NFL vs. NBA Draft, Jaylon Johnson Goes to Work, Can You Wait 73 Days? And Other Bears Bullets

Back in April, the Chicago Bears used their third-round pick on Hinsdale product Kiran Amegadjie. Last night, the Chicago Bulls used their first-round pick on HInsdale product Matas Buzelis — whose highlights you can watch here.

  • We have 73 days until the Chicago Bears usher in a new era of football with their regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans. But the waiting game isn’t stopping Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from getting a head start on the trash talking. Football is just that much better when there is clever, good-natured smack-talking between the teams. I’m looking forward to a Bears rebuttal for kicks and giggles.
  • If you thought NFL money was wild, this tweet puts things in a different perspective:
  • For more basketball goodness, you should be keeping up with our pals at BN Bulls here, following on Twitter and Facebook, and on Eli’s account. There is lots of good stuff, even if the team does so much to frustrate us as fans to no end.
  • Because you care: Caleb Williams has yet to sign his rookie deal (as of this post). Same for Rome Odunze. Moving on.
  • I admire how Jaylon Johnson continues to work on his craft:
  • Jaylon Johnson arrived in 2020 and took inspiration from every cornerback taken before him in his draft class. And here we are, five years later, and Johnson still carries himself with that same energy. That guy plays every down like he has something to prove. It is a truly admirable trait that not every player has within them, so I try to make sure that I appreciate it when I see someone on the Bears who has it.
  • Raise your hand if you’re ready for a weird and random fact. OK, you can put your hands down. Ryan Pace first-round picks who were given second contracts with the team: 0. Ryan Pace second-round draft picks who received second contracts with the Bears: 4 (DT Eddie Goldman, OL Cody Whitehair, TE Cole Kmet, CB Jaylon Johnson). The Bears could add to that list if the team decides to extend Teven Jenkins before he reaches free agency in March 2024.
  • I’ve been saying it for months, so what is the harm in banging this drum again?
  • The Bears did well in positioning themselves to create a QB-friendly environment this offseason. But executing the plan by adding impact talent that ranges from players with proven pedigrees to those with tremendous upside was top notch and shouldn’t be overlooked. To be clear, there are still games to be played. What happens on the field will ultimately determine of this plan was successful. But the plan, in isolation, is a good one.
  • If it’s written by Dan Pompei and it is about an old-school Chicago Bears player, then I’m going to read it. And you should, too. The headline “Football injuries enarly destroyed Jim McMahon. Somehow, he keeps coming back” is just the tip of the iceberg. (The Athletic)
  • Bears Super Bowl winning QB Jim McMahon
    (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

  • I’ve got so much respect for the tape-grinders throughout the football content-creation space. But you already knew that. However, this tweet is going to live in my mind rent free:
  • With all due respect to Stephen A. Smith, who is one of the premier entertainers in the sports media circle, the NBA Draft was a tough watch with him spearheading coverage. Maybe ESPN is stretching him thin. But it is tough for me to take his prospect analysis seriously when it comes off to the viewer as if he doesn’t care in the first place. If your top dawg doesn’t care, then why should I?
  • When in doubt, blame the refs:
  • It’s Here! The Bleacher Nation Newsletter

  • More on the newest Chicago Bulls draft pick via Eli, who spoke to him earlier this season:
  • Over at BN Blackhawks, more NHL Draft talk! Tab has a FINAL day before the draft starts two-round mock.
  • “None of this is to say the Cubs will remain in last place for much longer. They are only barely in the spot as it is. Maybe this, too, will prove to have been only a very brief blip. But the longer it lasts, the more uncommon it will have become to see the Cubs in last place in the NL Central this deep into the season.” Our friends at BN OG are straight up NOT having a good time following the last-place Cubs.
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Sounds Like the Bears Will Experiment Using Rome Odunze in Different Positions as a Rookie

    In watching the other 31 NFL teams, one things that consistently pops up is how the best squads constantly do whatever it takes to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers. Sometimes, it takes involving a player on...

    Watch Jaylon Johnson Work, Receiver Talk, 71 Days, and Other Bears Bullets

    Day 1 of the weekend group chat trip was a great success. I'm looking forward to seeing what shenanigans today will bring us. Sheesh! I thought Bears GM Ryan Poles had a heckuva draft day. In case you missed it,...

    These Numbers Suggest D’Andre Swift is Underrated

    I did *NOT* expect to see a graphic where Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift shares space with Austin Ekeler, Alvin Kamara, and Christian McCaffrey. And neither did you. But don't feel bad. It's OK. This is a safe space...

    Velus Jones Jr. Has a Clear Path to a Roster Spot If He Doesn’t Fumble It Away

    No one loves an underdog story more than I do. And I don't think there is a bigger underdog in Bears camp than Velus Jones Jr., who has quite the opportunity ahead of him when training camp opens next month....

