{"id":20172,"date":"2025-05-08T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/?p=20172"},"modified":"2025-05-08T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T14:00:00","slug":"bears-rookies-face-questions-ahead-of-minicamp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/05\/08\/bears-rookies-face-questions-ahead-of-minicamp\/","title":{"rendered":"Bears Rookies Face Questions Ahead of Minicamp"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to Rookie Minicamp<\/h2>\n

Unlike this time last year, the Bears aren\u2019t 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\u2019s a look at the biggest questions they\u2019ll face:<\/p>\n

Positional Battles<\/h3>\n

Is Ozzy right \u2014 or left?<\/h4>\n

Former Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo, one of the Bears\u2019 three second-round picks, started 10 games at left tackle in 2022 \u2014 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

How will Colston Loveland handle the classroom?<\/h4>\n

Colston Loveland, the former Michigan tight end and the Bears\u2019 10th pick of the draft, had shoulder surgery in January that came with an accompanying six-month recovery timeline. That means he\u2019ll 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\u2019t be easy \u2014 tight end is considered to be the second-most complicated position to learn at the NFL level, behind quarterback. \u201cIt\u2019s all mental for him at this point,\u201d coach Ben Johnson said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to learn. Not only scheme-wise, but also it\u2019s technique-wise as well.\u201d 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 \u201cshould be able to go\u201d at rookie camp.<\/p>\n

Will Luther Burden adjust to a new role?<\/h4>\n

Ex-Missouri receiver Luther Burden, another second-round pick, is the best bet to be the star of rookie minicamp. He\u2019s talented and motivated, having spent trained at the Tigers\u2019 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\u2019 fifth receiving option \u2014 or worse\u2014 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\u2019t be the fifth option for long.<\/p>\n

Is Kyle Monangai an answer to the Bears\u2019 RB issues?<\/h4>\n

The Bears entered the offseason needing a running mate for D\u2019Andre Swift and instead made Rutgers\u2019 Kyle Monangai the 22nd running back taken in the draft this year. He\u2019s a physical runner \u2014 no one in the Big Ten had more rushing yards the past two seasons \u2014 and willing blocker. He\u2019s sure-handed, too \u2014 Monangai never fumbled in college. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n