Consistency has never been a problem for Mike Hass. As we saw from his early playing days at Jesuit High School and Oregon State, this kid just needs a chance to play.
It's been just over two years since Mike was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 draft. After spending some time on the sidelines, he eventually ended up on Chicago's practice squad, where he still remains.
The offseason started out looking good for Hass, since the Bears released starter Muhsin Muhammad (signed with Carolina) and allowed starter Bernard Berrian to leave via free agency (Minnesota). But since then, the Bears have brought in four wide receivers, including two from the NFL draft. And that doesn't count the undrafted free agents who have joined the team.
"I really don't know what they think of me at this point," Hass told The Oregonian . "I'm there until they say I'm not."
Last year he had a breakthrough when he made Chicago's 53-man roster as its sixth wide receiver thanks to his reliable hands. But he dressed with the 45-man game-day roster just once.
The departures of Muhammad and Berrian seemingly elevated Hass to Chicago's No. 4 wide receiver. But veteran Marty Booker, signed from Miami, is a lock to make the team. Also, Chicago signed six-year pro Brandon Lloyd, whose status is not as strong after he caught just two passes in eight games for Washington last season.
More promising is the status of rookies Earl Bennett, a third-round pick out of Georgia Tech, and Marcus Monk, a seventh-round pick out of Arkansas.
Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said Bennett projects as a starter in the near future and Monk is an intriguing prospect. --Aaron Fentress
Even though Mike has a tough road ahead of him, he's still glad he has an opportunity, whether it's in Chicago or somewhere else.
"Hopefully I'll find my niche in this league."
--JB--