense that has to replace the production that running back Matt Forte and tight end Martellus Bennett generated in recent seasons. While Langford got a taste of the NFL last year, rushing for 537 yards, White will look to make an impact after missing his entire rookie season with a leg injury. Bears general manager Ryan Pace wants to build through the draft and these two 2015 picks will play an integral role in that mission.
The expectation at this point is that the Bears signed Brian Hoyer because they wanted an experienced backup quarterback behind Jay Cutler, which would leave David Fales battling for the third spot on the depth chart and put him in serious jeopardy of not making the 53-man roster. But no NFL games are played in May; the season is still four months away and a lot can happen between now and then. So I certainly wouldn't write off Fales at this point. I know the Bears thought enough of him last year to elevate him to the 53-man roster and release Jimmy Clausen.
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I don't think that the Bears waiving Marcus Lucas impacts Ben Braunecker in any way. If the undrafted rookie tight end from Harvard proves during offseason workouts, training camp and the preseason that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster, he'll make the team. The only proven veteran the Bears have at tight end is Zach Miller, so it appears that Braunecker's chances are better than if he went to a deep that was deeper at the position. But like I said he still must show that he deserves that spot.