Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Chicago Bears Steal Another Quality Addition From The Vikings

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The Minnesota Vikings began retooling their roster this off-season. That isn’t uncommon when a new GM takes over. Still, some of their decisions to this point have raised eyebrows. One of them was cutting defensive tackle Armon Watts, fresh off five sacks last season. The Chicago Bears quickly claimed him off waivers last month. He provided two pressures on nine pass rush snaps in the opener. Now GM Ryan Poles may have quietly struck again.

Another casualty of the Minnesota purge was cornerback Harrison Hand. A former standout at Temple, he was drafted in the 5th round by the Vikings in 2020. He played well in his rookie year, allowing only 11 completions on 20 targets for a 74.6 passer rating. That included an interception and three pass defenses. He also made five special teams tackles. It was odd that Minnesota reduced his playing time in 2021. Perhaps the signing of veteran Bashaud Breeland had a lot to do with that. Either way, the Bears may have secured some quality depth on defense.

The Chicago Bears are a great fit for Hand.

Experts felt his best fit in the NFL was primarily a defense that ran zone. His size and instincts make sense for it. He plays a physical style and isn’t afraid to tackle. The one concern teams had was his lack of true speed. His 40 time is the same as Kyler Gordon. If the rookie can function at a high level in this scheme, there is no reason to think Hand can’t contribute. It comes down to what opportunities he’ll get.

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Right now, the Chicago Bears seem to have their three guys in Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, and Kindle Vildor. So if the third-year corner wants to get involved it may have to come via special teams. He may get some looks there in the coming weeks. Beyond that, a lot depends on health. One injury to a key starter and he could end up seeing the field. Hand has an ability worth exploring. It feels like Minnesota abandoned him too quickly. Maybe the Bears will unearth more.

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longsuffering
longsuffering
Sep 16, 2022 6:41 pm

Good riddance. Big deal, the Bears got a player who is more interested in showboating, while down by 3 than winning the game. Which they lost 52-33. Yeah, what a steal the Bears got. Good luck with that guy.

Last edited 1 year ago by longsuffering
Matt johnson
Matt johnson
Sep 15, 2022 6:52 pm

Vildor is the 3rd corner. Gordon is cb#2 so I don’t know what people are watching vildor.

Ghost Tomahawk
Ghost Tomahawk
Sep 14, 2022 4:11 pm

Scoop up whatever quality talent is available. Especially if its an upgrade on depth. There will always be dudes that hit the street that are decent because thats the name of the game with small roster sizes.

Tom Croce
Tom Croce
Sep 14, 2022 4:02 pm

Vildor will be exposed as the same old guy by Rogers this week. Johnson had no targets last week, as in zero. Why throw at him when Vildor is an easy target? I like a lot about what management has coaching has done with this team. But, losing Graham pisses me off. He looked great at the end of last year and was doing well in camp until he got hurt. Hope this new guy helps to make up for the Graham loss.

Ralph Law
Ralph Law
Sep 14, 2022 12:19 pm

So far, Poles has shown extraorinary talent skills.

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