For NFLPA rookie marketing, Bears linemen, defense guys sitting this one out

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The NFLPA represents all players, just some a wee bit more or differently than others.

Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller is one of the 40 rookies invited to the 2018 NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere, put on by the NFLPI, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFLPA. Exactly one of those rookies (Denver Broncos defensive end Bradley Chubb) is from the defensive side of the football. And of the 39 rookies from offense, exactly zero of them are linemen, not even Miller teammate James Daniels, taken a dozen picks earlier than his wideout rookie brother.

Last year, No. 1-overall pick Myles Garrett, defensive end, no. Nathan Peterman, fifth round, yes. (Quarterback, yes.)

In 2016, one defensive guy – San Diego defensive end Joey Bosa.

The 2015 rookie class? Same thing – New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (No. 6 overall), of the 41 invitees, the lone representative from the apparently unmarketable side of the football. No. 3-overall pick, defensive end Dante Fowler, not invited. But Fowler was drafted by Jacksonville, which is not New York on the marketing spectrum. Running back Jeremy Langford of the Bears, fifth round, invited; Washington tackle Brandon Scherff, fifth-overall pick, nope.

All of which says, if you don’t generate stats, we’ll get back to you on this licensing and marketing stuff.

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