Dan Durkin
Durkin: Evaluating NFC North Draft Classes
In 2012, the NFC North was the only division in football with three double-digit win teams. On the surface, every team sensibly addressed need positions. However, there are always surprises, both good and bad, and expectations unmet, but in some instances exceeded.
Durkin: Best Available Round 2 Prospects
Phil Emery did it again.
Durkin: NFL Mock Draft 3.0
It’s draft day eve, and NFL fans are downright giddy. This is the most unpredictable draft I can recall in years, simply because of the lackluster quarterback class.
Durkin: NFL Mock Draft 2.0
It’s hard to believe that the NFL Draft is only two weeks away. Several recent quarterback transactions have shaken up my top-10, which has a cascading effect throughout the first round.
Durkin: Emery Attempting To Close Talent Gap
Phil Emery wants to win now. He said it himself, and his roster moves – particularly those in the trade and free agent market – back up the rhetoric.
Durkin: NFL Mock Draft 1.0
The frenzied period of free agency has come and gone, so it’s time to shift the focus to the draft.
Durkin: Finding Urlacher’s Replacement
Rarely, do professional athletes ride off into the sunset on their own terms. Brian Urlacher is no exception. For every Ray Lewis fairy tale ending, you have Brett Favre the Viking, Joe Montana the Chief, Karl Malone the Laker, and Michael Jordan the Wizard.
Durkin’s Playbook: Bennett Gives Bears Multi-Threat Tight End
Mere minutes into the 2013 league year, Phil Emery wasted no time addressing a profound need on the Bears roster, signing tight end Martellus Bennett to a four-year deal worth a reported $20 million.
Durkin: Inside Emery’s Draft History
Let’s turn the tables and evaluate Emery, and look at his successes, failures, trends, and see how well he’s scouted positions the Bears should look to upgrade this April.
Durkin: Explaining The NFL’s Salary Cap
Confused by the NFL salary cap? Dan Durkin is here to help.
Durkin’s Super Bowl Pick: 49ers Win
There’s a strong possibility neither of these teams would be in position to win it all if they didn’t make bold, season-changing decisions.
Durkin: Some Advice Phil Emery Didn’t Ask For, Part II
Here I am again, offering Emery a free consultation on some steps he can take to help the Bears find a companion for their lone Lombardi Trophy.
Durkin: Championship Round Picks
Here’s my take on how the Championship round will play out.
Durkin’s Coaching Breakdown: Darrell Bevell
Here’s a look at Bevell’s strengths, scheme and what type of skill position players the Bears would need to add to properly execute his system.
Durkin: Divisional Round Picks
After a lackluster Wild Card weekend featuring wins by all four favorites, here’s hoping the divisional round is more entertaining. On paper, it appears there will be two blowouts in the AFC, and two intriguing matchups in the NFC. Here’s my take on how this weekend’s action will play out.
Durkin’s Coaching Breakdown: Bruce Arians
This is the second in a series where I take a look at some of the top candidates’ background, strengths, scheme, and what skill position players the Bears would need to add to properly execute their system.
Durkin: NFL Wild Card Picks
There’s a mix of new and old, as three rookie quarterbacks make their playoff debut, while legendary linebacker Ray Lewis announced this will be his last “ride.” Here’s how I think this weekend’s action will play out.
Durkin’s Coaching Breakdown: Mike McCoy
This is the first in a series where I take a look at some of the top candidates, providing information on their background, strengths, scheme, and what skill position players the Bears would need to add to properly execute their system. First up is Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.
Durkin: It’s Time For A Change, Chicago
So many questions, so much speculation, but given all measurable criteria, the need for change is obvious.
Durkin: Week 17 NFL Picks
The NFL’s plan of making Week 17 significant by scheduling 16 divisional games worked precisely as designed. The AFC is all set, with only the top four seeds to be determined. In the NFC, the East division title and the No. 6 seed are up for grabs. Here’s how I think the regular season finale will play out.



