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Christen Miller: Why The Bears Will Draft Him In The 1st Round

chicago bears
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) reacts after making a tackle against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

There were plenty of reasons why the Chicago Bears lost in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams. Chief among them was an inability to control the line of scrimmage. While the defense did pressure Matthew Stafford often, it was their run defense that too often appeared soft. That is why nose tackle might be higher on their priority list for the 2026 draft that people want to admit. This is where the name Christen Miller comes in.

The big 6’4″, 310 lbs defensive tackle was a critical part of Georgia’s tough defense that made the college football playoffs this past season. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you will soon. His ability is good enough that the Bears will absolutely have him circled for the 1st round in April. Let’s explore why.

Christen Miller stats to know:

  • 64 tackles
  • 11.5 tackles for a loss
  • 4 sacks
  • 23 run stops in the past two seasons
  • 24 pressures in the past two seasons

Strengths:

  • His lower body power is impossible to miss, allowing him to hold the point of attack and fight through double teams.
  • Upper-body strength lets him stack and shed blockers regularly.
  • Doesn’t play in a phone booth. He charges down the line to make tackles.

Here is an example of why Miller is such a pest. Tennessee gets a perfect setup with two guys on him. They should be able to drive him out of the play. Instead, Miller gets low, using leverage and churning feet to push through the double team and quickly closes the distance for a tackle for loss. It looks easy, but so much about this comes from Miller’s mixture of talent, discipline, and intelligence.

  • Tough as nails. Doesn’t fear constant contact and seems durable enough to handle it.
  • Much quicker than he gets credit for. Has some pass-rush upside.
  • Disciplined in his approach. Never caught out of position.

Weaknesses:

  • Average size for a defensive tackle. Doesn’t have the pure mass of a true nose.
  • His overall burst is average. Not somebody who will win off the snap.

This shows you the limitations of Miller. He squares up against a bigger Alabama blocker. His initial rush is met squarely. When it doesn’t work, he doesn’t have the juice to fight through it nor a clear secondary move to disengage. This allows Ty Simpson to settle in the pocket and survey the field. This is why Miller will need a true interior rusher next to him to maximize his value.

  • Bigger blockers can drive him off the ball.
  • Doesn’t have a second move if his first rush doesn’t work.

Bears fans will be reminded of: Kenny Clark

For all the talk about guys like Clay Matthews or Za’Darius Smith, the one player who gave the Bears the most fits was Clark. His ability to dominate the middle as a run defender often short-circuited the Chicago’s offensive game plans in every meeting. When you watch Christen Miller, he plays much the same way. He’s too strong to run-block one-on-one and too smart to be fooled by misdirection or outside runs. You’d better have a really good center; otherwise, he’s going to make your day miserable.

Why Dennis Allen will push for him.

The Bears defensive coordinator has a deep love for strong interior linemen. It’s been his style ever since he began running defenses way back in 2011. Everywhere he’s stopped, his teams draft at least one defensive tackle who displays a great mix of power and leverage. It was true of Shelby Harris in Oakland and later of Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata in New Orleans. Miller might not win awards as a true pass rusher, but his ability to disrupt is something that defensive line needs more of.

The Truth Behind The Rumored Ties Between John Scheyer And The Chicago Bulls

Mar 22, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach John Scheyer reacts against the Vermont Catamounts in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

After Saturday night’s win against the Miami Heat and Arturas Karnisovas’ involvement in his first trade of this year’s deadline, some potentially franchise-altering news hit social media. According to the Hoop Herald, there is mutual interest between Chicago and John Scheyer, the current head coach of the Duke Blue Devils. Scheyer grew up in Illinois, is fourth all-time in points scored at the high school level in the state, and, back in 2021, said his ultimate goal was to coach at the professional level. While all the stars may seem to align for a perfect homecoming hire, there are a few things that suggest the fans should proceed with caution when seeing these reports. Here’s the reality behind Scheyer becoming the next coach of the Chicago Bulls.

Nothing Of Substance Between The Two Parties

The first red flag in this connection between Scheyer and the Bulls organization is the lack of runway. This is the first report suggesting any ties between the sides, and Chicago has shown no signs that it’s preparing to move on from current head coach Billy Donovan. On the flip, there’s been no indication from the Duke head coach that he’s eager to move on from the university, and with a 109-23 career record with the program, it’s safe to say he’s not itching to get out. Other than being an Illinois native and expressing interest in coaching at the highest level several years ago, no further evidence or insight has been provided linking Chicago to the potential future hire.

