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.
In watching Lamarr Houston last season, he struck me as a player who would be a better fit as an outside linebacker or defensive end in a 3-4 defense than in the 4-3 scheme the Bears were running. Now that they've switched to a 3-4, where will he line up?
Greg F.
Willowbrook, Illinois
Bears coach John Fox said this week that Lamarr Houston will initially line up at outside linebacker, but—as is the case with many players—that could change once they see how he performs in offseason practices. Signed as a free agent last year to bolster the defensive line, Houston recorded 12 tackles and one sack in the first eight games before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. He's working hard to return and hopes to emerge as one of the defense's top playmakers in 2015.
Have the Bears said whether they're going to try to re-sign veterans Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman?
Frankie K.
West Chicago, Illinois
The Bears have not publicly discussed the futures of Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman, both of whom have played 12 seasons in Chicago and are now unrestricted free agents. Asked whether the Bears are moving on from Briggs and Tillman, general manager Ryan Pace said this week: "We have talked about those players individually. I think they're both unique situations in that they're excellent Chicago Bears. We like to keep those conversations in house though."
How many times have the Bears picked seventh or higher in the draft?
David R.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger, the Bears have picked seventh or higher in the draft 10 times. They chose: tackle Lionel Antoine third in 1972, linebacker Waymond Bryant fourth in 1974, running back Walter Payton fourth in 1975, defensive tackle Dan Hampton fourth in 1979, quarterback Jim McMahon fifth in 1982, tackle Jim Covert sixth in 1983, safety Mark Carrier sixth in 1990, receiver Curtis Conway seventh in 1993, running back Curtis Enis fifth in 1998 and running back Cedric Benson fourth in 2005.
