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- [00:01]
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- [00:11]
Dan Bernstein
out and live a little.
- [00:12]
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- [01:26]
Dan Bernstein
Nice. I mean, if you're a Bears fan,
- [01:31]
Matt Abaticola
you're thinking Forward Progress.
- [01:33]
Dan Bernstein
Come on.
- [01:41]
Matt Abaticola
Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt abetic cola on 312 sports.
- [01:52]
Dan Bernstein
Did you do it again to me? Did you just do it again to me? You did. That's why you're laughing. And I fell for it again. So you got my Chili Willie impersonation on there. You're turning every shade of magenta right now. So that's.
- [02:13]
Matt Abaticola
You are so dumb. I love it. I love it so much. Hi, welcome into Forward Progress here in 312Sports. It's a Miami Dolphins podcast.
- [02:26]
Dan Bernstein
I'm just gonna say Miami Dolphins. What are we do. Yeah, this is. Should we do hoods up?
- [02:32]
Matt Abaticola
Oh, we can. The guardian caps.
- [02:34]
Dan Bernstein
Should we do our guardian caps? Yeah, see, now I've got the. Yeah, I got the look now. Okay, Miami Dolphins. I don't have a. I don't have a drawstring, do I?
- [02:43]
Matt Abaticola
I don't either. I just pull it together just like.
- [02:46]
Dan Bernstein
Okay, yeah.
- [02:51]
Matt Abaticola
Go Fins.
- [02:53]
Dan Bernstein
Go Dolphins.
- [02:56]
Matt Abaticola
I don't know how this was unplanned.
- [02:57]
Dan Bernstein
So this is the only color they had left.
- [03:00]
Matt Abaticola
Well, I like that I have an orange one. I put this on, and now I can't get past all of the Mountain Dew comments that people made last time.
- [03:07]
Dan Bernstein
Baja Blast. Yeah.
- [03:08]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah. So. But I was like, you know what? I'm gonna wear it. And I'm glad I did now, because I didn't know that you had orange on.
- [03:13]
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, I do.
- [03:14]
Matt Abaticola
Works out perfect for our new Miami Dolphins podcast.
- [03:16]
Dan Bernstein
We're doing perfect. Outstanding.
- [03:18]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah. Welcome to Ford Progress, a Miami Dolphins podcast. We're here to talk all things.
- [03:24]
Dan Bernstein
I was gonna do this at the end. I should do it now, probably. But it's just a little anecdotal observation. I do. I spend a lot of time in the spring, summer, and fall outside in Chicago. The amount of Bears stuff has. Since this time last year, this is on tourists and locals. And I can tell the amount of Bears hats, shirts, stuff has tripled. Has tripled. Everybody has got a Bears something now. That is what one surprisingly exciting season can do. I can't add up the dollars that the Bears have made or that the NFL has made on this, but it's. It is absolutely noticeable. And it's not just sort of Bader Meinhof effect where I'm trying to convince myself of it. I've got a pretty good sense for this. It's purely anecdotal, but just from my observation, and in some of these touristy areas, you know, the area where. Where I'm trafficking through, you know, along the lake, around the. Around the river, all the way down to the planetarium, where people are walking, going about their business. You know, the locals are running after work, and the tourists are bringing their bags of Garrett popcorn, everybody's wearing bear stuff.
- [04:47]
Matt Abaticola
You know, it's funny you say that, because I've noticed it more being out because I. You know, during the. Right. During the season, I expect to see it at stores and retail stores and people wearing things. I have noticed more for the springtime. And just a quick little Google search, Dan says Chicago Bears merchandise sales surged by 500% in January of 2026.
- [05:11]
Dan Bernstein
There is no question. And I mean, it's. It's. It's obvious. And I was even. I was in a Dick's Sporting Goods yesterday. And I always try to see, like, you know, what. But like, Caleb, you know, there's jerseys are everywhere. And even though it's baseball season and this is when at the big sporting goods stores are all the specials for the baseball teams and the baseball programs, and they're all coming in and getting their new bats and their, you know, lizard skins and all that. And it's still. The bears presence is obvious. You will be proud of me that before I left to run errands yesterday with just Zoe and Beth in the living room, I said, all right, I'm. I'm going to Dick's. Does anybody need any dicks?
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Matt Abaticola
Were there any takers? Is the better.
- [06:02]
Dan Bernstein
So, of course. Of course, Beth said, absolutely not here. And, like, so. And this, you know, it's my daughter. So I'm like, all right, anybody? I'm going to. Anybody? Dicks? Anyone? Dicks. I heard they're fresh today. They just got in a whole new batch. Anybody? And she just kind of gave me one of these, like, on with you. Get out. Just leave the house now.
