Alex Shapiro is the Bears beat writer for NBC Sports Chicago and co-host of the Under Center Podcast. He also pitches in covering the White Sox, Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks. A Northbrook, IL, native, Shapiro started his career at KVAL-TV in Eugene, OR, producing the local news. He continued his West Coast tour in Los Angeles with Fox Sports 1. Shapiro moved back home in 2015 to join NBC Sports Chicago.
The Latest
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NFC North draft grades: How Packers, Lions, Vikings compare to Bears
The Bears completely revamped their offense in the early goings of the 2024 NFL draft when they selected Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. From there they added two intriguing athletic talents to their trenches: Kiran Amegadjie on offense and Austin Booker on defense. Finally, GM Ryan Poles gave the team what appears to be a big boost on special teams…
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Bears report card: Final grades for every draft pick this year
If you were out and about over the course of the 2024 NFL draft and want to catch up on all the Bears picks, you’ve come to the right place. GM Ryan Poles completely revamped the offense, added a raw pass rusher with tantalizing traits and selected the best punter in the class. He accomplished a lot of goals and…
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Way Too Early 2025 NFL Mock Draft: First look at prospects Bears may consider next year
We’re one day removed from the 2024 NFL draft, where the Bears completely transformed their offense by selecting quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. So it seems like the perfect time for our first 2025 mock draft! If you’re thinking to yourself, “Surely this is too early for a mock draft,” you’re right! But mock drafts are...
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Mel Kiper shares his draft grade for Bears picks in 2024 NFL draft
As post-draft analysis continues to trickle in, consensus is that the Bears and GM Ryan Poles did an excellent job of improving the roster as the team gets ready to turn the page from rebuilders to contenders. NFL draft expert Mel Kiper recently released his draft grades for every team in the league, and while he was complimentary of what…
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How NCAA defenses adjusted to Caleb Williams, and how the NFL might try the same ideas
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Football is a game of adjustments. Players come in and make a splash. Coaches watch tape then change their game plans. It happens year-to-year, week-to-week, sometimes even quarter-to-quarter. And it will be no different for new Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. In fact, Williams already went through the process a bit during his time at USC. Lincoln…
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White Sox make four roster moves ahead of Rays series finale
The White Sox made four roster moves ahead of their series finale against the Rays on Sunday. The team announced that they recalled RHP Prelander Berroa and selected RHP Brad Keller’s contract from Triple-A Charlotte. To make room for the two pitchers, they optioned RHP Jonathan Cannon to Charlotte and designated RHP Deivi Garcia for assignment. The White Sox...
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Bears draft grades round up: Report card for every pick
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears have wrapped up their 2024 NFL draft and over the course of the weekend, Bears GM Ryan Poles completely revamped the offense, added a raw pass rusher with tantalizing traits and selected the best punter in the class. He accomplished a lot of goals and added a ton of talent. Overall, the team is…
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Grading Bears fifth-round pick: Austin Booker, defensive end
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Just when we thought the Bears may be done with the 2024 NFL draft, GM Ryan Poles traded back into the fifth round and selected Kansas pass rusher Austin Booker with the No. 144 overall pick. The Bears were widely expected to add a defensive end this draft, and there was speculation that could be the…
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Grading Bears fourth-round pick: Tory Taylor, punter
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – With the No. 122 pick of the 2024 NFL draft, the Bears selected Iowa punter Tory Taylor. It was potentially Ryan Poles’ last pick of the year, and he used it to presumably upgrade a big weakness from the 2023 team. Taylor is known for having a monster leg and left Iowa with several NCAA records….
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Bears draft punter Tory Taylor with No. 122 overall pick
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – With the No. 122 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Bears selected Iowa punter Tory Taylor. Taylor was highly regarded as the top punter in the nation with a huge leg. It also likely spells the end of current punter Trenton Gill’s time with the team. For those scratching their heads wondering why the team…
