Biggs on NFL Network Radio Discussing Rookie Camp

[playthrough2001]

Brad Biggs was on with Bob Papa and Charlie Weis this morning. Weis led the interview. There were some interesting takeaways.

On David Montgomery:

Biggs said he was impressive and looks like an ideal scheme fit. He said if Montgomery can handle pass pro that he should get significant playing time. He said he looked good running and catching and was in great physical condition. He was also impressed with his attitude.

On Kerrith Whyte:

Weis let Biggs know he believes Whyte is going to be a steal for the Bears. He said he's biased because Whyte played for his kid at FAU. Charlie Weis Jr. is their OC.
Weis said Whyte will stack up with anyone in the NFL from a pure speed standpoint. Biggs said Whyte caught a long pass and turned on the jets and just blew by everyone. He said you can see the timed speed on the field. Weiss said "that is just who this kid is... he runs by people."
Anyway, Weiss really likes this kid and thinks he'll carve out a niche in the offense.

On Riley Ridley:

Biggs said the QB play was atrocious over the weekend so it was tough to evaluate the receivers but sees Ridley as a high floor player that the Bears really like.

On Duke Shelley:

He said Shelley displayed excellent lateral quickness. He also said he's the smallest guy on the team so he might not project well to special teams. He's trending as the backup nickel that will have to be able to play special teams to be active on Sundays.

On Stephen Denmark:

Biggs said he's never seen a CB on the Bears with the size and wingspan of Denmark. He said he can press but has no idea if he can play off coverage. He said there is no doubt he can really run too. He could be a core special teams guy to start.

Biggs was asked other than kicker what areas of the team that will need improvement or are question marks.

Trubisky - He needs to make another jump in his development.

Clinton-Dix - What player are you getting? He said Pace has been better drafting the position than signing veteran help. He also said there are some people he's spoken with that think Clinton-Dix is a major upgrade.

The TEs - He said Burton was good but not great last year and they need even more out of him. He said Shaheen is a big question mark coming into year three and Braunecker is looking for a chance to prove he's more than a core special teams player. He did not mention Raymond.

 

[Mdbearz]

Thanks for the higlights

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Brad Biggs was on with Bob Papa and Charlie Weiss this morning. Weiss led the interview. There were some interesting takeaways.

On David Montgomery:

Biggs said he was impressive and looks like an ideal scheme fit. He said if Montgomery can handle pass pro that he should get significant playing time. He said he looked good running and catching and was in great physical condition. He was also impressed with his attitude.

On Kerrith Whyte:

Weis let Biggs know he believes Whyte is going to be a steal for the Bears. He said he's biased because Whyte played for his kid at FAU. Charlie Weis Jr. is their OC.
Weis said Whyte will stack up with anyone in the NFL from a pure speed standpoint. Biggs said Whyte caught a long pass and turned on the jets and just blew by everyone. He said you can see the timed speed on the field. Weiss said "that is just who this kid is... he runs by people."
Anyway, Weiss really likes this kid and thinks he'll carve out a niche in the offense.

On Riley Ridley:

Biggs said the QB play was atrocious over the weekend so it was tough to evaluate the receivers but sees Ridley as a high floor player that the Bears really like.

On Duke Shelley:

He said Shelley displayed excellent lateral quickness. He also said he's the smallest guy on the team so he might not project well to special teams. He's trending as the backup nickel that will have to be able to play special teams to be active on Sundays.

On Stephen Denmark:

Biggs said he's never seen a CB on the Bears with the size and wingspan of Denmark. He said he can press but has no idea if he can play off coverage. He said there is no doubt he can really run too. He could be a core special teams guy to start.

Biggs was asked other than kicker what areas of the team that will need improvement or are question marks.

Trubisky - He needs to make another jump in his development.

Clinton-Dix - What player are you getting? He said Pace has been better drafting the position than signing veteran help. He also said there are some people he's spoken with that think Clinton-Dix is a major upgrade.

The TEs - He said Burton was good but not great last year and they need even more out of him. He said Shaheen is a big question mark coming into year three and Braunecker is looking for a chance to prove he's more than a core special teams player. He did not mention Raymond.

Thanks for the succinct recap. If I actually had to listen to that windbag talk for that long I'd need to remove my perforated eardrums with a rusty screwdriver.

Brad Biggs makes Greg Gabriel and David Haugh sound like NAB Macroni Award winners.

 

[Outlaw Josey Cutler]

The TEs - He said Burton was good but not great last year and they need even more out of him. He said Shaheen is a big question mark coming into year three and Braunecker is looking for a chance to prove he's more than a core special teams player. He did not mention Raymond.

Burton was good? I think Burton was not good but not bad last year. Played well when he showed up, but that's kind of the question there.

Braunecker has had many chances to prove it for a couple years now. Despite a couple decent catches here and there, he obviously has not done much to be on the radar as a receiver. And if he can't establish himself as a catching TE then he would be a big hint to a D that the Bears are running when he lines up outside a T

Anything Shaheen does would be a bonus. He is approaching Kevin White level of dependability

I have nothing to say re: Dax as that would also just be a bit of gravy if he does something here or there.

