Latest news with #KevinByard
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kevin Byard sees noticeable energy difference this Bears offseason
In what was a busy offseason for the Chicago Bears, with several new roster additions and a new coaching staff, the vibe around the organization has been much different this year. At this time last year, the Bears were preparing to be the feature team on HBO's "Hard Knocks" while first-round picks Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze were entering their first season in the league and Matt Eberflus was still the head coach. Following a 5-12 season, the Bears moved quickly to overall their coaching staff and the roster. Advertisement Veteran safety Kevin Byard, who was in his first year with the team last season, has seen a real difference this offseason. From Eberflus and last year's team to the arrival of Ben Johnson and new teammates on both sides of the ball, Byard spoke about the big differences since last year, which brings a much different feeling. 'It's been fun," Byard said, without making many comparisons to the previous regime. "I don't really like to get into comparisons and stuff like that, but the intensity level of Ben Johnson – I feel like it's very evident. I think you guys can see that. A couple times where he's stopping practice, you can definitely hear him out there. It's been fun, a lot of competition, especially going with the offense. I really like the additions we made on offense and defense. I think those guys are going to help us out a lot this year.' Johnson's arrival has changed the tone and culture inside the Bears organization before they've even stepped on the field for meaningful games. All of it will have to come together and fall in line for the team to improve in a big way from their disastrous 2024 season. But, so far, so good. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Kevin Byard sees noticeable energy difference this offseason
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kevin Byard sees noticeable energy difference this Bears offseason
Kevin Byard sees noticeable energy difference this Bears offseason In what was a busy offseason for the Chicago Bears, with several new roster additions and a new coaching staff, the vibe around the organization has been much different this year. At this time last year, the Bears were preparing to be the feature team on HBO's "Hard Knocks" while first-round picks Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze were entering their first season in the league and Matt Eberflus was still the head coach. Following a 5-12 season, the Bears moved quickly to overall their coaching staff and the roster. Veteran safety Kevin Byard, who was in his first year with the team last season, has seen a real difference this offseason. From Eberflus and last year's team to the arrival of Ben Johnson and new teammates on both sides of the ball, Byard spoke about the big differences since last year, which brings a much different feeling. 'It's been fun," Byard said, without making many comparisons to the previous regime. "I don't really like to get into comparisons and stuff like that, but the intensity level of Ben Johnson – I feel like it's very evident. I think you guys can see that. A couple times where he's stopping practice, you can definitely hear him out there. It's been fun, a lot of competition, especially going with the offense. I really like the additions we made on offense and defense. I think those guys are going to help us out a lot this year.' Johnson's arrival has changed the tone and culture inside the Bears organization before they've even stepped on the field for meaningful games. All of it will have to come together and fall in line for the team to improve in a big way from their disastrous 2024 season. But, so far, so good. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bears' Kevin Byard sounds off on NFL players playing in Olympics
For the first time in history, NFL players will be allowed to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games for flag football. While much of the conversation will be revolved around the potential risks vs. rewards in the decision to the let NFL players compete in the Olympics, there's been a widespread response around the league, and veterans on the Chicago Bears are also weighing in on the decision. Advertisement Safety Kevin Byard recently stared his thoughts about the ruling. While he understands the allure of playing for his country in the Olympics, he's not necessarily looking to participate. "I think for any athlete to be able to have the opportunity to go and get a gold medal for our country, I think that's an enormous opportunity and it's a blessing," Byard said. "Would I want to play? Probably not, if you asked me probably five some years ago, I probably would be one of the guys in the front of the line. I did hear something about it, I think it'll be during training camp. I don't want to speak too soon, but I just don't know how that would work." Byard believes Bears quarterback Caleb Williams would be a good fit for flag football, but with teams preparing in training camp, he doesn't see how the timing would make sense for anyone who is involved. "I think we got a lot of guys on our team that probably can do it," Byard said. "I'm not sure he's going to want to do it, but I think Caleb would be an excellent flag football team quarterback. Especially with the broken plays and being able to scramble around, do those type of things. I think it is a blessing for sure." Advertisement It's going to be interesting to see how the NFL and their top players come together to decide on how they'll play in the 2028 Olympics. While it would be beneficial for the worldwide reach of the league and sport, it also comes with risk of top players being banged up before the regular season. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Kevin Byard sounds off on NFL players playing in Olympics
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears' Kevin Byard sounds off on NFL players playing in Olympics
