Bears Rookie Camp Football
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, right, talks with Colston Loveland during the NFL football team's rookie camp on May 10 in Lake Forest, Ill. Nam Y. Huh, Associated Press
The Chicago Bears completed their rookie camp Sunday in Lake Forest, wrapping up a three-day orientation process for their eight-man draft class. In addition, 10 undrafted free agent signees were on the field along with 23 tryout players, plus six other Year 2 participants.
For first-round draft pick Colston Loveland, the process of transitioning into an NFL offense should come easier thanks to his background. Second-round offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, meanwhile, is pushing to compete for a significant role as early as possible.
Here’s a snapshot of what else transpired and what we learned over the weekend.
The hot topic
While this weekend’s work in Lake Forest was largely centered around the rookies trying to get their feet on the ground, new Bears coach Ben Johnson is also in an acclimation period, running practices for the first time as a head coach and beginning to feel out how he hopes to structure and oversee things.
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Johnson’s methods and plans figure to evolve throughout the spring and summer. But as he dived into this weekend’s work, he said he felt encouraged by the synergy within the coaching staff he assembled.
“It was fun to watch them get their hands on these players and be able to work with them,” Johnson said.
The early feedback on Johnson’s oversight was largely positive. Tight end Colston Loveland, the headliner of the Bears’ draft class, already appreciates Johnson’s high-energy approach.
“I’m a big fan,” Loveland said. “I love his spirit, his energy. He’s super determined. He’s ready to go. He’s ready to take this thing to the top.”
Loveland noted the fire Johnson shows, both in excitement for a big play or in agitation for a careless mistake. “He has a little bit of everything in him,” Loveland said.
“It varies based on what we’re seeing,” Johnson said. “It’s a little bit of a counterbalance and a pendulum. As things go one direction, I like to try to keep things centered to a degree. I think you’ll see a lot of different personality styles come out — not just with me but with the rest of the coaching staff as well — as we work to get to know our players better and learn what they need to be pushed.”
Player in the spotlight
Receiver Luther Burden III, drafted at No. 39 last month, remains proud of the proverbial chip he carries on his shoulder as motivation. “That’s staying with me forever,” Burden said Friday. “Everybody who passed up on me has got to pay.”
The Bears felt fortunate to land Burden in the second round and have placed a bet that his undeniable competitive fire can help fuel his NFL entry. The 21-year-old receiver has promised to continue leaning into the passion he has built up over his career.
Bears Rookie Camp Football
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III warms up during the NFL football team's rookie camp on May 9 in Lake Forest, Ill. Nam Y. Huh, Associated Press
“Football has opened up so many opportunities for me,” Burden noted on draft weekend. “I love football to death. It’s my life.”
The next step for Burden will be carving out a niche in a playmaker-stacked offense that also includes fellow receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, tight ends Cole Kmet and Loveland, and running back D’Andre Swift. But Burden has also quickly jelled with his new receivers coach, Antwaan Randle El, whose own competitive passion should stimulate the rookie receiver’s growth.
“I feel like it’s going to bring the best out of me,” Burden said. “I’ve seen his past history. He’s a guy who’s been in my shoes (as a player). So he knows what to expect and knows different ways to handle me. So I’m grateful to have a great coach like him.”
Burden didn’t finish Saturday’s practice after landing awkwardly while catching a pass at the end of the morning session. But he was back on the field Sunday.
Pressing question
What can Loveland do away from the practice field to accelerate his comfort?
The rookie tight end is a little more than halfway finished with his recovery from January shoulder surgery. And while he won’t be cleared to fully participate in on-field work until some time in training camp, Loveland has emphasized that he is feeling good and remaining active, even with his current limitations in the weight room and on the grass.
“I’m working out. I’m running,” Loveland said. “I’m doing everything — except the weight is not as heavy, obviously. We’re taking that day by day. Stacking bricks and getting better.”
Loveland stressed that he continues to be diligent in taking mental reps and studying his playbook. He also said he has communicated with quarterback Caleb Williams to brainstorm ways they will work on their timing and chemistry amid the rookie’s springtime restrictions.
“Whatever I can do, we’ll do,” Loveland said. “We’ll play it by ear.”
Bears Rookie Camp Football
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland listens to media members during a news conference after the NFL football team's rookie camp on May 9 in Lake Forest, Ill. Nam Y. Huh, Associated Press
‘The real world’
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had a message for linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II after his first NFL practice Friday was a bit bumpy. “He told me in the meeting (Friday), ‘I need a better day from you,'” Hyppolite said. “That was good for me to hear.
“Even though he’s quiet, everything is being evaluated. So it’s all about handling my business. It’s work. I’m in the real world now. You gotta love it.”
There’s an early bond forming between Allen and Hyppolite, with the Bears still feeling out how their speed-blessed linebacker will fit into a defense that already features veterans T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. Hyppolite first began connecting with Bears coaches — including Allen and linebackers coach Richard Smith — during his pre-draft visit to Halas Hall in April. Smith was particularly detailed in assessing Hyppolite’s college film and providing insight into areas where the Bears believe they can bring out his best.
