Tag: javon wims

Ranking each Bears draft class under Ryan Pace

When you put each of Bears GM Ryan Pace’s first five draft classes next to one another, how do they stack up?

We’re down to just hours before the 2020 NFL Draft officially begins in Las Vegas, NV virtually, giving teams yet another opportunity to improve their roster as the offseason marches on.

For Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace, this year’s draft will be his sixth and like most GMs, he’s found his share of diamonds in the rough while missing badly on top prospects.

But when you put each of his first five draft classes next to one another, how do they stack up? Below is a ranking of Pace’s worst to best draft classes between 2015 and 2019.

5) 2019 draft class

Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Key hits – None

Key misses – None

It seems a little unfair to rank the Bears most-recent draft class in last place, considering the players have only had one season to develop. But the truth is, none of the Bears five picks have shown they are true hits yet. They also relinquished their first and second-round picks when they traded for All-Pro outside linebacker Khalil Mack prior to the 2018 season.

Their first selection didn’t come until pick No. 73, trading up in the third round for running back David Montgomery. The former Cyclone was decent and definitely showed flashes throughout the season, but he wasn’t consistent enough and only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. He wasn’t bad by any means, but he wasn’t a standout. Most notably, he was the only rookie to play a significant amount of snaps.

Their next pick, wide receiver Riley Ridley, didn’t play a single down until Week 13 and failed to make an impact. Cornerback Duke Shelley, the Bears’ sixth-round pick, spent a large portion of the season inactive, and their pair of seventh-rounders in running back Kerrith Whyte Jr. and cornerback Stephen Denmark were released and spent the year on the practice squad, respectively.

It was a rough year for this rookie class, but the bright side for this group is Montgomery, Ridley, and Shelley will have more opportunities to prove themselves and take the next step in their careers in Year 2.

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Jake Fromm could see himself reuniting with Georgia teammates in Chicago

The Bears will address the QB position this offseason, and they could certainly draft one. Perhaps that’ll be Georgia’s Jake Fromm.

The Bears have made it a point to address the quarterback position this offseason. Not only are they expected to target an experienced veteran quarterback in free agency, but there’s a good likelihood that they use one of their projected eight draft picks to select a quarterback in the NFL Draft.

Considering the Bears have more needs than just quarterback they need to address this offseason — among them tight end, offensive line, edge rusher and defensive back — they might address quarterback on Day 3, with perhaps FIU’s James Morgan.

But we’ve seen how Ryan Pace responds when he believes he’s found his guy, so there’s no ruling out the Bears drafting a quarterback with one of their two second round picks.

We’ve also learned Pace’s affinity towards Georgia prospects, so perhaps quarterback Jake Fromm is a prospect Pace has kept an eye on.

When asked about a potential reunion with former Bulldogs receivers Javon Wims and Riley Ridley in Chicago, Fromm made it known that he’d welcome landing with the Bears.

“What more could you ask for?” Fromm told NBC Sports Chicago. “To play with those guys, especially two of the guys I’ve thrown the ball to. I’ve gone up against Roquan every single practice. It would kind of be like home away from home.”

Fromm told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that he had a meeting with the Bears, which indicates that they’re doing their due diligence at all quarterbacks in this draft.

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Grading the 2019 Bears by position: Wide receivers

Heading into the 2019 season, the Bears WRs looked to be one of the deepest position groups on the team. How’d they grade for the season?

Going into the 2019 season, the receiving corps of the Chicago Bears looked to be one of the deepest position groups on the team.

Boasting a fully healthy Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller, who appeared ready to become a deadly duo in the NFC North, as well as speedster Taylor Gabriel, rookie Riley Ridley, second-year receiver Javon Wims and free agent pickup Cordarrelle Patterson, the sky appeared to be the limit for this young group.

Instead, Robinson was the only one to take off, becoming the true number one option the team needed, with everyone else fell to the wayside. Here are the grades for each wide receiver on the Bears.

Allen Robinson: A

Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Undoubtedly the MVP of the offense, Allen Robinson was the bright spot on an otherwise disastrous unit. The Bears receiver has his best season since breaking out in 2015, catching 98 passes for 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns. He accounted for nearly one third of the Bears’ passing yards for the season and ascended to the go-to receiver the team believed they were getting when he was signed as a free agent in 2018.

Robinson made incredible catches throughout the entire season and became the key third-down target to continue drives. Whether it was a back-shoulder throw or an inside hitch route, Robinson did it all this season and produced at a high level. If there was one thing to knock, it would be a few drops, some of which came at inopportune times. But a few rough moments can’t overshadow the best season by a Bears wide receiver since 2014.