No Hints At Moving On From Billy Donovan

Although several facts may point to the Bulls needing to move on from their current head coach, nothing from the franchise suggests they’re even considering it. Chicago has seen 24 head coaches in their history. Of the five coaches who have coached over 270 games, Donovan’s winning percentage ranks last at .487 after 450 outings. Four of those five also have at least three playoff appearances and 10 wins. The one exception? The current man at the helm has only one postseason berth in six seasons, with one playoff victory under his belt. One of the greatest wonders of the current Bulls team is how he still has a job, and how much longer until he’s shown the door.

In the spirit of separating fact from fiction, both things can be true. Although he’s a solid fit from afar and has Chicago ties, the Scheyer connection has not been solidified. At the same time, the Bulls are sorely in need of a leadership change, and Donovan’s days have to be numbered, especially if the team loses in the play-in tournament for a fourth consecutive season.

If this season ends how the masses expect it to, does Chicago finally pull the trigger on firing Donovan? If so, is Scheyer on the short list of candidates to take his place?

White Sox Starting Rotation Battle Will Include Surprise Name

Jun 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Vasil (61) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of game two of a doubleheader at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The White Sox have been one of the busiest teams in MLB this offseason, making several signings and trades this winter to improve the bullpen, first base, and the outfield. Despite their flurry of activity, the starting rotation remains an area of the roster that needs significant improvement. And it appears their plan to address that could come internally. White Sox manager Will Venable recently joined the Mully & Haugh Show on 670 The Score to discuss the state of the starting rotation, indicating that Mike Vasil will enter spring training as a candidate to earn a rotation spot.

Vasil, 25, was one of the biggest surprises on the 2025 White Sox as a rookie. He joined the team as a waiver claim in late March and remained on the roster all season long as a Rule 5 pick, becoming the most consistent reliever in the bullpen. Across 101 innings, he recorded a 2.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 7.3 K/9, often pitching in multi-inning stints. He also started three games and recorded four saves, taking the ball in whatever role he was asked to pitch in.

Vasil had only one appearance last season of more than four innings, but his time as a reliever with the White Sox was the exception for him historically, not the norm. He was a starting pitcher in college for the University of Virginia, as well as in the minors with the Mets organization. The White Sox will give him an opportunity to build off the season he just had in hopes of playing an even bigger role in the starting rotation in 2026.

State of White Sox Rotation

As of now, Shane Smith, Davis Martin, and Anthony Kay appear to be the only locks in the White Sox rotation to open the season, which Venable noted. He also mentioned Sean Burke and Jonathan Cannon as other options. Robert Murray, MLB Insider for Fansided, does not believe the team is done adding either. It’s possible they could bring in another starting pitcher to create more competition in spring training. Depending on how the rest of the offseason plays out, Vasil could have a legitimate chance to earn a rotation spot out of spring training.

The White Sox offseason activity has created the flexibility needed to give Vasil this opportunity. The team added both Sean Newcomb and Jordan Hicks this winter, who bring multi-inning bullpen experience. Rule 5 pick Jedixson Paez and right-hander Grant Taylor also profile as pitchers capable of handling extended outings. That added depth and flexibility allows the club to replace Vasil’s bullpen innings without weakening the bullpen, giving him the chance to start in the process.

Big Spring Ahead

The White Sox starting rotation figures to be one of the most competitive battles in camp this spring. There are multiple spots up for grabs with several interesting names vying for the job. Mike Vasil is a name to watch as pitchers and catchers report to camp in just a few weeks. He is in prime position to take another step forward in 2026.

Draft Insider Pinpoints Gervon Dexter 2.0 For Bears In 1st Round

gervon dexter
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American defensive tackle Caleb Banks (88) of Florida works in a drill during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have an important draft ahead of them this year. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson likely can’t use free agency as a safety net this time because of salary cap concerns. That means they must find a way to assemble another strong draft class. Evaluations must be on point. So who might they go after? Perhaps the Bears might be interested in the next incarnation of Gervon Dexter. If you don’t agree, it doesn’t matter because that is the direction NFL.com draft insider Lance Zierlein sees them going with the selection of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks.

The 6’7, 330 lbs giant saw his 2025 season cut short by injuries, but was an emerging force in 2024. He reconfirmed those assessments with a dominant week at the Senior Bowl. Zierlein sees a player with outstanding length and quickness for his size. He’s strong and has a better first step than he gets credit for. The problem is he plays too high with his pad level and tends to lose steam when his first move doesn’t work. Those were the same criticisms of Dexter when he came out in 2023.

Caleb Banks, Florida · DT · Senior

With Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all headed for free agency, Chicago figures to have a need at safety. But the Bears also need to find a way to plug up the middle of their defensive front. Banks offers size, length and upside.