While the Bears were drawn to Hyppolite’s top-tier speed — he posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds at his Maryland pro day — the rookie linebacker has been pushing to impress his new coaches with his defensive acumen and ability to talk ball. Allen, meanwhile, has early visions of what Hyppolite can become, particularly in his ability to be a weapon in coverage.
“The number one thing is he can run,” Allen said Saturday. “With the things we’re going to ask ’backers to do, they have to be able to match up with tight ends, with running backs at times. They’ll have to be able to match up with wide receivers (as well). Sometimes that’s carrying things vertically down the field.
“We’re looking for guys who can run. And then we’re looking for guys who have a physical mentality and a physical demeanor. I felt like he exhibited those things on tape.”
What’s next?
The Bears will begin organized team activities on May 20 at Halas Hall with three days of on-field work that week and another four the following week (May 27-30). The team’s mandatory spring minicamp will take place June 3-5 in Lake Forest.
Today in sports history: Dec. 8
1940: Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins 73-0
1940: Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins 73-0
1940 — The Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins 73-0 for the most one-sided victory in NFL Championship play.
Bill Osmanski (9), the Chicago Bears' full back, is under full steam racing for the Washington Redskins goal line on the second play of the NFL Championship game in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8, 1940. Osmanski went on a reverse around left end and ate up 68 yards for a touchdown. The Bears slaughtered the Skins, 73-0. Washington players trying to put a halt to Osmanski's gallop are Ed Justice (13), Dick Farman (21) and Jimmy Johnston (31). AP FILE
1948: Southern Methodist junior Doak Walker wins Heisman Trophy
1948: Southern Methodist junior Doak Walker wins Heisman Trophy
1948 — Southern Methodist junior Doak Walker wins the Heisman Trophy. Walker over three years scores 303 points, including 40 touchdowns and 60 points after touchdowns.
Doak Walker of Southern Methodist, selected by sportswriters and broadcasters as winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy as the nation's outstanding college football player, holds award in New York December 7, 1948. (AP Photo) AP FILE
1961: Wilt Chamberlain scores 78 points, grabs 43 rebounds in triple OT loss
1961: Wilt Chamberlain scores 78 points, grabs 43 rebounds in triple OT loss
1961 — Philadelphia’s Wilt Chamberlain scores 78 points and grabs 43 rebounds in a 151-147 triple overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Elgin Baylor leads the Lakers with 63 points.
Wilt Chamberlain, the Philadelphia Warriors towering basketball star, balances a ball on a fingertip after a workout in Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1961. (AP Photo/Bill Ingraham) AP FILE
1977: Texas running back Earl Campbell wins Heisman Trophy
1977: Texas running back Earl Campbell wins Heisman Trophy
1977 — Texas running back Earl Campbell wins the Heisman Trophy.
Earl Campbell of the University of Texas gets a kiss from his mother, Ann, as he keeps one hand on the Heisman Trophy after it was awarded to him at night in New York, Thursday, Dec. 8, 1977. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine) AP FILE
2002: Rich Gannon sets NFL record with 10th 300-yard game of season
2002: Rich Gannon sets NFL record with 10th 300-yard game of season
2002 — Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon sets an NFL record with his 10th 300-yard game of the season, throwing for 328 yards in the Raider 27-7 win over San Diego and breaking a tie with Dan Marino, Warren Moon and Kurt Warner.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon shouts orders to teammates during a Raiders' drive against the San Diego Chargers in this Dec. 8, 2002 photo in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi) AP FILE
2007: Florida quarterback Tim Tebow becomes first sophomore to win Heisman Trophy
2007: Florida quarterback Tim Tebow becomes first sophomore to win Heisman Trophy
2007 — Florida quarterback Tim Tebow becomes the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He beats out Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, the first player since 1949 to finish second in consecutive seasons.
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow holds up the Heisman Trophy after winning the award Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Kelly Kline, Pool) AP FILE
2011: Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols agrees to $254 million, 10-year contract with LA Angels
2011: Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols agrees to $254 million, 10-year contract with LA Angels
2011 — Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols agrees to a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels on the final day of baseball’s winter meetings. Pujols’ contract is the second-highest in baseball history and only the third to break the $200 million barrier, following Alex Rodriguez’s $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas before the 2001 season and A-Rod’s $275 million, 10-year contract with the Yankees before the 2008 season.
A person is reflected in the window of a store selling St. Louis Cardinals merchandise, displaying a photo of baseball player Albert Pujols, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP FILE
2012: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel becomes first freshman to win Heisman Trophy
2012: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel becomes first freshman to win Heisman Trophy
2012 — Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel becomes the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, taking college football’s top individual prize after a record-breaking debut. Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o finishes a distant second and Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein is third in the voting.
Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M speaks to the media after becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 in New York. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) AP FILE
2013: Zach Johnson rallies to beat Tiger Woods at World Challenge
2013: Zach Johnson rallies to beat Tiger Woods at World Challenge
2013 — Zach Johnson rallies from four shots behind with eight holes to play and beats Tiger Woods, the No. 1 player in golf, at the World Challenge. Johnson holes out from a drop area for par on the last hole to force a playoff and wins when Woods misses a 5-foot par putt on the first extra hole.
Zach Johnson after he holed out from the drop zone on the 18th hole during the final round of the Northwestern Mutual World Challenge golf tournament at Sherwood Country Club, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) AP FILE
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