Bears' Kevin Byard sounds off on NFL players playing in Olympics For the first time in history, NFL players will be allowed to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games for flag football. While much of the conversation will be revolved around the potential risks vs. rewards in the decision to the let NFL players compete in the Olympics, there's been a widespread response around the league, and veterans on the Chicago Bears are also weighing in on the decision. Safety Kevin Byard recently stared his thoughts about the ruling. While he understands the allure of playing for his country in the Olympics, he's not necessarily looking to participate. "I think for any athlete to be able to have the opportunity to go and get a gold medal for our country, I think that's an enormous opportunity and it's a blessing," Byard said. "Would I want to play? Probably not, if you asked me probably five some years ago, I probably would be one of the guys in the front of the line. I did hear something about it, I think it'll be during training camp. I don't want to speak too soon, but I just don't know how that would work." Byard believes Bears quarterback Caleb Williams would be a good fit for flag football, but with teams preparing in training camp, he doesn't see how the timing would make sense for anyone who is involved. "I think we got a lot of guys on our team that probably can do it," Byard said. "I'm not sure he's going to want to do it, but I think Caleb would be an excellent flag football team quarterback. Especially with the broken plays and being able to scramble around, do those type of things. I think it is a blessing for sure." It's going to be interesting to see how the NFL and their top players come together to decide on how they'll play in the 2028 Olympics. While it would be beneficial for the worldwide reach of the league and sport, it also comes with risk of top players being banged up before the regular season. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
1 defensive back for Bears in every round of the 2025 NFL draft
1 defensive back for Bears in every round of the 2025 NFL draft The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears could look to add another playmaker at defensive back to help solidify the depth in their secondary. With four picks in the Top 75 selections of the draft, Chicago has an opportunity to bring in the highest talent with a best player available strategy. There's been plenty of additions across the roster, but with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen running the show on defense, the team could add depth in their secondary which is headlined by Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard. We're examining one defensive back that Chicago can target in each round of the draft. These players share a combination of athleticism, speed, and the potential to develop into explosive playmakers who could thrive in this new defense. They all have high ceilings and can become valuable contributors for an already solidified secondary. Round 1: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Jahdae Barron is a name that has skyrocketed up draft boards, and for good reason. He has blazing speed and most importantly, versatility. He ran a 4.39 at the scouting combine in February, and last season he was named an All-American, First-team All-SEC, and the winner of the Jim Thorpe award, given to the best collegiate defensive back in the country. Barron can play outside, nickel, and safety making him an intriguing prospect at the next level. Round 2: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame A popular name projected to the Bears in several mock drafts in the second round, Xavier Watts would bring good insurance to the safety position. Kevin Byard is entering the final contract year with Chicago, and there definitely health concerns around Jaquan Brisker, one of the bright young stars on the defense. Watts would be able to figure out his best spot in the secondary during his rookie year and then take over in his second. Round 3: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina One of the most athletic performances of all-time at the combine, Nick Emmanwori lit it up in February and was a big topic of conversation for defensive backs. There's no doubting his athletic ability, but Emmanwori may be drafted earlier than expected because of that while he struggles to find his best position. In 2024, he led South Carolina with 88 tackles and was named First-team All American and First-team All-SEC. Round 4: R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson Another athletic safety, R.J. Mickens totaled 75 tackles, including six tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions while making 13 starts for Clemson last season. He's got a NFL bloodline with his father, Ray Mickens, having played for the New York Jets, and is complimented for his high football IQ. Round 5: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas A playmaking cornerback, Mello Dotson was fourth in the country with five interceptions, and he also knows how to take it back once he picks it off. Dotson set a Kansas Jayhawks school record with four interceptions returned for a touchdown, two of which happened in the 2024 season. He'll have to find the right fit and become a better tackler, but his ball instincts are some of the best in this draft. Round 6: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville Quincy Riley knows how to be a disruptor, having 13 pass breakups for Louisville in the 2024 season and added two interceptions while being made Second-Team All-ACC. He'll start out as a backup at the next level, but he's got traits that could see him elevate his career to a starter. Round 7: Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA Another playmaking cornerback who will have plenty room to grow, Zah Frazier makes for an intriguing late-round pick in this year's draft. Making First-team All-AAC, he set a UTSA school record with six interceptions, which also tied him for second in the country, and led the team with nine pass breakups this past season. Last season was the first time he got to shine as a starter at the highest level, and he impressed. Frazier feels like an ideal fit as a project for defensive coaches Al Harris and Dennis Allen to build into a rotational player at the next level. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
