Tag: Riley Ridley

Mike Furrey believes WR Riley Ridley is going to impress in 2020

Bears WR coach Mike Furrey believes Riley Ridley is going to make significant growth in his second season.

The offense for the Chicago Bears last year was frustrating to watch and the team needs a breakout performer for the 2020 season. Bears wide receiver coach Mike Furrey has selected his candidate.

“The biggest growth we’re going to see with anybody in our room is going to be Riley Ridley,” Furrey told reporters via video conference Wednesday. “His preparation right now, his attitude, his desire, the passion he has to become successful in this game, he loves the process. And I believe when you love the process, it’s going to be successful.”

The former Georgia Bulldog struggled with injuries early into training camp last year. Ridley played in five games and recorded six catchers for 69 yards, but he was a healthy scratch in the first 11 games.

“I’m excited about Riley,” Furrey said. “From the time we left the last snap last year to where we will be this training camp, you’re going to have a guy coming in that now has the confidence he can play in the NFL.”

The Bears would love to see a second-year jump from the 2019 fourth-round pick. Ridley, he’s going to see a lot of competition from the Bears wide receivers since Ted Ginn Jr. and Darnell Mooney are new to the roster, then Cordarrelle Patterson and Javon Wims already in the room.

Furrey is candid and direct, so having him talk highly of Ridley is noteworthy.

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8 Bears we’re most excited to see in 2020

The Bears made moves this offseason that they hope will bolster their team and have some returning players that aim to contribute in 2020.

We’re still a few months from the start of the 2020 season, where the Chicago Bears will be looking to prove that their disappointing 2019 season was a fluke rather than a trend.

The Bears made some moves this offseason that they hope will bolster their team, including the additions of pass rusher Robert Quinn, quarterback Nick Foles and rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

But there are several players from last season that are either returning from injury or have the potential to have breakout seasons.

Here are the eight Bears we’re most excited to see play in 2020.

1. DT Akiem Hicks

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

While the Bears defense was among the best in the NFL last season, they certainly missed the presence of defensive tackle Akiem Hicks in the middle. Hicks suffered an elbow injury in Week 5, and he was placed on injured reserve. Hicks’ return instantly improves Chicago’s pass rush, which struggled with his absence last season.

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PFF disrespects Bears receiving corps, ranks them among worst in NFL

Pro Football Focus doesn’t have much confidence in the Bears’ receiving corps, as they ranked Chicago among the bottom six in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears have been disrespected just about every way imaginable this offseason. Whether that’s being dubbed by several analysts as one of the worst teams in the NFL, having no shot at winning the NFC North or Khalil Mack not being a top-five pass rusher, everyone already has their minds made up about the Bears in 2020.

The doubt is easy to understand given the struggles of the offense last season, where they were among the bottom dwellers of the league. For a number of reasons, including quarterback play, lack of a run game, absence of tight ends and play calling.

Perhaps the most consistent group on offense, which wasn’t saying much, was the receiving corps, which was led by veteran Allen Robinson, who managed to thrive despite the offense’s struggles.

But Pro Football Focus doesn’t have much confidence in the Bears’ receiving corps outside of Robinson headed into 2020, as they ranked Chicago among the bottom six in the NFL at No. 27.

Allen Robinson II may be getting the best quarterback play he’s ever seen with Nick Foles getting the opportunity to win the starting job over Mitchell Trubisky. The fact that Robinson has been able to be as productive as he has (84.9 career receiving grade) despite dealing with Trubisky and Blake Bortles at quarterback is a testament to just how talented he is.

Chicago still is probably a little short in the receiving department heading into 2020, however. They ended last season ranked tied for 28th in team receiving grade, and their major additions consisted of Ted Ginn Jr., Darnell Mooney, Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet. None of those players seem likely to move the needle significantly next season.

The Bears released veteran Taylor Gabriel this offseason, as a cap casualty, but they did add speed to their receivers room this offseason, including the additions of veteran Ted Ginn Jr. and rookie Darnell Mooney. They also return veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, who might get more looks in the run game.

Chicago also has a group of young receivers on their roster, including break-out candidate Anthony Miller, fourth-round pick Riley Ridley and seventh-rounder Javon Wims.

While the Bears don’t have the deepest group of receivers in the NFL, they don’t have one of the worst either.

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Bears’ 3 most exciting roster competitions heading into summer

There will be no shortage of roster competitions to watch on both offense and defense heading into training camp.

Despite having a roster that is loaded with talent, the Chicago Bears have several key positions that will have competitions for starting gigs. And while organized team activities will not be able to provide any opportunities for players to stand out, the NFL remains hopeful that training camps can go on as planned.

The Bears, on paper, figure to have one of the league’s best defenses. Names like Eddie Jackson, Khalil Mack, and Akiem Hicks headline Chuck Pagano’s defense, but there is one position in particular that will be intriguing to monitor.

Elsewhere on offense, the Bears will have several battles for roster spots, including quarterback, wide receiver and tight end.

