Official NFL Draft Thread - Bear Fans ONLY - Burden returns to practice.

[--CyBear--]

No but they will sometimes say they took someone due to need. He wasn't as gung ho about Ozzy or Turner being the clear top players on their board because they were likely more need picks that were in the same tier as whoever they had as the top player.

By contrast, what he is saying about Birden is that he was so head and shoulders above anyone else on their board that they took him over a player that fit more of a need.

Generally a GM will go BPA when no one of comparable talent but greater need is in the ballpark. Otherwise if there is a player of comparable talent at a position of need but maybe graded say 80 while the best player on the board is at 83 then they will take the player that fills a bigger need.

So likely Loveland and Burden were grade much higher than guys at positions of need.

It's funny because I think they would have been very happy with either Loveland or Burden to fill the inside receiving threat role and got them both. Not the same position and also why they got both. Obviously, they don't take another TE if he's BPA, lol.

 

[remydat]

It's funny because I think they would have been very happy with either Loveland or Burden to fill the inside receiving threat role and got them both. Not the same position and also why they got both. Obviously, they don't take another TE if he's BPA, lol.

I dont know man. If Tyler Warren was there at 39, maybe they draft him to be the big back. Dude had 8.4 YPC in 2024. Could play 03 personnel with Warren at RB, Kmet inline and Loveland in the slot with Rome and Moore out wide.

 

[playthrough2001]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1920501645273678155

 

[playthrough2001]

Want to see a crisp route?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1921618703013040469

 

[Luke]

The Loveland pick has been widely praised inside the NFL community and was not something I saw coming.

Just for yuks, I reviewed DJ’s analysis of Warren and Loveland and come away wondering why Warren was the pre-draft TE darling.
If half of what DJ says transpires, Colston is going to be awfully fun to watch.

Rank 6 Tyler Warren Penn State · TE · Senior

Warren is a massive tight end who carried the Penn State offense this past season. He lined up in-line, in the slot and as a Wildcat quarterback. His production is the result of his size, catch radius and tenacity. He doesn’t generate a lot of separation as a route runner, but he walls off defenders when on the move. Defenders simply can’t get through his body to make plays on the ball. He can track the ball over his shoulder and he can high-point the ball when needed. He isn’t a nifty option-route type of player. After the catch, defenders bounce off him or go along for a ride as he drags them for extra yardage. As a Wildcat quarterback, he creates space with his power and leg drive. He's effective in the run game and looks to finish when possible. Overall, he isn’t as dynamic as Rob Gronkowski was during his career, but Warren is a similar player in a lot of ways.

Rank 7 Colston Loveland Michigan · TE · Junior

Loveland is a long, lean tight end with outstanding awareness, quickness and big-play ability. He has aligned in-line, as a wing and in the slot. He’s urgent in his release. He has a tremendous feel for option routes and working in space. He can cleanly get in/out of breaks and he presents a big target to the quarterback. He attacks the ball in the air and is adept at finishing in crowds. After the catch, he has a smooth stride and possesses a nasty stiff-arm. He has some wiggle to make defenders miss, as well. His lack of bulk impacts his ability to stay connected as a run blocker, though. Overall, Loveland is equipped to make a lot of catches as a starting tight end in his rookie campaign.

 

[playthrough2001]

Just for yuks, I reviewed DJ’s analysis of Warren and Loveland and come away wondering why Warren was the pre-draft TE darling.
If half of what DJ says transpires, Colston is going to be awfully fun to watch.

Rank 6 Tyler Warren Penn State · TE · Senior

Warren is a massive tight end who carried the Penn State offense this past season. He lined up in-line, in the slot and as a Wildcat quarterback. His production is the result of his size, catch radius and tenacity. He doesn’t generate a lot of separation as a route runner, but he walls off defenders when on the move. Defenders simply can’t get through his body to make plays on the ball. He can track the ball over his shoulder and he can high-point the ball when needed. He isn’t a nifty option-route type of player. After the catch, defenders bounce off him or go along for a ride as he drags them for extra yardage. As a Wildcat quarterback, he creates space with his power and leg drive. He's effective in the run game and looks to finish when possible. Overall, he isn’t as dynamic as Rob Gronkowski was during his career, but Warren is a similar player in a lot of ways.

Rank 7 Colston Loveland Michigan · TE · Junior

Loveland is a long, lean tight end with outstanding awareness, quickness and big-play ability. He has aligned in-line, as a wing and in the slot. He’s urgent in his release. He has a tremendous feel for option routes and working in space. He can cleanly get in/out of breaks and he presents a big target to the quarterback. He attacks the ball in the air and is adept at finishing in crowds. After the catch, he has a smooth stride and possesses a nasty stiff-arm. He has some wiggle to make defenders miss, as well. His lack of bulk impacts his ability to stay connected as a run blocker, though. Overall, Loveland is equipped to make a lot of catches as a starting tight end in his rookie campaign.

