The Chicago Bears concluded the final phase of their offseason program with mandatory minicamp on Thursday, where most players will now break for the summer.
There were some updates that came out of Halas Hall on Thursday, which featured a shorter practice with situational drills and some trick plays (more on that later). During the two-minute drill, the starting defense bested the starting offense while quarterback Case Keenum led the second-team defense to a touchdown.
Let’s recap what went down during the final day of Bears minicamp. From offensive linemen and quarterbacks catching passes to players who impressed Johnson this offseason, here’s what we learned from Thursday’s practice.
Ben Johnson had offensive linemen, quarterbacks catching passes
The Bears added a fun wrinkle to the final minicamp practice where head coach Ben Johnson had offensive linemen and quarterbacks catching passes from running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. Johnson said the team will do this once a year, and it’s “an evaluation” to see who they can trust to catch the football in those situations. Right tackle Darnell Wright had an insane one-handed catch, backup quarterback Case Keenum had a nice behind-the-back catch and quarterback Caleb Williams caught a touchdown during these drills. The coaches will circle back during training camp based on what they saw in this final minicamp practice. “I think we got some toys to work with,” Johnson told reporters after practice.
Final practice had situational focus, including two-minute work
The final day of Bears minicamp was a shorter practice with a focus on situational football, specifically the two-minute drills. That also included some trick play auditions, where offensive linemen and quarterbacks were catching passes from running backs and wide receivers (as mentioned above). According to Zack Pearson, quarterback Caleb Williams connected with receiver DJ Moore for a touchdown at the start of practice. During the two-minute drill, Williams was picked off by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Per Pearson, “Williams rolled out facing pressure and threw it across his body” and he noted it “would have been a sack possibly as well.” Pearson also mentioned that quarterback Case Keenum led a nice situational drill that culminated with a touchdown.
Caleb Williams made plays with his legs
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is always a threat with his legs, where he can extend plays or take off running with the ball. Williams’ mobility was on display during Thursday’s practice. According to Zack Pearson, “Caleb Williams made a few really nice throws on the run in the first situational drill of the day. Hitting Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. Both throws were a good example of what the QB can do on the run, finding his targets.” Williams has made strides so far this offseason under new head coach Ben Johnson, and that work will continue into training camp.
Ben Johnson’s standout players during offseason program
With the Bears wrapping mandatory minicamp, the offseason program is complete for most players. While the true test will come in training camp next month, head coach Ben Johnson circled back about some players who have stood out to him during the offseason program. Johnson singled out defensive end Dominique Robinson, tight end Joel Wilson, rookie running back Kyle Monangai and rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite, who Johnson said is probably the most improved start to finish. According to Mark Carman, Wilson had “the catch of the day hauling in a 50/50 ball from Case Keenum.”
Bears have one final set of OTAs for younger players, special teams
With Bears minicamp in the books, most veterans will take a six-week break before returning to Halas Hall for training in late July. But Chicago does have one final set of OTAs scheduled for next week (June 9-11), which head coach Ben Johnson noted is for the younger players, rookies and special teamers. Second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze said he’ll be back next week, which likely means quarterback Caleb Williams will also be in attendance.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 takeaways from Day 3 of Bears minicamp
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
