Bears draft class complete with Hardin signing

Posted on May 15, 2012 by jcurts. Categorized in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears News.

And then there were none. Wednesday’s announcement that the Chicago Bears had agreed to terms with third-round S Brandon Hardin of Oregon State wrapped up the team’s contract negotiations with their six member draft class.

The Bears selected Hardin in the third round (79th overall pick) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. The 6-2, 222 pounder started 15 of 38 games played for the Beavers (2007-11), registering 105 tackles (73 solo), three TFLs, three forced fumbles, one interception and seven passes defended. He was a two-time Pac-10 all-academic selection but missed his entire senior season due to a shoulder injury.

Bears cut three to clear roster space

Posted on May 14, 2012 by jcurts. Categorized in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears News.

Seeking to trim excess fat from the newly expanded roster limit of 90, the Chicago Bears released three players on Monday. Cut were journeyman offensive tackle Levi Horn and guard Reggie Stephens, along with second-year tight end Andre Smith.

Horn has been on the Bears practice squad the last two seasons, but never developed into a swing tackle capable of cracking the Chicago roster. Stephens has bounced around a couple of practice squads in the league, but was never active. Smith was a blocking tight end who made the practice squad after signing with the Bears as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech. When fellow rookie Kyle Adams went on injured reserve midway through the season, Smith was promoted. He saw little action.

Bears sign seven from rookie mini-camp

Posted on May 13, 2012 by jcurts. Categorized in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears News.

2012 Bears rookie mini-camp

The Chicago Bears concluded their rookie mini-camp Sunday at Halas Hall, and were pleased enough with some of the tryout players to offer contracts.

The Bears agreed to terms with quarterback Matt Blanchard, who led Wisconsin Whitewater to two consecutive national championships, along with Texas Southern wide receiver Joseph Anderson, Illinois State tight end Brandon Venson, Concordia tackle Tyler Hendrickson, Central Florida guard Nick Pieschel, Boston College punter Ryan Quigley and Connecticut kicker David Teggart. The additions leave the Bears roster at 94, four over the NFL mandated 90 player limit for training camp, so some corresponding moves will need to be made to accommodate the first-year players.