(670 The Score) The Bears have hit the road as the scouting circuit begins in earnest this week.
The Bears will have coaches leading work at both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl, which each have practices taking place this week. The Bears will also have scouting representation on-site in both Mobile, Alabama and Frisco, Texas.
New Bears quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph will be joined by returning tight ends coach Jim Dray and assistant defensive line coach Justin Hinds as part of the coaching staff for the Senior Bowl.
Last year, the Bears added five players who took part in the Senior Bowl: offensive tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, defensive lineman Zacch Pickens, running back Roschon Johnson and quarterback Tyson Bagent (as an undrafted free agent). Former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy served as a head coach in the Senior Bowl in 2023.
The Senior Bowl will take place Saturday from Mobile. For the first time, the game will feature underclassman.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower will serve as head coach of the East Team in the East-West Shrine Bowl, and he'll be joined by linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi as his defensive coordinator.
The longest-running college scouting bowl, the East-West Shrine Bowl will be played Thursday in Frisco.
With their coaches involved in these two games, the Bears can get a first-hand evaluation and gain insight on the draft prospects playing in each game.
The Bears currently hold six selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, including the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.

