Many NFL staffers responsible for hammering out rookie contracts are having a busy day Thursday. Numerous rookies are signing deals, and the Bears took care of their non-Roquan Smith draft contingent. Here’s the rundown of Chicago’s signings:
- 2-39: James Daniels, C (Iowa)
- 2-51: Anthony Miller, WR (Memphis)
- 4-115: Joel Iyiegbuniwe, LB (Western Kentucky)
- 5-145: Bilal Nichols, DT (Delaware)
- 6-181: Kylie Fitts, DE (Utah)
- 7-224: Javon Wims, WR (Georgia)
Miller adds to what’s been one of the more interesting makeovers any team’s done at the wide receiver position in recent years. The Memphis slot target follows Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Bennie Fowler and others — including the Georgia-trained Wims — to the Windy City. With Kevin White also still in the picture, the Bears will have a unique position battle behind Robinson this summer.
Daniels could step in as a Day 1 starter and relocate Cody Whitehair to guard, where he would line up opposite Kyle Long and fill Josh Sitton‘s old spot. However, the Bears view the Iowa product as a versatile player himself. While Daniels spent most of his time with the Hawkeyes as their starting center, the second-rounder began his college career as a guard.
Smith is the only Bears pick not to have signed his rookie deal yet.
Sloppy reporting. Bears have already said 2 weeks ago Whitehair I s the center and Daniels guard