It is always important to remember that what the Chicago Bears see on the practice field and in preseason games doesn’t always match what fans and the media see. This is how players many didn’t expect end up on the roster. That didn’t really happen last year. Almost every name who cracked the roster wasn’t a surprise, and those who came from the outside, like Dan Feeney and Trent Taylor. It appears that drought will be a short one according to two Bears insiders. It’s time for fans to get to know Daniel Hardy.
Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic predict the defensive end has positioned himself for a spot on the final 53, but not for the reasons you think.
Defensive line (8)
Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, Andrew Billings, DeMarcus Walker, Austin Booker, Dominique Robinson, Zacch Pickens, Daniel Hardy…
…Seeing Hardy on special teams in practice with some of the regulars feels like a good sign for him. So he takes the spot once held by Martin.
Daniel Hardy has always been a fascinating study.
He was a virtual nobody through the first three years of college at Montana State. Then, in 2021, he exploded for 16 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss. While he didn’t receive an invite to the scouting combine, he shined at his pro day with a 4.60 in the 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical jump, and 22 reps on the bench press at 6’3, 240 lbs. It was enough to get him drafted in the 7th round by the Los Angeles Rams.
Draft experts felt he was raw and needed to add weight but had splashy upside. He got some snaps as a rookie but didn’t have much of an impact. After that, he was cut at the end of training camp in 2023 before the Bears signed him to their practice squad. Daniel Hardy registered a QB pressure in the win over Houston last week. Combine this with the reported special teams work, and he’s well-positioned to steal a spot as predicted.
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Ever notice how anytime the Bears do well, ole Tom doesnt comment on that day? Sometimes its a day or two before he returns. I doubt he’s actually not commenting that day. Starting to think he has a pseudo personality on here. Well, if you look around to see who is negative, one particular profile pops up , and it’s likely that Tom and that person are the same one. White jacket anyone?
A tested veteran is always better to me, but I’m not in the Lockeroom or privy to inside info. But a 4.6, 40 is great for a big man on the P.S. Coaching is what helps make a great team.
Hardy and Booker. They are the future opposite Sweat. They will only get better. D line has its arrow pointing up.
Everyone except QBs, one or two superstars who need to play most downs on offense or defense, and guys dealing with injuries should be available to play STs. Period.
There should be no need to keep extra guys specifically for STs beyond the P,K, and LS, and maybe a captain chosen by the coordinator. Almost everyone on the team should be helping out.
It is what it is. I hope he does well. Same for DomRom. Still a true statement. Terrell Lewis had 3 sacks in 2 games last preseason, IIRC.