    Cole Kmet is Already Seeing the Progress Caleb Williams is Making

    Last year, we watched Cole Kmet elevate his game to another level. In doing so, Kmet helped Justin Fields make some strides as a passer. Not enough to keep Fields around for another season in Chicago, mind you. But enough...

    Punt Return Debate, President Warren’s Summertime Task, Dissecting Roster Rankings, and Other Bears Bullets

    I baked cookies and popped home-made popcorn for the annual group chat trip that is happening this weekend. What a wonderful journey this will be. But first ... a Friday set of Bears Bullets. The only debate I want to...

    Jury Rules Against NFL in Sunday Ticket Class-Action Lawsuit

    The verdict is IN class-action lawsuit from NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers, with the jury throwing down a substantial punishment at the feet of the league. Mike Florio — who is well-versed in the NFL (as Pro Football Talk's lead voice) and...

    ESPN Ranked All 32 NFL Rosters — And the Bears’ Landing Spot is a Pleasant Surprise

    You won't believe where ESPN ranks the Chicago Bears roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season. And, yes, the forecast is a positive one. ESPN's team of analysts including Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder have the Bears roster...

    NFL vs. NBA Draft, Jaylon Johnson Goes to Work, Can You Wait 73 Days? And Other Bears Bullets

    Back in April, the Chicago Bears used their third-round pick on Hinsdale product Kiran Amegadjie. Last night, the Chicago Bulls used their first-round pick on HInsdale product Matas Buzelis — whose highlights you can watch here. We have 73 days until...

    Bears-Titans Trash Talk is Already Starting

    We are 74 days from Week 1 kicking off and the trash talk between the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears is underway. Jeffery Simmons, the ultra-talented Titans defensive tackle, delivers the first salvo: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1805997115425858042 Ooh! A painted nails quip. I'm...

    Latest News

    Tigers vs. Angels: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Detroit Tigers (37-45), with Casey Mize on the mound, visit the Los Angeles Angels (35-46) who will counter with Tyler Anderson, at 4:07 PM ET on Sunday.See how to watch the Detroit-Los Angeles matchup below.When is Tigers vs. Angels...

    How to Watch Twins vs. Mariners: Live Stream or on TV

    The Minnesota Twins (45-37), with Joe Ryan on the hill, visit the Seattle Mariners (47-37) who will hand the ball to Luis Castillo, at 4:10 PM ET on Sunday.See how to watch the Minnesota-Seattle matchup below.When is Twins vs. Mariners...

    Minnesota Lynx vs. Chicago Sky: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Chicago Sky (6-10) go up against the Minnesota Lynx (13-4) at Wintrust Arena on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The game begins at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN3, The U, and BSNX.Watch the WNBA all season long on Fubo!How to...

    Phoenix Mercury vs. Indiana Fever: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Phoenix Mercury (9-8) will host the Indiana Fever (7-12) after winning three home games in a row. The matchup tips at 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, June 30, 2024.Watch the WNBA all season long on Fubo!How to Watch Mercury...

    Where to Watch Spain vs. Georgia: UEFA European Championship 2024 TV Channel, Start Time and Live Stream

    Spain takes on Georgia on June 30 at 3:00 PM ET in the 2024 UEFA European Championship Round of 16. In group-stage play, Spain won Group B, while Georgia finished second in Group F.The game is on FOX, if you're...

    Lynx vs Sky: Best Bets, Player Props & Computer Picks – June 30

    The Chicago Sky (6-10) battle the Minnesota Lynx (13-4) on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Wintrust Arena. It tips at 3:00 PM ET.Trying to make an informed wager on Sunday's game? See the best bets available in this matchup (based...

    Mercury vs Fever: Best Bets, Player Props & Computer Picks – June 30

    The Indiana Fever (7-12) will turn to Kelsey Mitchell (16.3 points per game, 15th in WNBA) when they attempt to take down Kahleah Copper (22.7, third) and the Phoenix Mercury (9-8) on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center. It...

    Lynx vs Sky Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – June 30

    The Minnesota Lynx (13-4) play the Chicago Sky (6-10) on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET. The matchup airs on ESPN3, The U, and BSNX.Lynx vs. Sky Prediction & OddsFavorite: Lynx (-6)Total: 162.5Lynx Moneyline: -218Sky Moneyline: +180Spread Prediction:...

    Mercury vs Fever Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – June 30

    The Phoenix Mercury (9-8) will look to extend a three-game home winning streak when they host the Indiana Fever (7-12) on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center. The game airs at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN.Mercury vs. Fever Prediction...

    Orioles vs. Rangers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Baltimore Orioles (53-30), led by Gunnar Henderson and going for a series sweep, host Marcus Semien and the Texas Rangers (37-46) at 7:10 PM ET on Sunday.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Baltimore...

    more bears news