Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 NFL season, HBO plans to soldier ahead with its popular series "Hard Knocks" for another year. In fact, they've decided to shake things up a bit. Rather than work with just one team as has been the tradition, they will spend this summer with two. They being the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. This begs the question. Who are potential show stars the Chicago Bears will end up eyeing?
Asking this question is prevalent because GM Ryan Pace established a reputation early in his tenure for acquiring popular names from the show. In 2015 he traded for tight end Khari Lee who earned fame for his impression of Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien. A year later guard Eric Kush won people over with his fashion statements before finding his way to Chicago after being cut by the Rams. Then they scooped up kicker Roberto Aguayo just a day after he was released by Tampa Bay. Something that was aired quite publicly.
Whether intentional or not, it's clear the Bears pay close attention to the series. No doubt they feel it offers unique access to players they can take advantage of in their scouting process. Can't say it doesn't work either. Kush became a quality member of the offensive line for a couple of seasons. So who are some possible names to watch out of L.A. this year?
Chicago Bears will have double the pool of names to watch
Having two teams to watch must sound great for the Bears. It means they'll have access to double the players. There is no telling who will get the spotlight for either team as the storylines sort of unfold organically. That said, here are a pair of names that might garner some attention from each team that GM Ryan Pace might have interest in.
Travin Howard (ILB, Rams)
The Rams defense underwent a ton of changes this offseason. One of their biggest losses was inside linebacker Corey Littleton. So they could see a competition open up for spots there. One name that could get lots of attention is Travin Howard. He was a preseason standout in 2019, making eight tackles in 25 snaps during a win over Denver. He was waived anyway and ended up on the practice squad. Perhaps this is his year to break through despite the team adding multiple new faces. His push is likely to get some air time for sure.
Storm Norton (OT, Chargers)
Aside from having an awesome name, Norton has had quite a unique football career up to this point. He bounced between practice squads with brief active roster stints in Detroit, Arizona, and Minnesota from 2017 to 2019. Then he made the bold decision to head off to the XFL where he joined the Los Angeles Wildcats. There he became the highest-rated offensive lineman in the league. A performance that earned him a contract from the Chargers. Something that is certain to draw interest from HBO.
Norton is known for being athletic and nasty. Two traits the Bears have coveted in their blockers. His big issue was limited strength. Something that he seemed to figure out during his time in the XFL. Both he and Howard could make strong depth options in two questionable areas for the Chicago Bears.
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