- [06:24]
Matt Abaticola
You know, when you. When you first started off on this, I thought when you were like, I do a lot of fishing, I'm outdoors a lot, and I see a lot more bears. I thought you were, like, actually talking about the actual animals.
- [06:32]
Dan Bernstein
I'm like, I have.
- [06:34]
Matt Abaticola
I thought you were on the lakefront.
- [06:35]
Dan Bernstein
I've seen my share of those, too. I have turned away. We've been turned away from lunch spots when we get there. And somebody has gotten there before. We have.
- [06:46]
Matt Abaticola
Not at Buckingham Fountain, right? You're not seeing bears there, are you?
- [06:49]
Dan Bernstein
No, I'm talking about up in the north woods. When in fact, because very famously, I said, what is that guy doing in the fire pit with the guy? Like, what guy? I said, the guy with the black rain gear on.
- [07:01]
Matt Abaticola
No, that's a black bear.
- [07:03]
Dan Bernstein
And then the guy with the. The guy with the black rain gear on stood up on his hind legs like, oh, we'll be going somewhere else for lunch.
- [07:12]
Matt Abaticola
And it was Alex Brown. And you were like, what are you doing here, Alex?
- [07:15]
Dan Bernstein
Hey, how's it going? No. So I decided that that was his spot and not ours for that day. But, yeah, it's cool to see. It's cool to see that there's already a ton of sort of like, bears excitement and bears energy out there. And the spring just began. Our story that we've been following, however, the football story that I'm shocked Is not continuing to be scrutinized more closely is that of the developments in the Mike Vrabel Diana Rossini saga that has now seen Rossini temporarily, at least benched, suspended from writing football for the Athletic while they investigate irregular potential irregularities in the reporting and in. Or. And possibly even their denials of anything untoward with their being spotted together at this couple's resort in Sedona.
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Matt Abaticola
I want to make sure that we're correct on it. She she was not suspended, though. Correctly, correct, right? She was not suspended. No. She's been sidelined is what I read or saw. So not. Not doing any reporting duties, but not suspended, correct?
- [08:35]
Dan Bernstein
Not officially suspended. She has been. That's why I said benched. That was the word that I used. But the Athletic has announced they are reinvestigating NFL reporter Diana Rossini's coverage and the nature of her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, which is why we
- [08:55]
Matt Abaticola
questioned is it Steven Ginsburg? Is that who the executive editor who went out quickly and had comments thought that was a little premature without knowing for sure. So we even said that if you're going to do that, you better know 100%. There's nothing to this. Now that they're reinvestigating things or investigating something, that doesn't put Ginsburg in a really good light.
- [09:17]
Dan Bernstein
No, he might have to be fired. When all is said and done here
- [09:20]
Matt Abaticola
and if there's something to this, of
- [09:22]
Dan Bernstein
course, and well, but even so, the judgment, it all comes down and, and even with the two principles, it still comes down to judgment. And according to espn, a source familiar with the matter at the Athletic said that the Post's coverage New York Post raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed, including her reporting of Rabel and the nature of her relationship with the coach. The source said the investigation is ongoing. That process is expected to take time and she will not be reporting in the interim. Vrabel is not expected to address reporters until the draft later this month. Elliot Wolf, the Patriot Patriots executive VP of player personnel, will hold the team's pre draft news conference today this afternoon, so we'll see. Initially, Ginsburg said these photos are misleading and lack essential context and you can't go off half cocked on something like this, so to speak. You can't, because the rule of crisis PR never ever, ever, ever say anything you might have to take back. And it's so common that these fundamental truths of crisis PR get ignored by people under stress. She is one of the highest paid reporters at the New York Times Company of the Athletic. Her contract is set to expire this summer, so timing is definitely not great when you're going to be renegotiating a contract.
- [11:05]
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- [11:44]
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- [11:59]
Matt Abaticola
So there was a story that has come out. I think it's now coming out to light and maybe I just missed it before Dan, you could tell me involving a potential top 10 draft pick out of Miami, Ruben Ruben Bane Jr. Who is going to be a top 10 pick later on this month here and what where we have about 10 days away. Apparently there was an accident he was involved in in March of 2024 that later that a few months after the accident actually occurred caused the death of one of the passengers. Now I don't think this, this isn't going to impact his draft status at all. Is this something that's new that's just
- [12:39]
Dan Bernstein
now coming out or well what's confusing is after the fact there are a lot of people saying oh we knew about this, we all knew about this and all the teams knew about this. Well that isn't the point. Why didn't we if all the teams knew about who knew about this, who should have been reporting it or who knew. It's it's one thing for for reporters who didn't know about it to now be saying oh well we knew. Well then report on it then tell us about this stuff. Because obviously the public knowing matters when it comes to a team's decision these it doesn't exist in a vacuum. I knew it was Brad Holmes of the of the Lions said we've known that for a while so it doesn't really change anything. From our standpoint that's fine. But maybe from an owner and fan perception standpoint and say well look, these are these all have to be baked in to our consideration of how much blowback do we want, how much. And again a similar situation. What don't we know about this based on what you're saying you knew all about it? Did you know enough about it or is everybody now going Back and saying what do we have to find out? So even though it technically might have been reported, not to the point where it's been affecting the way teams consider him, so it's certainly worth knowing more.