TL;DR - I am unfortunately down on our TEs going into the season

 

[playthrough2001]

Burton was good? I think Burton was not good but not bad last year. Played well when he showed up, but that's kind of the question there.

Braunecker has had many chances to prove it for a couple years now. Despite a couple decent catches here and there, he obviously has not done much to be on the radar as a receiver. And if he can't establish himself as a catching TE then he would be a big hint to a D that the Bears are running when he lines up outside a T

Anything Shaheen does would be a bonus. He is approaching Kevin White level of dependability

I have nothing to say re: Dax as that would also just be a bit of gravy if he does something here or there.

TL;DR - I am unfortunately down on our TEs going into the season

I think Burton was solid all year and was definitely missed against the Eagles. There's no doubt he needs to be better.

 

[BaBaBlacksheep]

Like I've said from DAY ONE..... The Full Monty is going to be an all time great Bears RB.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Like I've said from DAY ONE..... The Full Monty is going to be an all time great Bears RB.

Hopefully he has a better attitude than Payton did.

 

[Sculpt]

Burton was good? I think Burton was not good but not bad last year. Played well when he showed up, but that's kind of the question there.

Braunecker has had many chances to prove it for a couple years now. Despite a couple decent catches here and there, he obviously has not done much to be on the radar as a receiver. And if he can't establish himself as a catching TE then he would be a big hint to a D that the Bears are running when he lines up outside a T

Anything Shaheen does would be a bonus. He is approaching Kevin White level of dependability

I have nothing to say re: Dax as that would also just be a bit of gravy if he does something here or there.

TL;DR - I am unfortunately down on our TEs going into the season

I thought Burton was really good. Excellent route running receiver who does it all. They needed to get him the ball more!

Sheehan needs to be targeted a ton this camp and early in the season... can't develop if you're never thrown to. Unless Nagy thinks he can't get open, in which case they should've drafted or signed a FA.

Braunecker could be a slow developer... but nobody's expecting anything.

Dax - won't expect much. 27 catches senior yr isn't eye popping, but I read he has some looseness and burst to get open, and a decent catcher and blocker. Never know.

 

[WindyCity]

Burton had a solid season. His blocking was not as bad as advertised and he caught the passes he should have.

I just do not think he is that dynamic of an athlete. Good route runner, pretty good movement skills, but he is not blowing by people and creating huge YAC plays like a Kelce type TE. I would be happy if he could replicate last season with a little statistical improvement as the offense gets better. But I think at best he will be the 4th option on this offense behind Robinson, Cohen, and Miller.


Shaheen-pass

Baunecker-good 3rd TE and special teamer, do not want to see him starting for a long stretch.

Ryamond-please baby Jesus be something in the passing game. He has the athletic tools.

 

[Sculpt]

Brad Biggs was on with Bob Papa and Charlie Weiss interesting takeaways.

On Kerrith Whyte:
Weis let Biggs know he believes Whyte is going to be a steal for the Bears. He said he's biased because Whyte played for his kid at FAU. Charlie Weis Jr. is their OC. Weis said Whyte will stack up with anyone in the NFL from a pure speed standpoint. Biggs said Whyte caught a long pass and turned on the jets and just blew by everyone. He said you can see the timed speed on the field. Weiss said "that is just who this kid is... he runs by people." Anyway, Weiss really likes this kid and thinks he'll carve out a niche in the offense.

I think Whyte has the physical talents that most likely can be developed. Grade A for a 7th pick

On Duke Shelley:
He said Shelley displayed excellent lateral quickness. He also said he's the smallest guy on the team so he might not project well to special teams. He's trending as the backup nickel that will have to be able to play special teams to be active on Sundays.

There's been some smallish ST coverage Gunners... like Eric Weems.

On Stephen Denmark:
Biggs said he's never seen a CB on the Bears with the size and wingspan of Denmark. He said he can press but has no idea if he can play off coverage. He said there is no doubt he can really run too. He could be a core special teams guy to start.

Hope he can be core ST guy, don't want to put him on PS.

 

[Rory Sparrow]

Biggs already drinking the Monty Kool Aid...a couple rookie camp sessions and already an "ideal fit" for the scheme!

 

[dabears70]

Burton was good? I think Burton was not good but not bad last year. Played well when he showed up, but that's kind of the question there.

Braunecker has had many chances to prove it for a couple years now. Despite a couple decent catches here and there, he obviously has not done much to be on the radar as a receiver. And if he can't establish himself as a catching TE then he would be a big hint to a D that the Bears are running when he lines up outside a T

Anything Shaheen does would be a bonus. He is approaching Kevin White level of dependability

I have nothing to say re: Dax as that would also just be a bit of gravy if he does something here or there.

TL;DR - I am unfortunately down on our TEs going into the season

54 catches for 569 yds and 6 TD's is pretty good for the way we spread the ball around but i would agree that he can definitely do better and was paid to do better but i still think that's a good year on paper.

 

[dabears70]

I thought Burton was really good. Excellent route running receiver who does it all. They needed to get him the ball more!

