Bears
It’s no secret 2020 is a critical year for the Bears and QB Mitchell Trubisky. After trading up to bet on Trubisky with the No. 2 overall pick in 2017, Chicago declined his fifth-year option and brought in QB Nick Foles to compete for the starting job. However, the Bears aren’t leaving Trubisky completely hanging. New OC Bill Lazor was brought in as a part of the effort to improve the offense around Trubisky and says he has a clean slate going forward to prove himself.
“Everything is open as far as what is going to happen next and I feel very good about the talks that Mitch and I have had about the fact that his future and his career is in his hands,” Lazor said via Larry Mayer of the team website. “I think that’s the way he and I have kind of agreed to look at it. And that’s a great thing about football; it’s up to you.
“I think he’s got a lot of great football ahead of him … Once he gets in there and gets going, let’s let him determine the story. I’m not going to sit back and talk about his past. I’m going to let Mitch determine the story. He and I have kind of come to that agreement, and I think it’s the right way to approach it. But his attitude has been fantastic. I can evaluate that. His communication skills are fantastic. I just look forward with all these guys being face-to-face.”
Lions
- NFL Media’s Charley Casserly writes Lions first-round CB Jeffrey Okudah isn’t expected to be rushed into the lineup right away if he’s not ready, as corner is a difficult position to transition.
- Casserly says Lions second-round RB D’Andre Swift is expected to form a three-back committee with RBs Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough to keep all three fresh and healthy.
- While there are two starting positions available, Casserly says all five of Lions LBs Jarrad Davis, Jamie Collins, Christian Jones, Jahlani Tavai and Reggie Ragland will get playing time no matter who wins the starting jobs.
- The Lions have a similarly stiff competition for the two starting guard spots between Joe Dahl, Kenny Wiggins, Oday Aboushi and third and fourth-round rookies Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg.
- At safety, the Lions will sort out starting jobs and roles between Duron Harmon, Will Harris, Tracy Walker and Jayron Kearse.
- The Lions added scouting assistant Ademi Smith and analytics assistants Calo Brighenti and Michael Pelfrey to their personnel staff, as well as officially listing performance psychology consultant Dr. Scott Goldman. (Dave Birkett)
Vikings
- NFL Media’s Charley Casserly writes the Vikings see first-round WR Justin Jefferson and CB Jeff Gladney pushing for starting roles as rookies, both in the slot.
- At receiver, Jefferson will have competition from Tajae Sharpe and 2019 seventh-rounder Olabisi Johnson for the two starting spots alongside Adam Thielen.
- Gladney is competing with Mike Hughes, Holton Hill and fellow rookies Cameron Dantzler and Harrison Hand to establish a pecking order at cornerback.
- Casserly says the Vikings are also looking to determine who will start at right defensive end between Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn Holmes, Anthony Zettel and Eddie Yarbrough.
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