- [14:07]
Matt Abaticola
Right. Bain was cited at the time of the accident, but charges were dropped. So one of the passengers who'd passed away, the charges were dropped prior to their death. No field sobriety tests were given according to the crash report.
- [14:23]
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
- [14:23]
Matt Abaticola
In a statement given to the read optional, Bets's family, that was the individual that was killed in the crash, called the crash a tragic accident and they said, quote, wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career, end quote. So nothing more to it there. And again, not, not impacting his draft potential like, you know, mock draft status, his draft board, where he's at. But I just want to see if it was something that I'd missed and just not had, had read or was something that was not publicly reported about one of the bigger names coming out into this draft.
- [15:02]
Dan Bernstein
I didn't know because I can't say that I was digging deep into draft prospects at this point. But this is, this is what the run up is for. This is what we, we learn about. But if in fact it was an accident and there were no charges, I don't know what there really is left to say here if, unless this is all going to be relitigated and if there were questions about something other than in the police report where it said that Bane operated his vehicle in a careless or negligent manner, he was cited for careless driving and that it was dismissed.
- [15:42]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah, it was Bain, two of his teammates and then 22 year old Destiny Betts from Georgia. The car rear ended, another car veered into a concrete barrier, then ricocheted into another barrier before coming to arrest to the, to a rest on the shoulder of the highway.
- [16:02]
Dan Bernstein
In October 2025, according to CBS Sports, Bain was cited with another careless driving violation in Florida. That case was later dismissed. And according to their NFL insider Jonathan Jones at cbs, teams have been aware of the accident for quite a while. The majority of teams have been satisfied with Bain's explanation. Most consider the matter handled.
- [16:28]
Matt Abaticola
All right, well, another incident then in the fall of 25. Like this is one incident is one thing that's an accident and we all have been in accidents before and unfortunately, tragically, someone very young died in this accident. But another incident a year later, a year and a half later, like that's, that's a pattern of some driving. Yes, that might be questionable and let's not.
- [16:50]
Dan Bernstein
Let's back to the Jalen Carter.
- [16:51]
Matt Abaticola
Right? I mean, let's not continue that in your professional career.
- [16:55]
Dan Bernstein
We went through this with Jalen Carter. And the only problem that I have with some of the reporting, like for example, this, this store, this national story talking about Jonathan Jones and saying the teams have been satisfied with his explanation and most consider the matter handled. They then say, judging by Jones's reporting, it doesn't appear like this news will send Bain's stock spiraling. He's expected to hear his name early, possibly as high as number three overall to the Arizona Cardinals. But the point being to say it doesn't appear like this news will send Bain stock spiraling. Let it be news first like this will certainly affect any owner who didn't know and, or any fan who didn't know is now allowed to have opinions. And it may change the way teams would imagine that day one going and imagine those press conferences going. Those are all things they have to think about because it is now being reported. Right. So I do think fundamentally there could be a reason to believe that teams may say, you know, well, that our decision tree is altered a little bit by this. That's all.
- [18:11]
Matt Abaticola
Well, not, not only that too, then the team that does eventually draft Reuben Bain Jr and he will again, he will go in the top 10 is going to have to answer questions.
- [18:20]
Dan Bernstein
That's what I'm saying. Yeah, they're picturing.
- [18:22]
Matt Abaticola
Right.
- [18:23]
Dan Bernstein
They're picturing that, those, those press conferences that day. How much of that day is devoted to that and do people in the city grab onto it? And it, it just, it obviously deserves consideration before declaring that his draft stock is unaffected.
- [18:39]
Matt Abaticola
Right. And I hope whatever team does has him prepared because he's going to have to answer questions and he better sound prepared to answer those questions as well. And I think that's, that's only, that's only fair. There was a, a trade that, that came out of the NFC North. I don't know if you saw this, this trade that took place between the Green Bay packers and the Philadelphia Eagles. So Don Tavian Wicks, wide receiver, goes to the Eagles. I thought this was interesting what they got in return. A 5th round pick this year and a 6th round pick next year for Dontavian Wicks, who's in the final year of his rookie contract.