A lot of what was working so well for Warren last year was playing bully ball as a 5th year senior against younger competition. Let’s see how that works against grown men. I’m really not knocking him but I mentioned similar thoughts about him in other pre-draft threads.

Not being able to separate in college as an older player, isn’t an ideal trait.

 

[Luke]

The Athletic post draft outlook.
Nothing we don't know but Adam summarizes it nicely.

Chicago Bears​

On paper, the Bears look better, particularly on offense. After everything Chicago has done this offseason, coach Ben Johnson has a lot to work with. Their skill positions for quarterback Caleb Williams appear loaded with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III at receiver, Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet at tight end and D’Andre Swift at running back. The interior offensive line has been upgraded with Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman. Johnson and his coaching staff have a lot to figure out, from their best starting five up front to the distribution of the ball. But that’s why Johnson is here. — Adam Jahns

 

[msadows]

A lot of what was working so well for Warren last year was playing bully ball as a 5th year senior against younger competition. Let’s see how that works against grown men. I’m really not knocking him but I mentioned similar thoughts about him in other pre-draft threads.

Not being able to separate in college as an older player, isn’t an ideal trait.

Yea I never understood the love. He literally looks like cole kmet running these routes. Sure he has more after catch ability and brings other things to the table(Wildcat).

Most of the tape I saw is a guy who gets glued to defenders who actually are covering him, or running free because a linebacker/safety leaves a gap down the seam.

 

[Luke]

A lot of what was working so well for Warren last year was playing bully ball as a 5th year senior against younger competition. Let’s see how that works against grown men. I’m really not knocking him but I mentioned similar thoughts about him in other pre-draft threads.

Not being able to separate in college as an older player, isn’t an ideal trait.

Yep, more of a big bodied TE who had a few highlight reel catches to drum up his pundit rankings. NFL peeps knew this.
When you look at Colston, he comes across as a 6'6 hybrid WR/TE with more emphasis on the WR part and as DJ noted in his final mock....

"I believe Loveland is highly coveted by a bunch of teams"

 

[--CyBear--]

Just for yuks, I reviewed DJ’s analysis of Warren and Loveland and come away wondering why Warren was the pre-draft TE darling.
If half of what DJ says transpires, Colston is going to be awfully fun to watch.

Rank 6 Tyler Warren Penn State · TE · Senior

Warren is a massive tight end who carried the Penn State offense this past season. He lined up in-line, in the slot and as a Wildcat quarterback. His production is the result of his size, catch radius and tenacity. He doesn’t generate a lot of separation as a route runner, but he walls off defenders when on the move. Defenders simply can’t get through his body to make plays on the ball. He can track the ball over his shoulder and he can high-point the ball when needed. He isn’t a nifty option-route type of player. After the catch, defenders bounce off him or go along for a ride as he drags them for extra yardage. As a Wildcat quarterback, he creates space with his power and leg drive. He's effective in the run game and looks to finish when possible. Overall, he isn’t as dynamic as Rob Gronkowski was during his career, but Warren is a similar player in a lot of ways.

Rank 7 Colston Loveland Michigan · TE · Junior

Loveland is a long, lean tight end with outstanding awareness, quickness and big-play ability. He has aligned in-line, as a wing and in the slot. He’s urgent in his release. He has a tremendous feel for option routes and working in space. He can cleanly get in/out of breaks and he presents a big target to the quarterback. He attacks the ball in the air and is adept at finishing in crowds. After the catch, he has a smooth stride and possesses a nasty stiff-arm. He has some wiggle to make defenders miss, as well. His lack of bulk impacts his ability to stay connected as a run blocker, though. Overall, Loveland is equipped to make a lot of catches as a starting tight end in his rookie campaign.

I think a lot of evaluators discounted Loveland's blocking which was below his usual standard last year due to his shoulder. When you get 2 TEs listed consecutively in the top 10 it's a take your pick type situation. I preferred Loveland for this team and in general. If they're similar in most aspects, you take the more dynamic receiving threat. LBs, Safeties and Nickels are bigger and faster in the pros. I take the longer, more nimble guy with better reach and wiggle.

 

[BearDown104]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1920932536060178941

NBC Sports’ ProFootballTalk reports that the Bengals’ contract talks with No. 17 overall pick EDGE Shemar Stewart stalled because of the team’s training camp bonus offer.
All Round 1 rookie contract values are predetermined by the rookie wage scale. They are also fully guaranteed. Per Mike Florio, the contract’s training camp bonus “has become a device for putting a sizable chunk of the player’s pay in his pockets in future years, early in the season,” and the Bengals reportedly offered Stewart “a lower percentage than the 17th overall pick received in 2024.” It’s an embarrassing revelation. Rookie contract values increase each year, and the training camp bonus rate ostensibly should as well. After all, the deal is fully guaranteed anyway. Stewart has thus far refused to participate in the Bengals’ rookie minicamp and is apparently unlikely to change his mind until the Bengals at least give him the equivalent 2024 rate.


Wowza. Both sides it's incredibly disappointing lol.

 

[--CyBear--]

Want to see a crisp route?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1921618703013040469

Gotta love the way he sinks those hips. He's our day 1 slot.