Let’s take a look at the three most exciting roster competitions to watch heading into training camp.

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Every prime time NFL game featuring former Georgia football players

After the release of the 2020 NFL schedule, here’s a look at every prime-time game that former Georgia football players will appear in.

On Thursday, the NFL released its 2020 schedule, providing more optimism that a football season will take place come September.

With Georgia having added seven new players into the league via the NFL Draft, there’s going to be a number of UGA fans hoping for a chance to watch some former Dawgs play on prime-time television.

The Patriots, Cowboys, Chiefs, Packers, 49ers, Rams and Buccaneers will be featured most in prime time during the 2020 NFL season with five games apiece.

Georgia players on those teams:

Cowboys, Packers and Bucs do not have any Bulldogs.

Patriots: C David Andrews, RB Sony Michel, OL Isaiah Wynn

Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman

49ers: TE Charlie Woerner

Rams: OLB Leonard Floyd, ILB Natrez Patrick, DB Tyrique McGhee.

Here is a list of every nationally televised NFL game featuring Georgia Bulldogs.

Some of these game are subject to a time change and some of the players signed as undrafted free agents. As of right now, these are the teams they are on.

For a full list of Georgia players and their NFL teams, click here.

Thursday Night Football:

  • Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: Fox, NFL Network
  • Live stream: Amazon Prime

Thursday Sept. 17: Browns at Bengals

Georgia players on Browns: RB Nick Chubb, RB Brian Herrien

Georgia players on Bengals: DT Geno Atkins, WR AJ Green, DT Tyler Clark, DB Shawn Williams

Thursday Sept. 24: Dolphins at Jaguars

Georgia players on Dolphins: OG Solomon Kindley

Georgia players on Jags: WR Chris Conley, WR Terry Godwin, DT Abry Jones, S J.R. Reed

Thursday Oct. 1: Broncos at Jets

Georgia players on Broncos: N/A

Georgia players on Jets: WR Lawrence Cager, OLB Jordan Jenkins

Thursday Oct. 8: Buccaneers at Bears

Georgia players on Bucs: N/A

Georgia players on Bears: WR Reggie Davis, DT John Jenkins, WR Riley Ridley, LB Roquan Smith, WR Javon Wims

Thursday Oct. 15: Chiefs at Bills

Georgia players on Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman

Georgia players on Bills: QB Jake Fromm, WR Isaiah McKenzie

Thursday Oct. 22: Giants at Eagles

Georgia players on Giants: OT Andrew Thomas, LB Tae Crowder, OLB Lorenzo Carter

Georgia players on Eagles: RB Elijah Holyfield

Thursday Oct. 29: Falcons at Panthers

Georgia players on Falcons: RB Todd Gurley

Georgia players on Panthers: N/A

Thursday Nov. 5: Packers at 49ers

Georgia players on Packers: N/A

Georgia players on 49ers: TE Charlie Woerner

Thursday Nov. 12: Colts at Titans

Georgia players on Colts: K Rodrigo Blankenship, OLB Justin Houston

Georgia players on Titans: C Ben Jones, OT Isaiah Wilson, OLB D’Andre Walker

Thursday Nov. 19: Cardinals at Seahawks

Georgia players on Cardinals: OL Lamont Gaillard

Georgia players on Seahawks: DB Jayson Stanley

THANKSGIVING

Thursday Nov. 26: Texans at Lions (12:30 p.m. CBS)

Georgia players on Texans: OLB Davin Bellamy, WR Tyler Simmons

Georgia players on Lions: RB D’Andre Swift, QB Matt Stafford, DT John Atkins, TE Isaac Nauta

Thursday Nov. 26: Redskins at Cowboys (4:30 p.m. Fox)

Georgia players on Redskins: OLB Thomas Davis, S Maurice Smith

Georgia players on Cowboys: N/A

Thursday Nov. 26: Ravens at Steelers (8:20 p.m. NBC)

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Georgia players on Steelers: N/A

Thursday Dec. 3: Cowboys at Ravens 

Georgia players on Cowboys: N/A

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Thursday Dec. 10: Patriots at Rams

Georgia players on Patriots: C David Andrews, RB Sony Michel, OL Isaiah Wynn

Georgia players on Rams: OLB Leonard Floyd, ILB Natrez Patrick, DB Tyrique McGhee

Thursday Dec. 17: Chargers at Ravens 

Georgia players on Chargers: N/A

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Friday Dec. 25: Vikings at Saints

No Georgia players in this game

Next: Sunday Night Football

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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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Watch: Former Georgia WR Riley Ridley on why he committed to UGA

Former Georgia football WR Riley Ridley, now with the Chicago Bears, discusses why he chose to commit to UGA.

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Former Georgia football wide receiver Riley Ridley surprised many when he committed to UGA in January of 2016.

At the time of his commitment, Ridley was a 4-star receiver out of Deerfield Beach, Florida and ranked as the nation’s 47th best player at his position.