- [19:17]
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
- [19:17]
Matt Abaticola
And what I recall in hearing his name, the thing that immediately came to my brain was the Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions. I think it was his best as a pro where he had two touchdowns. I think he finished last year with like 30 receptions, maybe 300 some yards. But that one game against the lion stands out. But yeah, the packers send him to the Eagles and the packers get a fifth round and a sixth round next year for Dantavian Wicks.
- [19:44]
Dan Bernstein
It's also. He signed a one year $12,500,000 contract.
- [19:52]
Matt Abaticola
Yes, immediately with the Eagles.
- [19:56]
Dan Bernstein
That's a big number.
- [19:57]
Matt Abaticola
It is a big number for a
- [19:59]
Dan Bernstein
depth guy that I would think he was, you know, originally a fifth round pick in 2023. He's only 24 years old, but I mean, that is, you know, it isn't just like a opportunity to say, hey, we can, you know, flip a couple picks and grab a warm body.
- [20:15]
Matt Abaticola
Oh, this is the guy that expect to contribute. Yeah.
- [20:17]
Dan Bernstein
You just gave $12 million to him.
- [20:19]
Matt Abaticola
So. Okay.
- [20:21]
Dan Bernstein
All right, well that's. Look, we ask front offices and that's a good front office. So when the Eagles do something like that, you tend to trust that they see something that maybe someone else hasn't seen. And I'd like to know what that is. I'd like to know why and what they saw in Dontavion Wicks.
- [20:41]
Matt Abaticola
And here's a sad story to mention as well too, former NFL quarterback Browning Nagle. Many of you saw this story about Browning Nagel. One of the better names in the game passed away after a battle with colon cancer at the age of 57.
- [20:56]
Dan Bernstein
Ooh, that hits home.
- [20:58]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah, it sure does.
- [21:01]
Dan Bernstein
Yeah.
- [21:01]
Matt Abaticola
I.
- [21:02]
Dan Bernstein
All the more reason just to remember if, if you are over boy, 40 or you know, getting close to 45 or 50, make sure that at your checkup you get a recommendation from your doctor about when to start the colonoscopies. Because a lot of these cancers are easily detected early, sometimes very early. I know I went for my age 50 colonoscopy, they found three, I think it was three polyps, one of which was a particularly scary kind of pre cancerous one. So they had me come back shortly thereafter and I got the all clear. And they. Instead of 10 years, they made it five years and I got the all clear. They didn't find anything further. And now I'm back on the ten year. But the, it is a. It's routine. I know you hear me. You may hear horror stories about it. It's really not that bad at all.
- [22:07]
Matt Abaticola
I loved mine, buddy. But I gotta tell you, man, that. That stuff they give you to drink.
- [22:11]
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, I mean, well, I had no issues with that.
- [22:14]
Matt Abaticola
That was good times.
- [22:15]
Dan Bernstein
Let's go. There's that part, then there's the recovery and being in the room and everything else. But you gotta do it. You absolutely have to. Many of these gastrointestinal cancers are detectable and you just don't wanna let em go. So get your stuff looked at, talk to a doctor, get your colonoscopies, get on that schedule, know what they're looking for. Especially if there's a family history.
- [22:44]
Matt Abaticola
Yes.
- [22:44]
Dan Bernstein
And you got to start even earlier. If you are a person of color, particularly African American, there's some more predispositions to some things. So maybe that clock starts a little bit earlier. But don't wait. Don't wait.
- [22:59]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah. Get it done. Gut health is so very important. And, you know, take care of yourself and do that. So. Browning Nagel, one of the names I'll never forget in the, in the game of football. This was a cool little thing. I wanted to share this with you. ESPN put out something that they do their, Their top prospects at 100 different skills or traits.
- [23:20]
Dan Bernstein
There are a hundred different traits.
- [23:23]
Matt Abaticola
Well, here we go. So I'm just gonna start going through this list here, see what you want to hear. Maybe you can guess some. Who do you believe they have as the most accurate passer?
- [23:33]
Dan Bernstein
And this is in the draft this year?
- [23:36]
Matt Abaticola
Yes.
- [23:37]
Dan Bernstein
Most accurate passer. It's got to be Mendoza.
- [23:39]
Matt Abaticola
It is Mendoza. Correct. How about the strongest arm?
- [23:45]
Dan Bernstein
Well, strongest arm of those declared because it would have been either maybe more or Chambless. Strongest arm. Did they give that to, let's. Let's say also Mendoza.
- [24:01]
Matt Abaticola
It's not Penn State. Does that help?
- [24:04]
Dan Bernstein
Oh, Drew Aller.