Another Gervon Dexter isn’t what the Bears need.

In the interest of fairness, the defensive tackle deserves some credit. He finished with a career-high six sacks this season, including 11 quarterback hits. He was a good player for the Bears defense. Unfortunately, he hasn’t transformed into the next Chris Jones, which several draft experts claimed was possible after he was drafted. Let’s not forget the Bears took him late in the 2nd round. Would they consider that level of play worth a 1st round pick? That seems unlikely. Then again, we don’t know what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen thinks of Gervon Dexter as a player.

Truth be told, Banks may have a higher ceiling than Dexter. His snap anticipation and get-off are considerably better. That is often what has held Dexter back over the years. It comes down to whether the coaching staff can fix some of his fundamental problems. That is never a guarantee. Then again, you could probably do a lot worse with the 25th pick than a defensive lineman who gives you 5-6 sacks every year. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing. We’ll see if the Bears choose to aim higher.

Cole Kmet Reveals Why Locker Room Is Upset By Declan Doyle’s Departure

cole kmet
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) takes the field before the game against the New York Giants at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears weren’t surprised when Eric Bieniemy left for Kansas City. It felt like one of those things that was always bound to happen. He had too many roots there to ignore the call to come home. However, Declan Doyle was more of a shock. While Ben Johnson knew his young offensive coordinator was too smart to stick around forever, seeing him departure after one year for the same role in Baltimore was unexpected. It also wasn’t received well in the locker room, according to Cole Kmet.

In an interview with 104.3 The Score, the Bears’ tight end explained how valuable Doyle was to the team’s offensive operation during the season. While it’s true he didn’t call plays, he was a big part of building the structure that made everything go. Perhaps his greatest value was something Chicago became known for this past season: halftime adjustments. Doyle was instrumental in recognizing what opposing defenses were doing and in instructing players on how to counter them.

Cole Kmet understands it’s not just about play calling.

Just look at what happened with Bieniemy. He never called plays during his time in Kansas City. Why would the Chiefs be so eager to bring him back despite winning a Super Bowl two years ago with Matt Nagy? The easy answer is that Bieniemy provided the discipline, motivation, and structure the team needed to excel. Head coach Andy Reid couldn’t always do that because of other responsibilities. That is what Doyle did for the Bears. He covered areas with the necessary detail and preparation that Coach Johnson couldn’t because of his wider duties.

Now somebody else must step into this role. Cole Kmet and the rest of the players are left wondering who it could be. There haven’t been any hints regarding a possible replacement. That either means Johnson has a candidate in mind or he’s still actively searching for one. Based on his track record from last year, it feels like the latter is more likely. Simply promoting from within isn’t something the Bears head coach would do. One of the reasons he sought Doyle out in the first place was to have an outside voice. It will likely be the same again.

Black History Month Post Reopens Big Hurt’s Rift With White Sox

Aug 31, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Former Chicago White Sox player Frank Thomas during the national anthem before the team’s game against the New York Mets. He was there to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

It started as a feel-good Black History Month post. It ended the way too many White Sox stories do these days: with national backlash and a familiar frustration. Only this time voiced not by fans but the greatest hitter in franchise history.

On Sunday, the White Sox shared a social media timeline highlighting the franchise’s “momentous firsts” in honor of Black History Month. The post recognized figures such as Minnie Miñoso, who broke the team’s color barrier in 1951; Al Smith, the franchise’s first Black All-Star in 1960; Carlos May, the first African American player selected by the White Sox in the first round of the amateur draft that same year; and Ken Williams, who became the first Black general manager in Chicago sports history in 2000. It also noted Jerry Manuel, James Baldwin, and Charles Johnson as part of MLB’s first all-Black mound visit later that season.

Frank Thomas appeared only in a brief aside — mentioned in the context of Dick Allen becoming the first Black player to win a league MVP in 1972, with Thomas later winning back-to-back MVP awards in 1993 and 1994. That limited mention was enough to irk the Hall of Fame slugger, who spent 16 of his 19 major-league seasons on the South Side.

Thomas replied to the post writing on X:

“I guess the black player who made you rich over there and holds all your records is forgettable! Don’t worry I’m taking Receipts!”

Thomas may have a point. The graphic, intended to highlight franchise “firsts,” prominently featured current manager Will Venable as just the third African American manager in team history. It also used an image of Bo Jackson while noting how the White Sox logo transcended baseball to become a defining visual of 1990s hip-hop culture. The choices felt well intentioned, but to Thomas, telling.

