Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Who do you think will be Mitchell Trubisky's go-to receiver in 2018?
Pete A.
Aurora, Illinois
It's a little early to speculate about that given that the Bears haven't even conducted a practice yet. But what I expect to see from this offense is quarterback Mitchell Trubisky spreading the ball around to several different playmakers, including receivers Allen Robinson II and Taylor Gabriel, tight ends Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen and Dion Sims, and running backs Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard. Robinson probably will be as close to a "go-to- receiver" as there is, but like I said it's most likely going to be a group effort in the passing game this season. The good news is that there will be more quality options for Trubisky in his second season.
I've seen several mock drafts that have four quarterbacks going before the Bears pick at No. 8. Do you think that would be good for the Bears, who don't need a quarterback?
Thomas J.
Des Plaines, Illinois
Having selected their quarterback of the future in Mitchell Trubisky in the first round last year, I think the Bears are pretty much in a win/win situation this year. If four quarterbacks are chosen before they pick, that will push a handful of elite prospects down to them at No. 8. If there's still a top quarterback on the board, the Bears could basically sell the pick to a team that's desperate for a quarterback and acquire some additional selections. General manager Ryan Pace does in fact hope that four quarterbacks are picked before the Bears go on the clock, saying at the NFL owners meetings in late March: "That would be huge. If four quarterbacks go in front of us, I'm all for it. I think you see the value of that position right now when you see people posturing to get up in the draft and get a quarterback. It's critical. What happened in free agency, you can see the obvious value to the quarterback position. So for us personally right now, we're all for as many quarterbacks going."
What player are you most excited to see in the Bears' new offense?
Chris T.
Oak Park, Illinois
The obvious answer is quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, but I'll go with running back Tarik Cohen. With his versatility, it's going to be fun to see all the different ways that first-year coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich utilize Cohen. The 2017 fourth-round pick excelled in a lot of different areas as a rookie—as a rusher, receiver, return specialist and even as a passer. A lot of people compare him to Chiefs star Tyreek Hill, who Nagy worked with in Kansas City. As I said, it will be very interesting to see how Cohen is utilized in the new offense.