- [24:05]
Matt Abaticola
Yes. Drew Eller, strongest arm. Best deep ball thrower.
- [24:13]
Dan Bernstein
I don't know. Ty Simpson.
- [24:14]
Matt Abaticola
Mendoza. Best touch and timing. Also Mendoza. You might be able to get this one. Best passing mechanics. Who does that belong to?
- [24:24]
Dan Bernstein
Mendoza.
- [24:25]
Matt Abaticola
It's Ty Simpson.
- [24:28]
Dan Bernstein
Thought you were setting me up. No, I. I thought for sure that you were. You were, but you were baiting me to say Simpson. You're like, no, that's also Mendoza.
- [24:37]
Matt Abaticola
No. No. Okay, now where you're.
- [24:40]
Dan Bernstein
Now you're waiting too long here. Where on this list is Diego Pavia?
- [24:45]
Matt Abaticola
Why do you got to do that? Okay, so listen.
- [24:51]
Dan Bernstein
Is like. Is like being short and being kind of a penis. Is that a skill?
- [24:55]
Matt Abaticola
Here's what I realized the other day. What the NFL needs this year for my, for my, for me to win the bet. If.
- [25:03]
Dan Bernstein
What the NFL needs.
- [25:05]
Matt Abaticola
Yes. If there's a. There's a. There's a former head coach. If he were a head coach of a team today, I would guarantee that Diego Pavia would be drafted. Okay, Jon Gruden, 100% correct.
- [25:21]
Dan Bernstein
Yes.
- [25:21]
Matt Abaticola
Yes. Jon Gruden was the head coach of a football team today in the NFL. I would win that bet without a doubt in my mind. So here's how they have.
- [25:33]
Dan Bernstein
Who?
- [25:33]
Matt Abaticola
Dan Bernstein.
- [25:35]
Dan Bernstein
Yes.
- [25:36]
Matt Abaticola
Do you believe ESPN thinks is the most creative passer
- [25:44]
Dan Bernstein
I know? Jake Retzlaff.
- [25:45]
Matt Abaticola
Diego Pavia. You dumb bastard.
- [25:50]
Dan Bernstein
Oh, most create. Wait, wait, whoa, whoa. How do they define creative passer?
- [25:56]
Matt Abaticola
Pavia has the second reaction ability. Has. Has the second reaction ability. Pavia has the second reaction ability to create off schedule. And he will use his legs to extend plays as a Passer. He completed 64.6% of his throws outside of the pocket in 2025, which was best in this draft class. So Diego Pavia, the most creative passer. Best pocket presence. This is a different name we haven't mentioned yet.
- [26:30]
Dan Bernstein
Mendoza.
- [26:34]
Matt Abaticola
It's a guy you don't like. Oh, I don't think. I think you don't like this guy.
- [26:38]
Dan Bernstein
Oh. Carson Beck.
- [26:40]
Matt Abaticola
Carson Beck. Miami. Yes. Bad pocket presence.
- [26:43]
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, until he has to throw. He's got a great presence until the ball comes out of his hand.
- [26:50]
Matt Abaticola
Best decision maker is Mendoza. Best intermediate thrower is Simpson. Best qb field vision is Mendoza. Quickest throw release. New name, different name. Quickest throw release. Can alter arm angles, gets the ball out with speed.
- [27:08]
Dan Bernstein
Cade Clubnik.
- [27:10]
Matt Abaticola
No, his high RPM thrower. He has a. With an aggressive mentality. His 2.58 second average time to throw was in the top 25 nationally last season, which doesn't seem that high. Quickest throw release. And lsu. Garrett Nussmeier.
- [27:28]
Dan Bernstein
Oh, he's bad.
- [27:29]
Matt Abaticola
Best pocket mobility. Also. Garrett Nussmeier.
- [27:32]
Dan Bernstein
How can that not be Diego Pavia?
- [27:35]
Matt Abaticola
It should be. Everything should be Diego Pavia.
- [27:37]
Dan Bernstein
Right. All right, well, this. You know what? This class of quarterbacks isn't even worth drilling down to this point. I know we do it because they're quarterbacks, but the fact that, you know, Trinidad Chambliss isn't out there. And Dante Moore, is that like, some of the actual real physical talents we gotta wait on?
- [27:57]
Matt Abaticola
All right, let's go to running backs. Fastest rusher, straight line speed to rip off explosive plays. 13 rushes of 20 or more yards last season, 10. Jeremiah Love in FS and FBS. No, it was Mike Washington Jr. Of AR Kansas.
- [28:14]
Dan Bernstein
Okay,
- [28:17]
Matt Abaticola
we mentioned his name. Yeah, you will. Most explosive Russia. Most explosive Russia is explosive.