This beef doesn’t appear to be about one social media post. The Big Hurt’s response read more like the release of years of pent-up frustration with the organization.

It’s no secret that Thomas’ tenure in Chicago ended badly. Ken Williams, who famously clashed with Thomas on his way out of the South Side, was mentioned three times in the team’s Black History Month post. Thomas appeared once,  as a sidebar.

The tension dates back more than two decades. In 2002, Williams and Thomas butted heads after the White Sox cut Thomas’ pay, citing a “diminished skills” clause in his contract. It was only the tip of the iceberg in what became a deeply strained relationship.

In 2011, Thomas settled a lawsuit he had filed against doctors contracted by the White Sox, alleging a misdiagnosis of a fractured bone in his foot in 2004 led to a reinjury the following season. Limited to just 34 games in 2005, Thomas was forced to watch from the sidelines as the White Sox made their World Series run.

Even in that abbreviated season, he showed he could still produce, hitting 12 home runs. It didn’t matter. Williams showed him the door after the season.

After replacing Thomas with Jim Thome in a blockbuster move ahead of the 2006 season, the White Sox bought out Thomas’s $10 million player option for just $3.5 million. The business decision was one thing. The way it was handled was another.

Thomas was incensed that chairman Jerry Reinsdorf never called to tell him he wouldn’t be returning before the move was made,  a basic courtesy, he believed, for the greatest player to ever put on a White Sox uniform.

Williams only poured fuel on the fire, publicly dismissing Thomas as an “idiot” and telling him to “stay out of White Sox business.”

“He’s the Oakland A’s problem,” Williams said at the time. “I don’t know why I’m talking about the guy. Play two or three games in a row before you start popping off.”

In the end, Thomas had the last laugh. He helped lead the A’s to the playoffs, blasting 39 home runs and finishing fourth in the AL MVP voting. The White Sox, meanwhile, won 90 games and still missed the postseason.

For a time, it appeared the wounds had healed. Thomas was named a franchise ambassador in 2010 and had his No. 35 retired in 2016. Yet the Big Hurt was conspicuously absent from last season’s 20-year reunion of the 2005 White Sox. Add in his response to the Black History Month graphic, and it’s clear those old scars never fully disappeared.

On the surface, Thomas’ reaction seemed over the top. The post was a broad tribute to Black History Month, and while some of his accomplishments were glossed over — and no photo of him appeared,  he was, technically, included.

But the White Sox have forfeited the benefit of the doubt. Years of missteps have conditioned fans and former players alike to assume the worst. Throw in three consecutive 100-loss seasons and a five-time All-Star publicly blasting the organization, and the result is a perfect storm,  one in which an otherwise routine social media post spirals into something much bigger.

Why NFL Scouts Have Bud Clark Penciled In For Bears In Upcoming Draft

bud clark
Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Aaron Anderson (2) of LSU runs past National safety Bud Clark (21) of TCU during the first half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears are just now getting into the meat of their draft evaluations. They’ve gone through the Senior Bowl and are preparing for the scouting combine. After that, they will start assembling their draft board. Only then will GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson start circling players they want the most for their team. However, anybody who understands history will know it doesn’t work that way. There is a strong possibility Poles and others in the organization already have certain favorites. It was that way with Darnell Wright. It was that way with Caleb Williams.

Determining who that player or players might be comes down to assessing where the team sits with their roster. The obvious positions people will jump to include left tackle, defensive end, and defensive tackle. However, safety is the area we may need to watch more closely. All four of their top guys at the position are free agents. The odds of all four returning are remote. That might explain why some NFL scouts believe TCU’s Bud Clark, who just crushed it at the Senior Bowl, will be high on their radar.

“He flew around the field,” they said, “showing sticky man-coverage ability during one-on-one drills, and came downhill during team sessions to break up a pass. He also snagged an acrobatic interception that was called back due to a hold, but he made the play all the same. Clark is one of the most instinctual defenders on the Senior Bowl roster. If he continues to build on his latest outing and finds extra confidence, he’ll create more fans within the NFL scouting community.”

Ideal Landing Spot: Chicago Bears

Bud Clark would likely be the Bears’ successor to Kevin Byard.

Finding good safeties is hard enough. Finding ones who can force turnovers in bunches is even more difficult. Clark has 15 interceptions in his last four seasons, so you know he has a keen eye for the football. One thing that typically translates is ball skills. Granted, not all players can do it in the NFL, but if they did it in college, they’ll learn how in the pros. Clark has the necessary physical traits to make it work. His instincts don’t even need to be discussed. The big conversation for the Bears will be obvious.

His age.

