OT: Former Players

[fourthandshort]

Thinking about studs we lost from 2019 defense:

- S - Kirk getting good NFL looks
- S - Uphoff stepped aside after fall canceled to prep for NFL - has real shot to make GB
- CB - Taylor did FBS transfer, started, and seemed to do well; but looking again ?
- CB - Woods did FBS transfer after spring to WV - we'll see if he starts. he iss very talented lock down defender
- DE - McKnight did FBS transfer to UNC-Charlotte ..did ok, 5 starts, 24 tackles, 5 TFLs .. not sure if injured ?
- DT - Ridgeway did FBS transfer after spring - we'll see how he does. Might be NFL prospect

Plus lost LBers Deforest, Washington, Draka, Jack/LB Clark to graduation; DE Lewan and DT Podkulski to injury. Only Vandenburg and eventual starter Simon, plus 2nd string DT Powel returns from that amazing defense. Maybe Lewan recovers in time, per recent reports.

I listed what I think was our top 15, all starters, PT starters, or regular 2 deep contributors. I say this for 2 reasons:

1. we only have 3 of our top 15, possibly 4 if/when Lewan comes back. This is what rest of league sees picking us 7th. That and Robinson is also gone .. 90% of our offense in playoffs.

2. that was one hell of a defense .. possibly Spack's best ever at ISU .. that was a top 40 FBS defense. All home grown except McKnight and maybe Simon. I don't count Deforest as FBS transfer .. he walked on to Wisconsin as home state boy. He transfered spring of FR season.

Wow, what a defense .. and now we see what Spack can do to reload and rebuild yet another strong defense. Not feeling good early, but we'll work our way back .. just a question of how soon.

 

[Bird Friend]

NFL Network is running a crawl at bottom of screen of its projected Top 100 in the NFL. JRob is the first name (i.e.,#100).

Gee . . . if only someone had posted this a page or so ago . . .

 

[fourthandshort]

Gee . . . if only someone had posted this a page or so ago . . .

Gee . . . if only someone had posted this a page or so ago . . .

last page's news .. what have you done lately !

 

[MadBird]

Cleveland Browns waived DE Romeo McKnight

 

[TIMMY]

Tre with a sweet tackle for loss and a nice PICK 6!!! In at slot corner.
Go Bears!

 

[TIMMY]

So Tre got a bump to the noggin, left the game, and is listed as questionable 2 weeks before the opener. He looked awfully darn good in what I could see while he was in there. He plays the bubble screen very well. He closes on the ball fast. And he's a very sound tackler. He's made for that slot corner with his size and aggressiveness. He's just got to stay healthy. With the taxi squad raised to 16 this year, he should be able to stick. Man, I hope so. You gotta root for the kid after what he's fought through.
Hell, I bet he could at least catch a stinking punt!

 

[MadBird]

So Tre got a bump to the noggin, left the game, and is listed as questionable 2 weeks before the opener. He looked awfully darn good in what I could see while he was in there. He plays the bubble screen very well. He closes on the ball fast. And he's a very sound tackler. He's made for that slot corner with his size and aggressiveness. He's just got to stay healthy. With the taxi squad raised to 16 this year, he should be able to stick. Man, I hope so. You gotta root for the kid after what he's fought through.
Hell, I bet he could at least catch a stinking punt!

I have never quite got his status with the Bears - they signed him to a 2 year contract, paid him some decent bucks, but he has always seemed to be behind the undrafted free agents and low round draft choices. They kept him around after his injury last year. Always seemed to me that they saw something special there, but yet he doesn't seem to get either PT or mention as a "serious" contender. Maybe it's all about getting healthy. Hopefully he gets a shot.

 

[fourthandshort]

I have never quite got his status with the Bears - they signed him to a 2 year contract, paid him some decent bucks, but he has always seemed to be behind the undrafted free agents and low round draft choices. They kept him around after his injury last year. Always seemed to me that they saw something special there, but yet he doesn't seem to get either PT or mention as a "serious" contender. Maybe it's all about getting healthy. Hopefully he gets a shot.

I just hope he doesn't have much history of concussions. Its one of those very unfortunate injuries that most people want to sweep under the carpet and under report .. including players desperate to prove themselves.

Hoping this shot works out for Tre.

 

[jbird]

Gee . . . if only someone had posted this a page or so ago . . .

It was still true when I posted it.

 

[bombay]

The Broncos waived Drew Himmelman but are hoping he clears waivers so they can put him on the practice squad.

 

[TIMMY]

For what it's worth Tre was the Bears’ highest-graded defensive player this preseason with a 91.0 grade.

Of course, it's the Bears and we know Pace and Nagy always make the right move.

 

[fourthandshort]

For what it's worth Tre was the Bears’ highest-graded defensive player this preseason with a 91.0 grade.

Of course, it's the Bears and we know Pace and Nagy always make the right move.

Tribune article today on secondary, though main concern is the nickel back .. though some on CB ... no mention of Tre.

 

[Adunk33]

Christian Uphoff got cut from Green Bay. He had a couple nice special teams plays but didn't have a great showing on the defensive side of the ball. Bummer for Uphoff, hope he lands somewhere.

 

[fourthandshort]

Tribune article today on secondary, though main concern is the nickel back .. though some on CB ... no mention of Tre.

Just occurred to me .. are Bears hiding him now that he is injured?? Why would his name never get a mention ?

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

For what it's worth Tre was the Bears’ highest-graded defensive player this preseason with a 91.0 grade.

Of course, it's the Bears and we know Pace and Nagy always make the right move.

I checked ever Chicago resource yesterday and even though Tre is their best overall defender by some metrics, they are also arguing that he got beat in man coverage against multiple second string or third string wideouts. My argument is that he should be a nickel corner. His ball skills are, understandably, the best on the team.

Still, the odds of him making the roster are thin. I'd put him at maybe 20%, but I would suspect he is probably the last one cut. I can see him landing on elsewhere and likely playing on Sunday at this point some season, provided his concussion isnt too serious.

 

[Adunk33]

Christian Uphoff got cut from Green Bay. He had a couple nice special teams plays but didn't have a great showing on the defensive side of the ball. Bummer for Uphoff, hope he lands somewhere.

Should say he's expected to be signed to the practice squad, assuming he clears waivers.

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

Bears cut Thomas Graham Jr, who was an absolute steal in the 6th Rd and was projected to take reps with the 1s at CB. Tre's chances just got WAY better.

 

[DannyCooksey]

Bears cut Thomas Graham Jr, who was an absolute steal in the 6th Rd and was projected to take reps with the 1s at CB. Tre's chances just got WAY better.

Graham had a terrible camp and was routinely burned. He was deserving of his pink slip

 

[DannyCooksey]

I could see Tre being put on IR or released with an injury settlement due to the concussion

 

[MadBird]

Tribune article today on secondary, though main concern is the nickel back .. though some on CB ... no mention of Tre.

Trib writer Brad Biggs has never had any time for Tre, has rarely mentioned him and never given him any props. Maybe he's been right, maybe Tre will get nothing from the Bears.