- [28:24]
Dan Bernstein
The most explosive rusher is Jeremiah Love.
- [28:27]
Matt Abaticola
Correct? Yeah. Most powerful rusher is Adam Randall from Clemson. Best Short area burst demand. Claiborne out of Wake Forest. Best contact balance, Jamari Taylor. Most sudden rusher. Start, stop ability.
- [28:45]
Dan Bernstein
Sudden rusher.
- [28:47]
Matt Abaticola
Oh, just guess the name. You think. Just say it.
- [28:51]
Dan Bernstein
Jeremiah Love. Correct.
- [28:52]
Matt Abaticola
Okay. Most elusive rusher, Emmett Johnson of Nebraska. Best running vision or instincts is Jadarian Price out of Notre Dame.
- [29:01]
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, people are sleeping on the other Notre Dame guy who some have ranked as high as number two.
- [29:06]
Matt Abaticola
Yes, I've seen that. Most decisive pressure position, Roman Hemby. By position. Yes. Roman Hemby of Indiana. Best ball security as a ball carrier. Jonah Coleman of Washington. Best receiving back, Jeremiah Love. Best pass protecting back, Jeremiah Love. Okay, wide receivers. Best route runner.
- [29:29]
Dan Bernstein
Best runner is probably the first wide
- [29:33]
Matt Abaticola
receiver taken in this draft.
- [29:38]
Dan Bernstein
Is it the Ohio State kid, Carnell Tate? That is correct. Yes.
- [29:42]
Matt Abaticola
Nicely done. Most explosive pass catcher, Omar Cooper Jr. Out of Indiana.
- [29:48]
Dan Bernstein
Indiana, yep.
- [29:49]
Matt Abaticola
Most physical pass catchers, Chris Bell from Louisville. There's a name I like, too, as a wide receiver. So keeping a. Keep an eye on this guy where he goes. Casey Concepcion out of Texas A M. Most sudden pass catcher.
- [30:05]
Dan Bernstein
I don't know.
- [30:07]
Matt Abaticola
Another name that I like. Where did he go? Best after the catch? And this is a name to keep an eye on, too. We've seen this name associated with Bears draft picks. Best after the catch, according to ESPN, is UConn's Skyler Bell.
- [30:27]
Dan Bernstein
All right.
- [30:28]
Matt Abaticola
Bell had 833 yards after the catch in 2025, the second most in FBS behind Miami's Malachi Tuney.
- [30:35]
Dan Bernstein
Where's the USC kid? Lemon, because he's. Many think that he may be the best of this group.
- [30:43]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah, I've seen best of this group, but I've also seen him drop as well, too. They have him at. And this is a good trait to have as a wide receiver.
- [30:51]
Dan Bernstein
I mean, if you're going to have
- [30:52]
Matt Abaticola
one trait outside of catching the football, they have him. Makai Lemon, usc at best at getting open.
- [31:02]
Dan Bernstein
I like that trait.
- [31:03]
Matt Abaticola
I do, too.
- [31:04]
Dan Bernstein
That's a great trait, getting open if
- [31:07]
Matt Abaticola
you're a wide receiver. And if you can get open, that's a really good trait to have. Okay, congratulations on that. Best after the catch. Most versatile pass catcher, Kenyon Siddiq from Oregon. This is a good one, too. Best red zone target, Denzel Boston out of Washington.
- [31:26]
Dan Bernstein
Oh, is. Is that David Boston's kid?
- [31:32]
Matt Abaticola
Oh, that's a good question. Because they have the same last name.
- [31:37]
Dan Bernstein
I wonder. Good start. Yeah, that's part of it. Yes. Yeah. I didn't think it was Daryl Boston's kid.
- [31:45]
Matt Abaticola
It could be.
- [31:46]
Dan Bernstein
I Guess I don't know. But yeah, I just thought that maybe. I don't know if he's got that. Quite that. That body, but it'd be nice, a nice place to start. Boy, this is. How do you know anything like this?
- [31:57]
Matt Abaticola
Oh, you don't. This is content. This is for idiots. For you. And I like you and I to read.
- [32:01]
Dan Bernstein
How does anybody. How have you scouted and even all our guys, you know, Matt Miller and Matt Bowen and Dane Brug, maybe Brugler because he's, he's borderline, like obsessive compulsive with some of this stuff. But I, I don't know that you've watched enough tape to know like best at getting open. Come on.
- [32:21]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah, we're making this up some offensive line stuff. Best anchor is Francis. Is it Malgoa from Miami.
