RealGM

The odds are against Rashard Mendenhall becoming a Bear, but the team wants to get to know the Illinois running back better anyway. So he'll visit Halas Hall on Thursday in one of a series of meetings with NFL teams in advance of the April 19-20 draft.

"They're my hometown team," said Mendenhall, a Niles West graduate. "Growing up I was a Raider fan, but as I got older I was a Bears fan. It'll be cool to talk to [coach Lovie Smith]."

Mendenhall is also visiting the Bengals, Jets, Cowboys and Panthers, but not scheduling a visit doesn't mean a team isn't interested. The Lions, Texans and Bucs could also be in the market for a first-round running back.

Mendenhall, the winner of the Tribune's Silver Football as the Big Ten's MVP in the fall, helped his stock at the NFL combine with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and could be the second running back chosen, behind Arkansas' Darren McFadden.

SWIFTSLICK wrote:The odds are against Mendenhall becoming a Bear? A ha. Then maybe the headline should be changed to: "Bears Will Talk at Rashard Mendenhall". I love that the Bears are focused as usual in the offseason. Spending time chatting up RB's we won't get in the draft...Good idea. Jerry and Lovie, what a brain trust.

The odds are against Rashard Mendenhall becoming a Bear, but the team wants to get to know the Illinois running back better anyway. So he'll visit Halas Hall on Thursday in one of a series of meetings with NFL teams in advance of the April 19-20 draft.

emperorjones wrote:When did they reschedule the draft? Is that a special draft for disappointing super bowl teams that will allow the Bears to get an early jump on the talent pool?

Chewie wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Actually, it's a special draft just for so-called "fans" that unknowingly schedule trips to Ethiopia during the actual draft date.

emperorjones wrote:
Well, I'll have you know that I got my firm to move my flight to Thursday night today!!!!

I should have access to the Net during the draft! Thank god for slingbox!!!