Introduction to Rookie Minicamp
Unlike this time last year, the Bears aren’t using their rookie minicamp to break in a starting quarterback. The practices, though, will still have some intrigue. The Bears will test out their eight rookie draft picks, undrafted free agent additions and tryout players for three days starting Friday at Halas Hall. On the eve of rookie minicamp, here’s a look at the biggest questions they’ll face:
Positional Battles
Is Ozzy right — or left?
Former Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo, one of the Bears’ three second-round picks, started 10 games at left tackle in 2022 — and then moved to the right side for the final 24 starts of his college career. He figures to see some action on the left side during the rookie camp; the bigger question will be where he lines up once the Bears’ full roster gathers later this month. Left tackle Braxton Jones is recovering from ankle surgery and is entering the final year of his contract. His path to a starting job is cleaner if he has to beat out Trapilo at left tackle than if the Bears decide to move Darnell Wright from the right side to the left. Kiran Amegadjie, a third-round pick a year ago, can play both sides, too.
How will Colston Loveland handle the classroom?
Colston Loveland, the former Michigan tight end and the Bears’ 10th pick of the draft, had shoulder surgery in January that came with an accompanying six-month recovery timeline. That means he’ll have to spend the rest of the offseason merely watching. Tight ends coach Jim Dray, one of two assistants left over from the Matt Eberflus era, is in charge of getting him up to speed. It won’t be easy — tight end is considered to be the second-most complicated position to learn at the NFL level, behind quarterback. “It’s all mental for him at this point,” coach Ben Johnson said. “There’s a lot to learn. Not only scheme-wise, but also it’s technique-wise as well.” Shemar Turner, the Texas A&M defensive tackle the Bears also took in Round 2, is recovering from a stress fracture in his shin but predicted he “should be able to go” at rookie camp.
Will Luther Burden adjust to a new role?
Ex-Missouri receiver Luther Burden, another second-round pick, is the best bet to be the star of rookie minicamp. He’s talented and motivated, having spent trained at the Tigers’ facility late into the night after being passed over in the first round. Burden will be tested during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, though, when he becomes the Bears’ fifth receiving option — or worse— behind DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Loveland and Cole Kmet. Going from the centerpiece of a college offense to a complementary role has the potential to frustrate Burden. Channel it the right way, and he won’t be the fifth option for long.
Is Kyle Monangai an answer to the Bears’ RB issues?
The Bears entered the offseason needing a running mate for D’Andre Swift and instead made Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai the 22nd running back taken in the draft this year. He’s a physical runner — no one in the Big Ten had more rushing yards the past two seasons — and willing blocker. He’s sure-handed, too — Monangai never fumbled in college. It’s hard for running backs to prove much on the field before pads come on, but a strong month from the rookie could stave off any temptation to add a veteran closer to training camp.
Conclusion
The upcoming rookie minicamp presents an opportunity for the Bears’ rookies to showcase their skills and begin their journey to becoming integral parts of the team. With questions surrounding positions and roles, the next few days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of these young players. As they navigate the challenges of the NFL, their performances will be closely watched, and their growth will be pivotal to the team’s success.
FAQs
- Q: Who are the key rookies to watch during the Bears’ minicamp?
A: Ozzy Trapilo, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Kyle Monangai are among the key rookies to watch. - Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the rookies?
A: Positional battles, learning the playbook, and adjusting to new roles are among the biggest challenges. - Q: How will the performances during minicamp impact the team’s decisions?
A: Strong performances can solidify positions and roles, while struggles may lead to additional roster moves before training camp.