- [32:28]
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
- [32:29]
Matt Abaticola
Best o. Line quickness. Monroe Freeling out of Georgia. All right, here's the name I wanted. I wanted to bring your name for Bears draft because, you know, I want a tackle. Okay. Here's a guy that is starting to rise on some draft boards. I know I'm going to screw up his last name too. Max Ihonachoi. Have you heard this name? Max Ihanachoi. And it's, it's spelled I H E A N A C H O R. Max Ihonachoi out of Arizona State.
- [33:03]
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
- [33:04]
Matt Abaticola
They have him as the most explosive offensive lineman. So dude, listen to this guy. Maxi Hanatur out of Arizona state. Offensive tackle six six, three, two one, 33 and seven eight inch arms, nine inch hands.
- [33:22]
Dan Bernstein
His NFL combines small nine inch hands are very small.
- [33:27]
Matt Abaticola
NFL six, 321 combine grade of 6.35. Will eventually be plus starter.
- [33:37]
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
- [33:38]
Matt Abaticola
40 yard dash of four nine one broad jump of nine seven vertical jump of 30 and a half. Bench press, 25 reps.
- [33:48]
Dan Bernstein
He was one of these late to football guys.
- [33:50]
Matt Abaticola
Played soccer. He grew up in Nigeria and He moved to LA at the age of 13. So. Soccer guy.
- [34:01]
Dan Bernstein
Yes, soccer and basketball. You like the athleticism. The possibility of, you know, using the athleticism on a, on a trick play here or there. Ben Johnson gets excited about that, but Kaden Proctor's got that too. Now Kaden Proctor, you can, you can hand him the ball and he'll, he'll tuck that thing and go.
- [34:18]
Matt Abaticola
I've seen Kaden Proctor obviously is a day one starter. This is a guy that might be a little bit of a project, but, you know, projected to be an eventual plus starter. Ascending traits, heavy tackle prospect. The Hannah chore is a Former high school Hooper and late comer to football. He has good length and excellent lean mass. His hands and footwork need refinement but his range and play strength should translate to any run scheme. There's work to do with the pass protection technique, but strong performances against Texas Techs rush duo last season at the Senior bowl suggest Ihonachor might be more game ready than previously anticipated in a year. Light on high end tackles, Ihonature's measurables athleticism and upside could push him up on the board. Some are having him in a late first or second round pick. His strengths Impressive Impressive and impressive blend of size and athletic ability. Lateral quickness and body control made for an outside zone scheme. Adequate timing and technique on combo blocks. Basketball feet to mirror rushers and off ball linebackers Displayed his potential against dynamic rush duo from Texas Tech. Twitchy pass slides with adequate range to meet speed rush anchor will set in once footwork improves. Dominant at times during Senior bowl practices. All right, here's his weaknesses. Hitch in his punch causes hands to ride outside the frame.
- [35:43]
Dan Bernstein
Okay.
- [35:44]
Matt Abaticola
Struggles with protection recognition against gaming fronts.
- [35:49]
Dan Bernstein
Wide hands which which is every front by the way.
- [35:52]
Matt Abaticola
Right. White hands open him up for holding penalties. Needs better pad level to improve leverage as a drive blocker. Shoves second level blocks instead of sticking and sustaining. All stuff you can teach and grow.
- [36:05]
Dan Bernstein
Yep. Max Ihana Chore okay, before we finish up, I just want to add some news that was posted at PFT regarding the Rossini Vrabel deal.
- [36:18]
Matt Abaticola
Okay.
- [36:19]
Dan Bernstein
And as they put it, Rossini essentially has been suspended without it being called a suspension. Natalie Korak of Status Reports via Sam Newman of Awful announcing that staff members within the Athletic and its parent company, the New York Times, have concerns about the publication's PR strategy. One unnamed source called the company's handling of the matter, per Korak, unnecessarily messy. Another unnamed source objected to the initial statement from the Athletic Executive editor Steven Ginsburg, which is loud and clear and devoid of any mention that an investigation had already begun. The source called the approach reckless, premature and intentionally sneaky. Ginsburg's initial comment was these photos are misleading and lack essential context. Is that even if the initial statement resulted from an aggressive, unequivocal denial by the reporter, it made no sense to push a narrative that, based on the photos, may not have been fully accurate.
- [37:18]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah, I got some buddies on Massachusetts because of previous work and that's where our headquarters was out in Boston. A lot of New England Patriots fans and a couple of guys I talked to after the story came up were acting surprised that the rest of the nation, as they put it, were surprised that there was a. A known relationship.
- [37:41]
Dan Bernstein
Really?
- [37:42]
Matt Abaticola
Yeah, that's. And that's a couple. I mean, again, I mean, these are just buddies, but these are Patriot fans, okay? Die hard Patriot fans. They're like, yeah, no, no, duh. There was something happening there.