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Just for yuks, I reviewed DJ’s analysis of Warren and Loveland and come away wondering why Warren was the pre-draft TE darling.
If half of what DJ says transpires, Colston is going to be awfully fun to watch.

Rank 6 Tyler Warren Penn State · TE · Senior

Warren is a massive tight end who carried the Penn State offense this past season. He lined up in-line, in the slot and as a Wildcat quarterback. His production is the result of his size, catch radius and tenacity. He doesn’t generate a lot of separation as a route runner, but he walls off defenders when on the move. Defenders simply can’t get through his body to make plays on the ball. He can track the ball over his shoulder and he can high-point the ball when needed. He isn’t a nifty option-route type of player. After the catch, defenders bounce off him or go along for a ride as he drags them for extra yardage. As a Wildcat quarterback, he creates space with his power and leg drive. He's effective in the run game and looks to finish when possible. Overall, he isn’t as dynamic as Rob Gronkowski was during his career, but Warren is a similar player in a lot of ways.

Rank 7 Colston Loveland Michigan · TE · Junior

Loveland is a long, lean tight end with outstanding awareness, quickness and big-play ability. He has aligned in-line, as a wing and in the slot. He’s urgent in his release. He has a tremendous feel for option routes and working in space. He can cleanly get in/out of breaks and he presents a big target to the quarterback. He attacks the ball in the air and is adept at finishing in crowds. After the catch, he has a smooth stride and possesses a nasty stiff-arm. He has some wiggle to make defenders miss, as well. His lack of bulk impacts his ability to stay connected as a run blocker, though. Overall, Loveland is equipped to make a lot of catches as a starting tight end in his rookie campaign.

I think part of the thing with Warren to the Bears - and I was guilty of this as well - was the way Andy Kotelnicki used him last year and then you look at some of the exotic things Johnson has done and people thought it was a perfect match. Now you had people initially shocked that Johnson favored the route running and separation.

 

[legendxofxlink]

Want to see a crisp route?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1921618703013040469

Am i crazy or does this just look so much better than the #2 pick in the draft flailing his arms while making cuts.

 

[bearsfan1977]

Am i crazy or does this just look so much better than the #2 pick in the draft flailing his arms while making cuts.

No you’re not crazy.

The fact Hunter can play both ways at a high level shows insane athletic ability and is rare, especially at the NFL level. But I have never thought he was the best WR in the draft, nor is he the best CB in the draft. So he can play both positions at a high level, and that has a ton of value to a team. But time will tell if he can play either at an elite level, as I don’t think he can at this point.

I was and still am a bit bummed about the Loveland pick. But I think getting Burden was incredible, and he will give defenses headaches for years.

 

[DefNextYear]

NBC Sports’ ProFootballTalk reports that the Bengals’ contract talks with No. 17 overall pick EDGE Shemar Stewart stalled because of the team’s training camp bonus offer.
All Round 1 rookie contract values are predetermined by the rookie wage scale. They are also fully guaranteed. Per Mike Florio, the contract’s training camp bonus “has become a device for putting a sizable chunk of the player’s pay in his pockets in future years, early in the season,” and the Bengals reportedly offered Stewart “a lower percentage than the 17th overall pick received in 2024.” It’s an embarrassing revelation. Rookie contract values increase each year, and the training camp bonus rate ostensibly should as well. After all, the deal is fully guaranteed anyway. Stewart has thus far refused to participate in the Bengals’ rookie minicamp and is apparently unlikely to change his mind until the Bengals at least give him the equivalent 2024 rate.


Wowza. Both sides it's incredibly disappointing lol.

It has to be hard to be a Bengals fan. That franchise is a joke.

 

[dabears70]

A lot of what was working so well for Warren last year was playing bully ball as a 5th year senior against younger competition. Let’s see how that works against grown men. I’m really not knocking him but I mentioned similar thoughts about him in other pre-draft threads.

Not being able to separate in college as an older player, isn’t an ideal trait.

Now he'll be playing with a QB that can't throw a football in Anthony Richardson.

 

[Butkus34]

Am i crazy or does this just look so much better than the #2 pick in the draft flailing his arms while making cuts.

Travis Hunter is a very good football player, his thing though is that he is good at WR and good at DB elevating his draft stock. Now is he great at either of those spots, we won't know and he definitely has the skill to become that, but as of right now that is pretty big gamble to take that high. Best of luck to him

 

[SugarWalls]

Warren is not an explosive athlete.

The idea that he would be used in the wildcat or some other gimmick play in anything other than a short yardage situation is laughable.

I would've much rather had a speedy change of pace back that could be had in rounds 4-6 for that type of gimmick shtick, no way Warren should be used that way.

 

[playthrough2001]

Am i crazy or does this just look so much better than the #2 pick in the draft flailing his arms while making cuts.

You’re not crazy. This guy is an elite talent. I absolutely loved the pick. I never thought in a million years the Bears would be able to draft Luther Burden III at 39.