Having spent six seasons in college, Bud Clark will be older as NFL rookies go, sitting at 24 years old. That is why he’s unlikely to go in the 1st round. Are the Bears willing to look past his age in the 2nd or 3rd round? We already know Poles was willing to take a chance on Velus Jones, who was turning 25 as a rookie. It isn’t crazy to think he’d do the same for Clark, especially if defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes him.

Budda Baker To The Bears? Why This Surprise Trade Buzz Suddenly Surfaced

budda baker
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

When discussing possible trades the Chicago Bears could make to boost their defense this offseason, the same names come up. Pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett dominate the discussion. No other position is even mentioned, even though it probably should be. At the top of that list is safety. No less than four names on the roster are free agents this year, including Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. There is a strong possibility that two of those three won’t return next season. So what do the Bears do? Say hello to Budda Baker.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes there is a strong chance the star veteran safety might be near his end with the Arizona Cardinals. The team is likely facing a rebuild under a new coaching staff, and he may not wish to stick around for that. Chicago would present the perfect chance to join a playoff contender who desperately needs stability at the position.

Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both slated to become free agents. If the Bears can’t retain both then safety could become a priority. Budda Baker has been in and out of the trade rumor mill over the last few seasons. He could be available if he’s not wanting to go through another coaching change in Arizona.

Baker is 29 years old and has two years left on his contract. His salary cap hit would be just over $19 million this year. So if the Bears wanted to do this, they’d have to create enough space to make it happen.

Budda Baker has been one of the best safeties for a long time.

Despite not even being 30 yet, he’s already an eight-time Pro Bowler and is putting himself in the Hall of Fame discussion. He played for a dismal team this season, but was still productive with 120 tackles, a half sack, and an interception. His versatility, intelligence, and playmaking instinct are almost impossible to replicate. There is no question he’d be right at home in Dennis Allen’s creative and aggressive scheme. Presuming the Bears keep Byard at free safety, then Baker would be the perfect complement next to him.

As to compensation, it’s not entirely clear what he would fetch. Budda Baker is still in his prime and an excellent player. However, his hefty contract makes any deal difficult. Recent history says the Bears are probably looking at least a mid-round pick, maybe a little more. It isn’t a huge price, but will Arizona consider it? That may depend on whether Baker pressures them to make a deal. If he wants out, they are unlikely to deny his request after so many years of stellar service.

Yuki Kawamura Is Going Viral For This Moment In His NBA Debut

Jan 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura (8) battles for a loose ball with Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis (25) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

This weekend featured several entirely new looks for the Chicago Bulls. With as many as eight players on the injury report on a single day, the Bulls just wrapped up a brutal four-game stretch in five days. They would finish 1-3, with the last of them being an embarrassing 43-point loss in Miami. During this span, most of the Bulls’ roster saw irregular playing time and varying roles, and some were rested for a game. Yuki Kawamura, a second-year fan-favorite guard who stands at 5’7″, checked into the game Saturday night for the first time as an NBA player. Not only did he maximize his opportunity and see over double the minutes the following night, but he also gave social media this amazing moment.

Bringing A Spark

The broadcast crew during yesterday’s blowout loss did a perfect job of summarizing what players like Kawamura can represent for a franchise. As a player who had not been granted minutes at the NBA level yet in his basketball career, someone who works every single day for the chance to perform on the big stage, and a guy with the most pressure to perform, the youngster brought a level of energy and intensity that should be noted by Chicago’s everyday rotational pieces. He was relentless in his effort to compete, and despite the numbers not being flashy, his debut weekend was ultimately a success. In the two-game stretch, he drilled a couple of three-point baskets, dished out eight assists, grabbed nine boards, and swiped a pair of steals in 38 minutes of action.

With his minutes on Saturday night, Kawamura also became the shortest player in the Chicago Bulls franchise history, and the shortest to earn playing time this year in the NBA. He was also ecstatic about the jump ball win, saying it was the first time in his basketball career that he had come away victorious.

Already A Highlight Reel

During his debut, the 24-year-old guard couldn’t finish the game without giving a memorable moment. Midway through the fourth quarter, he forced a jump-ball in the process of attempting a steal, and was tasked with a jumping contest against the 6’5″ Kasparas Jakucionis. To everyone’s surprise, the shortest player in the organization’s history won the tip.

Rightfully so, this clip has millions of impressions over the last 36 hours, and Kawamura has become one of the easiest guys to root for in the league. While he likely will not be granted a permanent spot in the rotation after the injury report shortens and might not see the floor again for the Bulls after the trade deadline, this weekend’s debut will not be forgotten.