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Allen Robinson planning offseason training workouts with Bears WRs

Bears WR Allen Robinson is orchestrating offseason workouts where Bears receivers would go to live with him and train for next season.

While the Chicago Bears still have one game left in what’s been a miserable 2019 season, talks have already turned toward the offseason. There will be plenty of issues that need to be addressed, but ranking towards the bottom of that list is wide receiver.

Still, receiver Allen Robinson, who has been the lone bright spot on Chicago’s offense this season, is planning ahead to an offseason where he’s focused on getting Bears receivers primed for 2020.

Speaking with the media on Thursday, Bear offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said that he overheard Robinson orchestrating offseason workouts where Bears receivers would go to live with him and train for next season.

This wouldn’t be the first time Robinson has taken to offseason preparation. He did the same last March when he flew to Huntington Beach, California, to work with Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, as well as fellow receivers Taylor Gabriel, Javon Wims and Marvin Hall to fine-tune and perfect passing routes.

Bears receivers that figure to be in attendance include Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, Riley Ridley, Cordarrelle Patterson and Taylor Gabriel, who could be a potential cap casualty this offseason.

You’d assume that Trubisky will also be in attendance. While Trubisky’s future in Chicago is in question, he will still be the Bears starting quarterback heading into this offseason.

Following an embarrassing output on offense, there’s much work to be done for this unit to make significant strides in 2020.

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What is Matt Nagy’s message now that Bears are out of playoff contention?

Bears coach Matt Nagy has him team focused on using the frustration from this season heading into an important offseason.

Matt Nagy will face a new challenge in his second season as head coach of the Chicago Bears: How to lead a team when there’s nothing left to play for.

Shortly after Sunday’s brutal loss to the Packers, the Bears were eliminated from playoff contention and any dreams of a magical, Super Bowl season were officially dashed.

Through all of the struggles this season, Nagy has done a great job keeping morale high. They’ve continued to fight through adversity — and remain together in the process. And things were pretty bad there at 3-5, then 4-6.

So as the Bears prepare for their final two games of an otherwise forgettable season, Nagy has him team focused on using the frustration from this season heading into an important offseason. He’ll also have his team ready to play in these final games — as if they did mean something more.

“I really am looking forward to our team finishing and playing really hard these last two games,” Nagy said. “We can do that. So my message to the guys is, we’re rolling. There’s nothing that changes. It stinks that we can’t get to the playoffs, but that’s on us. We made this. Hopefully we learn from it and remember this feeling. But these next two games to us are very important and we’re going to play them hard.”

While there’s nothing to play for in regards to the playoffs, Nagy said that he will indeed play his starters in those last two games.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Yeah. Yep.”

There will be plenty of guys playing for jobs — both veterans and the young guns. Cornerback Kevin Toliver is one to watch, as he looks to fight for a starting job next season over Prince Amukamara, who could very well be on his way out of Chicago. Receivers Javon Wims and Riley Ridley will be looking to prove they can be reliable options to go along with Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller, which could mean the end of Taylor Gabriel’s time in Chicago.

So while the Bears won’t be playing for playoff contention in these final two games, these final two weeks are important in determining the direction of this team heading into 2020.

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Bears’ Week 15 Inactives: DT Akiem Hicks will start, DE Roy Robertson-Harris out vs. Packers

The Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s game against the Packers, and Akiem Hicks and Javon Wims are active.

The Chicago Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s game against the Green Bay Packers. And it’s officially official: Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is good to go for the Bears.

Hicks was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, where he spent eight weeks as he recovered from a dislocated elbow suffered against the Oakland Raiders in Week 5. His return proves to be big for this Bears defense from a physical and mental standpoint.

Defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris, on the other hand, is inactive with a foot injury suffered against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 5.

Receiver Javon Wims, who was also injured against Dallas, is active for today’s game. Wims was said to have sustained a slight knee sprain that will not force him to miss any game action.

Here’s a look at the Bears’ inactives:

Here’s a look at the inactives for the Packers:

The Bears and Packers will kick things off at 12:00 p.m. CT at Lambeau Field.

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Bears DE Roy Robertson-Harris, WR Javon Wims questionable vs. Packers

The Bears have ruled out four players ahead of Sunday’s game vs the Packers, and DE Roy Robertson-Harris and WR Javon Wims are questionable.

The Chicago Bears released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s divisional game against the Green Bay Packers, and it’s definitely more encouraging than Thursday.

The Bears have ruled out four players ahead of Sunday’s game, including tight end Ben Braunecker (concussion), receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion), right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle) and linebacker Danny Trevathan.