Ridley had been in talks with South Carolina, his brother was a star player at Alabama, and Georgia was kind of looking in from the outside.

But when Ridley heard the news of Smart going to Athens, that changed everything.

He further discussed why he chose to commit to Georgia in this interview (above) conducted by CampusLore.

Ridley had a successful collegiate career, recording 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns during his three years. His breakout game came against his brother and the Crimson Tide in the 2017-18 national championship game where he hauled in six passes for 82 yards.

Ridley went on to be selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

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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Jacob Eason explains what went into decision to leave Georgia

Jacob Eason reflects on Georgia football at NFL combine

Jacob Eason spoke to the NFL combine media about his time at UGA.

The University of Georgia was an early adapter of the graduate transfer rule, as Greyson Lambert had graduated from Virginia and came to UGA with two years of eligibly remaining, since he had not played as a freshman. He was a one-year starter at quarterback, starting all but the Florida game debacle, the final year of the Mark Richt era. He went 11-2 at UGA in total, as he started the first game of the Kirby Smart era, which was played in Atlanta against UNC. Supremely talented top pocket passer recruit Jacob Eason, out of exurban Washington, was called on by Smart to win that game off the bench as a true freshman and never looked back…until he did.

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) looks to pass as center Brandon Kublanow (54) blocks North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Jalen Dalton (97) during the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Hearing him reflect on his somewhat turbulent time at Georgia was interesting, as I was so close to the program. “I had a tremendous two and a half years,” he said of the time. “Georgia was a great place for me.”

His biggest moment may have been in defeat, the bomb to Riley Ridley in the Georgia-Tennessee game in Athens, before their Hail Mary.

When Jake Fromm similarly replaced Eason in the next year’s opening game, after a fairly shabby 8-5 campaign – this time as the incumbent starter Eason was injured – Eason’s career in Athens was all but over.

Oct 7, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) and quarterback Jacob Eason (10) high five as Eason enters the game during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

“But that’s the thing about being a quarterback, you can only play one on the field at a time. There isn’t an opportunity to play three or four like a receiver or a running back…go elsewhere and try to compete elsewhere.”

I remember Eason talking publicly about starting at UGA as freshman, when he was a junior in high school. So, him leaving Washington early was no real surprise. I did feel he would have ultimately benefited from staying though, because for two years he had played so sparingly, not at all in one of them. Then, the team took a step back in his lone year starting.

At Washington, Eason had had to sit out a year to gain eligibility, while Washington completed a rather successful three-year run. Under Eason, the Huskies fell to 8-5.

Eason did put up decent numbers and a big yardage total.  Now he’s a pro.

NFL.com gives Bears 2019 rookie draft class a C+ grade

It was an overall disappointment for the Bears’ rookie class during one of the more disappointing seasons in recent history for Chicago.

It was an overall disappointment for the Bears’ rookie class during one of the more disappointing seasons in recent history for Chicago.

With no first or second round draft picks, the Bears had just five selections. They traded up 13 spots to take running back David Montgomery, who had 889 rushing yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season. But Chicago’s other four picks didn’t has big an impact.

NFL.com ranked the Bears’ rookie draft class third in the NFC North with a grade of a C+, which trailed the Packers (B+) and Vikings (B-).

Beyond the well-documented quarterback issue (SEE: next paragraph), the biggest culprit behind Chicago’s unexpectedly blah season was the offensive line. Bears GM Ryan Pace openly acknowledged the unit’s shortcomings in his end-of-season press conference: “We struggled in that area this year — that’s real.” And therein lies the problem in evaluating the rookie campaign of Montgomery, whose yards-per-carry mark (3.7) left a lot to be desired. But honestly, Chicago’s O-line hung Montgomery out to dry pretty routinely — and obviously, opposing defenses weren’t too worried about getting burned by the Mitchell Trubisky-led passing game on a snap-by-snap basis. Montgomery did his best to overcome these adverse circumstances, breaking the eighth-most tackles in the NFL (47) — which is how he finished second among all rookies in both rushing yards (889) and rushing touchdowns (6).

Montgomery was the only draft selection that made an impact for Chicago in 2019, which made the Bears’ draft class unimpressive considering just one of their five selections saw the field for a significant amount of time.

Besides Montgomery’s production, the Bears didn’t get much of anything out of the rookie class. This isn’t all that surprising, considering Chicago made just five selections last April, with Montgomery being the only player taken before Day 3 of the draft. Coming out of Georgia, Ridley was advertised as a polished route runner — like his brother, Calvin — but he couldn’t even crack the game day roster until Week 13. Adding insult to ineffectiveness: The very next two wideouts selected after Ridley — Hunter Renfrow and Darius Slayton — provided significant Year 1 contributions.

Receiver Riley Ridley and cornerback Duke Shelley saw little playing time. Then there was seventh-round picks running back Kerrith Whyte and cornerback Stephen Denmark that didn’t make any impact on the active roster. Denmark spent the season on the practice squad while Whyte was dealt the the Steelers.

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