- [37:55]
Dan Bernstein
Well, then she's got a. She has to be fired.
- [38:00]
Matt Abaticola
There.
- [38:00]
Dan Bernstein
There. This is not a gray area. This is like Olivia Nuzzi. This is no different than what happened with Olivia Nuzzi or with Amy Jacobson. Like this. These. There's a clear best practices when this is known. And this can't be a person who is at any point now claiming to objectively be reporting on subjects.
- [38:29]
Matt Abaticola
Mm.
- [38:30]
Dan Bernstein
It just that once that lack of trust is gone, it's. It's. It's too bad. But you don't screw around with this, so to speak.
- [38:40]
Matt Abaticola
All right, that'll do it for forward progress here on. On Monday. Thanks for. For checking us out here on 312Sports. I haven't mentioned at all today yet, Dan, but we need to. If you haven't gone to the 312Sports Pro Shop.
- [38:52]
Dan Bernstein
Oh, yeah, we didn't.
- [38:54]
Matt Abaticola
All your swag and gear, you've got to do that. I know some orders have come through. You can check it out. Go to the 312 Sports app, and you can see the. The pro shop right there. Anything that you want with the 312 logo on it, we can get there for you. Let's go check it out.
- [39:10]
Dan Bernstein
I think you should. And also, I want a special shout out to a guy. When I mentioned that was going to Dick's, I. I saw a guy in line there when I was checking out, and the guy's like, hey, Bernstein, man, I miss you on the radio. So I said, you don't have to. And I introduced myself. He said his name was Jamie, and he's like, yeah, I don't know where to find you, man. I said, give me your phone. He kind of looked at me, and I showed him on my phone. I said, here's the 312Sports app. I said, go to the App Store. I said, I'm not walking away until you do this. I said, all right. I'm standing there, and I'm looking over your shoulder. Go to the app store. Download the 312Sports app. Okay, you got it? All right. Click open. There it is. Now you don't have to miss me. So it's that easy that I could do it, right? That's all you do. 312Sports app and then you're set. Yeah.
- [40:05]
Matt Abaticola
And if you can do it, then that's pretty.
- [40:07]
Dan Bernstein
Yes. Look, my parents are in their 80s. They can do it.
- [40:12]
Matt Abaticola
And they're not getting a whole hell of a lot better either.
- [40:14]
Dan Bernstein
No, no.
- [40:15]
Matt Abaticola
Absolutely.
- [40:16]
Dan Bernstein
None of us are really, when you think about it. But yeah, definitely. Definitely grab the app. You know what? Let me get the list of things you can win on the app too. Yeah.
- [40:24]
Matt Abaticola
Do you have it with you?
- [40:25]
Dan Bernstein
Yeah, I didn't have. Okay. I didn't have those in front of me.
- [40:28]
Matt Abaticola
I got mine right here. If you don't have it.
- [40:29]
Dan Bernstein
No, it. It isn't just all kinds of. Of fun sports stuff that you get. We give you chances to win things like dinner for two at rpm. Steak dinner for two at Il Porchelino, dinner for two at RJ Grunts Tickets to see Wuang Clan. The Wuang Clan presents the Final Chamber with Bone Thugs and Harmony September 4th at Credit UN1Amphitheater. All you have to do for any of these, for any of those awesome dinners or for the tickets, go to the app, enter the promo code. April. Just that. What month is it? It's April. That's the promo code. Enter that and you might win. See and, and go to the pro shop and buy a bunch of stuff. And if, and if I see you wearing 312 sports stuff, I'm gonna hug you.
- [41:17]
Matt Abaticola
Yep, you'll get a hug. Whether you want it or not, you're going to get a hug.
- [41:20]
Dan Bernstein
I might end up being shot. Pepper sprayed, Bear sprayed, kicked and kicked right in the Newt sack. Maybe.
- [41:28]
Matt Abaticola
But.
- [41:28]
Dan Bernstein
But I'm coming for you. I'm coming for you with a big old hug if I see you.
- [41:34]
Matt Abaticola
That's Bernstein. I'm a Batakola. This is Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast. NFL podcast. And we're with you every day of the entire calendar. We're not just here to football season.
- [41:46]
Dan Bernstein
Mr. Well, Monday through Friday and then. And then game days. Also during football season too. Yeah.
- [41:53]
Matt Abaticola
Because our post game shows are a lot of fun. If you didn't do any of our post game shows last season, missed out on some stuff. So we're here for you, though, all the time. Forward Progress Chicago Bears podcast Bernstein and Batacola on 312 sports.
- [42:09]
Dan Bernstein
Forward progress has stopped.
- [42:17]
Matt Abaticola
Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on three one two sports.
- [42:29]
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