Bears Senior Writer
Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
It may be too early to tell, but what is your perspective on the Bears trading for receiver N’Keal Harry? I watched him play a few games at Arizona State, and he made some unbelievable plays like his one-handed catch against USC to help win that game.
Napoleon B.
Orland Hills, Illinois
I think N'Keal Harry has a golden opportunity to ignite his career with the Bears, who made a low-risk/high-reward move in acquiring the 2019 first-round pick from the Patriots in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round selection. Harry was highly productive at Arizona State, catching 213 passes for 2,889 yards and 22 touchdowns in 37 games over three seasons. Chosen by the Patriots with the 32nd pick in the 2019 draft, he failed to make an impact in New England. Looking for a fresh start, Harry reportedly requested a trade last July. But he remained with the Patriots for the 2021 season and caught just 12 passes for 184 yards. I have not yet met him or spoken to him, but I would suspect that Harry has a giant chip on his shoulder and is extremely motivated to make the most of his second opportunity and prove himself with the Bears. It should be very interesting to monitor how he’s faring in training camp practices and preseason games.
When the Bears signed Charles Snowden, there was a lot of talk about his potential. But I haven’t heard much about him recently. Can you give any insight into his development and if he has a legitimate chance to make the final roster?
Mark T.
Madison, Wisconsin
There was a bit of a buzz when the Bears signed Charles Snowden as an undrafted free agent in 2021. An outside linebacker, he registered 11.0 sacks and 21.0 tackles-for-loss over his final two seasons at Virginia. Several draft analysts predicted that he would be selected as high as the third or fourth round, but he went undrafted likely due to an ankle injury he sustained late in his senior season. Last year as a rookie, Snowden appeared in two games but spent most of the season on the practice squad. With the Bears switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense under new coach Matt Eberflus, Snowden will move from outside linebacker to defensive end. With Khalil Mack’s departure via a trade with the Chargers and Robert Quinn‘s future with the Bears unclear, Snowden will be part of a wide open competition at defensive end. The 6-7, 245-pounder possesses some intriguing traits, most notably his length and athleticism, and certainly could earn a spot on the Bears’ 53-man roster if he performs well in training camp and the preseason.
Will fans who attend training camp practices be able to get autographs? I know that wasn’t the case each of the last two years because of COVID-19.
Jonathan L.
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Yes, Bears players will be permitted to sign autographs following training camp practices at Halas Hall. I wish I could provide some tips about the best places to stand like I did when the Bears held camp in Bourbonnais, but this is the first time players will be able to sign since camp moved back to Halas Hall in 2020. There will be 11 practices open to the public, and free tickets are required to enter. For more information, visit ChicagoBears.com/Camp.
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears rookie who could make the biggest impact, an under-the-radar signing who could emerge as a regular contributor and the last time the Bears played four of their last five games at home.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the players he’s most interested in watching in training camp, if Gale Sayers had a chance to score a seventh touchdown in his record-tying performance in 1965 and memorable Bears field goals.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discussed whether Cairo Santos is the most accurate kicker in Bears history, a player who will have a breakout season and if it’s been decided how much starters will play in preseason games.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether rookie Braxton Jones will be ready to start at left tackle in Week 1, how cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. has fared in practice and the passing of longtime Bears reporter John Mullin.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears’ most underrated player, how rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr. has looked in practice and if Teven Jenkins could be moved from tackle to guard.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears’ best comeback victory, the unquestioned leader of the Bears defense and if the Bears can sign USFL players.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses expectations for second-year receiver Dazz Newsome, where former Bears players would be drafted today and the longest pass in team history.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the importance of team captains, the best players drafted by the Bears after the seventh round and if this year’s Week 14 bye is the latest in Bears history.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the top undrafted free agents in Bears history, the quarterbacks who participated in rookie minicamp and punters the Bears have drafted.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether any mock drafts nailed the Bears’ second-round picks, the last time the Bears chose DBs with their first two draft choices and the players taken with the selections the Bears traded to move up to take Justin Fields.
Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how many times the Bears have not had a first-round draft pick, if the Bears plan to cut receiver Byron Pringle after his arrest and why coach Matt Eberflus wore a No 90 jersey at last Saturday’s Cubs game.
© Chicago Bears. All rights reserved.