After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris and receiver Javon Wims were both limited on Friday. They’re both questionable against the Packers.

Receiver/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson was limited in practice on Thursday after suffering a head injury during practice. But Patterson was a full participant in Friday’s practice, and he doesn’t have a game designation, which means he’s good to go against Green Bay.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions in Week 13, was a full participant in practice all week, and it looks like he’s good to go for a return against Green Bay.

While defensive tackle Bilal Nichols popped up on the injury report, that’s typical for Friday practices indoors. His game status is not in jeopardy.

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Bears WR Cordarrelle Patterson pops up on Thursday injury report

There was a surprise on the Bears’ injury report on Thursday as they prepare for an NFC North showdown against the Packers.

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The Chicago Bears didn’t receive any favors from their injury report as a new name popped up on Thursday. And it’s not a player the Bears can afford to lose heading into a pivotal game against the Green Bay Packers.

Receiver/returner/all-around weapon Cordarrelle Patterson was limited in practice Thursday with a head injury.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara was a full participant in practice for the second straight day. Amukamara is recovering from a hamstring injury, but barring any setbacks it seems like he’ll be ready for Sunday.

It’s not looking good for the six Bears that didn’t practice Wednesday, who all missed Thursday’s practice. Defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris remains sidelined with a foot injury, while receiver Javon Wims is out with what’s believed to be a slight knee sprain.

Receiver Taylor Gabriel and tight end Ben Braunecker remain in concussion protocol for a third straight week, and their statuses for Sunday don’t look good.

As far as hoping linebacker Danny Trevathan would be good to return to practice this week, it’s not meant to be as he’s missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday.

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Bears Injury Report: CB Prince Amukamara returns to practice

The Bears released their first injury report of the week, and CB Prince Amukamara returned to practice. But 6 other Bears didn’t practice.

The Chicago Bears hit the practice field on Wednesday getting a boost with the return of a defensive starter.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions on Thanksgiving, returned to practice as a full participant Wednesday, and if there are no setbacks, he should be ready for Green Bay on Sunday.

With the loss of Roquan Smith for the season with a torn pectoral muscle, the Bears are getting some good news on the defensive side of the ball with Amukamara being a full participant in practice and aiming to play Sunday.

The Bears are also gearing up for the return of defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who should provide a big boost to Chicago’s defense. While Hicks is expected to return Sunday, the Bears haven’t activated him off injured reserve yet, so he did not show up on Wednesday’s injury report.

But defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris’ status is up-in-the-air for Sunday, as he missed Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury sustained against the Cowboys.

While Matt Nagy wouldn’t rule out linebacker Danny Trevathan returning against the Packers, it didn’t look encouraging that he missed practice.

Over on the offensive side of the ball, receiver Javon Wims did not practice after he suffered what Ian Rapoport reported was a slight knee sprain. Tight end Ben Braunecker (concussion), receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion) and right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle) haven’t practiced for heading into their third straight week.

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Long week gives Bears chance to get healthy ahead of matchup vs. Packers

Following back-to-back Thursday games, the Bears get some extra time for injured players to rest up ahead of Packers game.

Following back-to-back Thursday games, the Bears had a long weekend to rest up before preparing for a divisional matchup against the Packers this Sunday.

While the Bears avoided the injury bug last season, they’ve been unable to escape it in 2019. They’ve lost three defensive starters to injury throughout the season: Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (elbow), linebacker Danny Trevathan (elbow) and linebacker Roquan Smith (pec).

And there have been countless other injuries, including the loss of right guard Kyle Long, defensive back/special teams ace Sherrick McManis and both tight ends Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen.

But there appears to be some good news on the horizon, starting this week in preparation for Green Bay. Hicks is eligible to return from injured reserve this week against the Packers. He practiced last week with the team, and Bears coach Matt Nagy said that, win or lose against the Cowboys, Hicks would return if he could.

Many have wondered why Trevathan, who suffered a gruesome elbow injury against the Lions in Week 10, hasn’t been placed on injured reserve. That’s because Nagy has left the door open for his return this season. In fact, Nagy wouldn’t rule out Trevathan’s return against Green Bay.

While Roquan Smith’s season appears done, as he suffered what’s believed to be a torn pec against Dallas, there were two other players injured against the Cowboys that have some extra time to rest up for next Sunday. Defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris suffered a foot injury, and wide receiver Javon Wims suffered what Ian Rapoport reported is a slight knee sprain, which he sustained near the end of the first half.

With the Bears having 10 days to prepare for the Packers, it’s also allowing some players that have been banged up — or looking to return to the lineup — some extra time to rest up.

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