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 rookie 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.
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.
“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.”
‘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.