Sheehan needs to be targeted a ton this camp and early in the season... can't develop if you're never thrown to. Unless Nagy thinks he can't get open, in which case they should've drafted or signed a FA.

Braunecker could be a slow developer... but nobody's expecting anything.

Dax - won't expect much. 27 catches senior yr isn't eye popping, but I read he has some looseness and burst to get open, and a decent catcher and blocker. Never know.

I'm just hoping Nagy hasn't already given up on Shaheen which it almost seems like he did with J.Howard from the beginning. It's almost like he went into the season with the thought that Howard didn't and wasn't gonna fit what he wants and maybe i'm hoping he hasn't done the same with Shaheen. I mean if he ends up being our best blocker at TE and one of our best weapons in the red zone then i'll take that but that's not what you draft a TE in the 2nd round for. That's more a 3rd-4th round TE but i haven't given up on what i think Shaheen could still do as a complete TE if he can stay healthy and is given a fair shot.

 

[dabears70]

I think Whyte has the physical talents that most likely can be developed. Grade A for a 7th pick



There's been some smallish ST coverage Gunners... like Eric Weems.



Hope he can be core ST guy, don't want to put him on PS.

Duke Shelley--5'9 173
B.Skrine--5'9 184

He'll be fine for backing Skrine up at NB and playing ST.

 

[WestCoastBearsFan]

Biggs already drinking the Monty Kool Aid...a couple rookie camp sessions and already an "ideal fit" for the scheme!

Or maybe you just don’t know what you’re talking about again

 

[playthrough2001]

Biggs already drinking the Monty Kool Aid...a couple rookie camp sessions and already an "ideal fit" for the scheme!

Just wait for my definitive report from OTAs. I'll let you know how he fits.

 

[Outlaw Josey Cutler]

Wow, my questioning whether Burton was good drew a lot of interesting comments.

He had decent stats but was no matchup nightmare vs. anyone. Like Windy said, he was (and is) at best the 4th target option behind receivers who have shown more ability at getting separation and YAC than he is. And even that is not really a knock on him; just basically saying he isn't the Bears version of Kelce.

Again, he isn't bad, but his disappearance and questionable on-field toughness and desire makes me very nervous that he is the only known weapon we even have at TE. I am not optimistic about Burton's availability; even less optimistic about the depth behind him.

 

[Sculpt]

I'm just hoping Nagy hasn't already given up on Shaheen which it almost seems like he did with J.Howard from the beginning. It's almost like he went into the season with the thought that Howard didn't and wasn't gonna fit what he wants and maybe i'm hoping he hasn't done the same with Shaheen. I mean if he ends up being our best blocker at TE and one of our best weapons in the red zone then i'll take that but that's not what you draft a TE in the 2nd round for. That's more a 3rd-4th round TE but i haven't given up on what i think Shaheen could still do as a complete TE if he can stay healthy and is given a fair shot.

Obviously the foot injury was a nightmare. I don't know if he's full speed since then.

Fox made him a blocker. Great for Sheehan to be expert at, but wonder if that was a mistake????

Hopefully Sheehan is going full speed at being a receiver. Got to see what he's got, And I don't think we've really had a look, have we??????

 

[Sculpt]

Wow, my questioning whether Burton was good drew a lot of interesting comments.

He had decent stats but was no matchup nightmare vs. anyone. Like Windy said, he was (and is) at best the 4th target option behind receivers who have shown more ability at getting separation and YAC than he is. And even that is not really a knock on him; just basically saying he isn't the Bears version of Kelce.

Again, he isn't bad, but his disappearance and questionable on-field toughness and desire makes me very nervous that he is the only known weapon we even have at TE. I am not optimistic about Burton's availability; even less optimistic about the depth behind him.

Maybe Nagy was too lenient on him? When he told Nagy he couldn't throw that pass, maybe Nagy should've said, "you will throw it, you'll do great." Then maybe Burton would have played the Philly game.

Buton looked really good some games. And just didn't seem to be targeted others. He's not a Gronk tall strider receiver, but he gets open and has great hands, gets his blocks.

Point is, we need to add to him. Was he overpaid? Not in today's dollars. Still think he's underutilized.

 

[WindyCity]

I'm just hoping Nagy hasn't already given up on Shaheen which it almost seems like he did with J.Howard from the beginning. It's almost like he went into the season with the thought that Howard didn't and wasn't gonna fit what he wants and maybe i'm hoping he hasn't done the same with Shaheen. I mean if he ends up being our best blocker at TE and one of our best weapons in the red zone then i'll take that but that's not what you draft a TE in the 2nd round for. That's more a 3rd-4th round TE but i haven't given up on what i think Shaheen could still do as a complete TE if he can stay healthy and is given a fair shot.

I am in the exact opposite spot. I hope this regime moves on from players who cannot play regardless of draft position.

Good teams do not put players on scholarship and give them their entire rookie contract to find themselves. Can you imagine if Grasu was still on the team?

And before some idiot jumps in with Kevin White, all his money was guaranteed, it is different.