Bears' Pro Bowl DE praises the young defensive linemen on the team after making his return at minicamp
The Chicago Bears had their first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and as expected, the team had everyone in attendance at Halas Hall. That includes Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat, who was not present for organized team activities.Having Sweat back on the field during minicamp will be a major benefit for both sides […]
The Chicago Bears had their first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and as expected, the team had everyone in attendance at Halas Hall. That includes Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat, who was not present for organized team activities.
Having Sweat back on the field during minicamp will be a major benefit for both sides of the ball this week due to his experience and leadership ability.
During Tuesday's practice, Sweat did not participate during team drills but is expected to ramp up during practice on Wednesday according to head coach Matt Eberflus.
While Sweat wasn't involved during the team drills on Tuesday, his presence on the field during practice is still a valuable sight for the younger players on the front.
As a veteran player, and one coming off his best season in the league, the younger guys on the defensive line in Chicago will be looking up to Sweat at practice. Most notably, fifth-round rookie defensive end Austin Booker.
Booker got plenty of experience during the Bears' rookie minicamp and during OTAs with Sweat not in attendance but there's more Booker can absorb by having a player like Sweat back on the field next to him. And it only took one day at practice for Sweat to praise the young pass rusher.
"Oh man I’m excited about him," Sweat said. "He’s got the whole make up, to the frame, to the pass rushing ability, he’s gonna be a great player. I just gotta be that big brother for him and be there when he has a question."
As a veteran on the team and on the defense, Sweat quickly leaned into the leadership role in Chicago after the team traded for him during the 2023 season. That role is even more valuable now during the offseason as Sweat passes down everything that he's learned about being a pro in this league.
The Bears' rookie defensive end isn't the only one who caught Sweat's attention. During Tuesday's press conference, Sweat also spoke highly about defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. and what he can improve on going into his second season.
"I think he just needs to let the chains off," Sweat explained. "He has all the ability, the size, the skill, the mind, and he's humble. He's just gotta let the chains off and go."
If the Bears' defense wants to pick up where they left off this season, they'll need to rely on some of these young players as well as the star veterans. Having a player like Sweat back on the field can help set the standard and energy for the rest of the unit throughout the rest of the offseason.
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