Bears DB has zero interest in babying rookie players
CHICAGO – Rookie life is undoubtedly hard. Especially if a rookie knows they're going to be relied on in Year 1. Such is the case with Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears' top two draft picks and newest additions to the secondary. Both players are expected to come in and help an underwhelming 2021 […]
CHICAGO – Rookie life is undoubtedly hard. Especially if a rookie knows they're going to be relied on in Year 1.
Such is the case with Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears' top two draft picks and newest additions to the secondary. Both players are expected to come in and help an underwhelming 2021 group not only improve and produce – they're also expected to be foundational pieces for the foreseeable future.
So, obviously, how the Bears handle both players' development process is absolutely paramount. But, there's also a fine line between babying a player in order to bring them along slowly and completely overloading them to the point where it's a negative and hurts the development.
Per ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Gordon and Brisker ran with the 2s for the majority of the first day of OTAs. It's obviously only the first day of a very long offseason, but it's still interesting to note considering all but two or three of five to six defensive back positions were solidified entering OTAs.
Cronin later asked starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson how he'd hypothetically handle the situation. Johnson made his process very clear.
"I'd throw them in the fire, if you're asking me," Johnson told reporters when asked if it's a good thing for top rookies to run with the 2s. "They're our first two draft picks. I feel like we gotta see what they can do. Right now. I feel like we can [then know what the attitude and what the vibe is heading into camp.
"If I was the coach, I wouldn't ease into it. I would throw them out there."
There's really no experience like playing experience. Especially if that experience is against NFL starters. And you gotta love Johnson's prove-yourself mindset. These guys are going to rely on each other to win games and dig the Bears out of this rut. And they know the league is all about immediate results.
While Gordon and Brisker with the 2s is a noteworthy observation and great information from Cronin, it's just that: a Day 1 observation. So much can -and will- change from this point on. Especially when you listen to what Matt Eberflus said in his own Tuesday presser about Gordon.
From what it sounds like, Johnson should be seeing more of Gordon, at minimum, in the near future. And obviously, that'll be a good thing.
You can watch the full interview with Johnson below:
Featured image via Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
