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.
I'm curious to know where Devin Hester ranks among the fastest 40-yard dash times at the NFL Combine.
Joshua B.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Devin Hester ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in 2006, which was not among the fastest 15 players that year. (It would have tied for 11th this year.) Tim Jennings ranked third in the 2006 draft class with a 4.32 that remains the fastest time by a Bears player over the past 10 years at the Combine. Four other Bears have recorded a faster time than Hester at the Combine during that span: Johnny Knox (4.34 in 2009), Kevin White (4.35 in 2015), Devin Aromashodu (4.35 in 2006) and Tracy Porter (4.37 in 2008).
Click here to see a video of Hester running the 40 at the Combine.
I've read that the Bears placed a "non-exclusive" franchise tag on wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. How is that different from the "exclusive" tag?
Jay P.
Highland Park, Illinois
Players who receive a non-exclusive franchise tag are permitted to negotiate with other NFL teams. But their original club has the right to match any offer they receive. If the team declines to match the offer, they would be awarded two first-round draft picks as compensation. Players who receive an exclusive franchise tag are not allowed to negotiate with other teams.
I really like Jeremy Langford and believe that he's going to become a good running back for the Bears. Everybody believes he is the reason why the Bears felt they didn't have to re-sign Matt Forte. But I believe the reason is Ka'Deem Carey. What do you think?
Corliss
I think that's an excellent observation. General manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox both cited their confidence in the Bears' younger backs as a main reason they did not offer Matt Forte a contract, meaning both Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey. Fox has raved about Carey every time he's been asked about him, specifically about how hard he runs and his tenaciousness. Fox's line about Carey at the Combine was probably the coach's best quote since he arrived in town: "We're here and sometimes a lot gets put into height, weight, speed, 40. A lot of times it's hard to measure what's behind that left nipple and between your ears."
