Chicago Bears offseason plans ramp up at NFL Combine

Photo at top: Chicago Bears head coach John Fox address the media at Day 1 of the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. (Adam Rossow/MEDILL)

By Adam Rossow

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox met with the media and discussed free-agent plans, along with potential targets at number 11 in April’s NFL Draft at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

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The statuses of Pro Bowl wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and tight end Martellus Bennett are uncertain, albeit for different reasons. The 26-year-old Jeffrey and the Bears are locked in what Pace said are active and aggressive negotiations to keep him in Chicago. Bennett, on the other hand, is signed with the team through the 2016 season.

Fox said the team was focused on draft preparations, including evaluations at this week’s combine, and the opening of free agency rather than players under contract. According to recent mock drafts, experts believe the Bears will use the 11th pick on either a linebacker or a defensive lineman. Specific prospects include Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith and Alabama teammates A’Shawn Robinson and Reggie Ragland.

Photo at top: Chicago Bears head coach John Fox addresses the media at Day 1 of the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. (Adam Rossow/MEDILL)