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.
Which player impressed you the most at the Senior Bowl?
John W.
Downers Grove, Illinois
Of the players on the North team the Bears coached, I'd have to say that East Carolina receiver Zay Jones impressed me the most both during the week in practice and in Saturday's game. He looked like the most polished receiver on the field to my untrained eye and really stepped up his performance in the game, catching six passes for 68 yards and one touchdown. He actually could have had two more TDs; he was ruled just out of bounds on a catch in the back of the end zone and he had a 43-yard touchdown reception nullified by a penalty. Jones set FBS records in college for most catches in a season (158) and a career (399). Interviewing him after the game, he seemed very mature and confident in his abilities without being cocky.
What did you think about the quarterbacks the Bears worked with at the Senior Bowl?
Dennis L.
Plainfield, Illinois
I thought that Pittsburgh's Nate Peterman was the best of the three, but I was generally underwhelmed by the quarterbacks. It was especially evident on a windy day at practice that all three on the North team don't possess great arm strength. I would be surprised if Peterman, Iowa's C.J. Beathard or Colorado's Sefo Liufau become regular NFL starters. Cal's Davis Webb was the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl—he was named the game's MVP after completing 11 of 16 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown—but he was on the South team coached by the Browns and I didn't get a chance to see him practice during the week.
When can the Bears begin talking to undrafted free agents from other teams?
Bryan B.
Denton, Texas
NFL teams may begin contacting the agents of players who are due to become unrestricted free agents at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. However, contracts cannot be executed until 48 hours later at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 9.
