JP Johnson, Robinson Impress for Bears at Senior Bowl; East-West Playmakers

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• Bears hire experienced NFL coaches for OC Shane Waldron’s staff like WR coach Chris Beatty, RB coach Chad Morton, assistant HC Thomas Brown
• Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl preview players for Bears to target in draft like center Jackson Powers Johnson, DE Darius Robinson
• Additional draft prospects: WR Cornelius Johnson, FS Jalen Corlies, OG Mason McCormick
• New position coaches can develop current Bears backs Roschon Johnson, Khalil Herbert; Beatty worked with big WRs
• Experienced offensive staff with multiple playcallers will aid QB Justin Fields’ development

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Now…

Bears fans, I have great news regarding our offensive coaching staff and early 2024 NFL Draft prospects showing out already in college football’s premiere all-star games! New offensive coordinator (OC) Shane Waldron has put together essentially an all-star cast of assistants on his side of the ball, many of whom he has worked with successfully at past stops.

First, wide receivers (WR) coach Chris Beatty comes over after helping young pass catchers like DJ Moore thrive. His background coaching bigger WRs like Mike Williams meshes perfectly with developing our own ex-Carolina star DJ Moore. With over a decade in coaching, Beatty can refine route running, releases, and blocking for all of Justin Fields’ weapons.

We also added longtime running backs (RB) coach Chad Morton, fresh off tutoring Kenneth Walker III to breakout production before injury this past season. Morton’s acumen particularly in outside zone concepts is tailor-made for the one-cut abilities of Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert. With better reading of blocks on stretch plays and passes out of the backfield, Bears RBs could take a major step forward.

Furthermore, new assistant head coach Thomas Brown will provide another former offensive coordinator’s perspective within the staff. Despite little talent to work with in Carolina, he remains a bright up-and-coming mind who coached in L.A. and others previously. Between Brown, Waldron, that is tons of experience developing quarterbacks like Fields.

Now checking in on draft prospects at the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl, a few names definitely leap out at positions of need for Chicago. Starting in Mobile, Oregon center Jackson Powers Johnson was the undisputed top interior offensive lineman throughout practice. At a massive 6’3″, 334 pounds but still nimble, he stonewalled opposing defensive tackles with strength and technique. The Bears desperately need consistency at center between Sam Mustipher’s struggles and Lucas Patrick’s injury history.

Additionally, Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson flashed explosive get-off and violent hands to control opposing offensive tackles. Given DE Yannick Ngakoue pending free agency after a decent year, the need to keep stocking pass rush talent exists. Robinson has the length at 6’5″ with advanced hand fighting to immediately rotate as a rookie sub rusher.

Flipping to the East-West Shrine Bowl, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson uses his 6’2″ size well to win contested catches and in the red zone, an area the Bears lacked punch often in 2022. Safety Jalen Carlies also intrigues with plus size for the position at 6’2″, 231 pounds to deliver big hits reminiscent of Jaquan Brisker. Finally, small school guard Mason Brooks held his own against Power 5 defenders, earning himself a Combine invitation. With interior OL depth uncertain, a developmental prospect for O-Line coach Chris Morgan fits the bill on Day 3.

In summary, new OC Waldron and his offensive staff provide ideal teacher-student pairings with Justin Fields, the Bears backfield, and pass catchers to unlock more production. Their prior connections breed fast cohesion as well. Meanwhile, critical reinforcements appear available via the draft, especially on day two picks. Center and DE remain glaring needs while depth at WR, safety, guard will also help. The Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl events already display future rookie options for GM Ryan Poles to upgrade the roster this offseason after hiring an excellent staff.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!