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6 new Bears players to know as team continues OTAs originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
If you’re just tuning into the Bears now that they’re back at Halas Hall for their first OTAs of the year, you may have missed some of the bigger offseason additions this year. Or maybe you were so dialed into Caleb Williams throughout the pre-draft process that you didn’t have time to look into the other rookies or free agent signings. Perhaps you just want a refresher on some of the biggest moves over winter and spring to get ready for the summer.
Whatever the case, we’re here to help. Here are a handful of the new names that you should know as the Bears get back to work.
The Bears traded away a fourth-round pick to the Chargers to bring in Allen, who’s been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league over his 11-season career. Allen turned 32 last month, so he shouldn’t be considered a long term option for the team. But he dominates defenses based on his excellent route running and precise techniques– not speed– so he should still be able to perform at a high level as an “older” pass catcher.
Ryan Poles tried to bring in Bates back in 2022, when Bates was a Bills restricted free agent. Poles signed Bates to an offer sheet that the Bills eventually matched, which kept the versatile interior lineman in Buffalo. Poles finally got his man by sending a fifth-round pick to the Bills back in March. Bates was relegated to backup duties last year, but the expectation is that he’ll get the first crack at the starting center job this year.
AUSTIN BOOKER – DEFENSIVE END
Just when it appeared that the Bears were done in the 2024 draft, Poles traded back into the fifth round to select Booker. Team scouts love that Booker has several ways he can beat opposing offensive linemen, whether it’s with speed, deceptive power or a nifty counter move. They also believe he has room to grow more into his long frame. This season however, the expectation is he’ll…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/6-bears-players-know-team-172512108.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-05-21 17:25:12
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