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.
Do you think that having a player like Ray Lewis who played the same middle linebacker position as Brian Urlacher will hurt Urlacher's chances of getting into the Hall of Fame?
Steven B.
Oak Lawn, Illinois
I've heard some talk about that, but if you look at recent history I don't expect that to be a factor. Individuals who played the same position were elected together each of the last two years with quarterbacks Brett Favre and Ken Stabler in 2016 and running backs Terrell Davis and LaDainian Tomlinson in 2017. So I don't see that being an issue.Which new Bears position coach do you think was the best hire?
Mel K.
Cicero, Illinois
I personally don't know the answer to that because I haven't been coached by any of them, but there certainly seems to be the most buzz about offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, who returns for a second stint with the Bears. If former Bears center Olin Kreutz raves about you, you've got to be doing something right, and that's the case with Hiestand. Here's what new head coach Matt Nagy told reporters about hiring Hiestand: "Here's a guy that's a complete technician. You talk to anybody in this league, in college and/or the NFL, and the amount of respect that he has as a coach and as a person is out of this world. It goes without saying that he knows what he's doing and has a ton of experience. That's such an integral hire to the offensive side of the ball. You have to have that guy and being able to get him really made me feel good."Why didn't the Bears wait until this year to draft a quarterback? It seems like there are several top prospects who are expected to be selected early in the first round.
Dave L.
Manhattan, Kansas
Bears general manager Ryan Pace obviously felt strongly that Mitchell Trubisky possessed all the traits necessary to become a franchise quarterback and that's why the Bears traded up one spot to select the North Carolina product with the second overall pick in last year's draft. The good news is that Trubisky gained valuable experience while starting the final 12 games as a rookie and is primed to take another step entering his second NFL season. It also works in the Bears' favor that three quarterbacks—USC's Sam Darnold, Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield and UCLA's Josh Rosen—are all expected to be selected in the top 10 this year. That likely will push some talented non-quarterbacks down to the Bears at No.8 or give them an opportunity to trade down with a team that is desperate to move to snag one of the quarterbacks.
