Three players who hurt their stock the most during the Chicago Bears' mandatory minicamp
The Chicago Bears have all eyes set on training camp after wrapping up a week of mandatory minicamp last week.While everyone was in attendance during the week of practice, not everyone participated in full and not everyone was able to show out during the week.By the end of training camp, the Bears will be required […]
The Chicago Bears have all eyes set on training camp after wrapping up a week of mandatory minicamp last week.
While everyone was in attendance during the week of practice, not everyone participated in full and not everyone was able to show out during the week.
By the end of training camp, the Bears will be required to make some cuts on the roster to get down to 53 names. Here are three players who hurt their stocks the most during minicamp that will need to step it up during training camp to stay on the team.
1. RG Nate Davis
It's hard to imagine seeing a $30 million name on this list but right guard Nate Davis' availability in practice has been disappointing to say the least. Davis should easily be listed as the starter at the position up-front but at this point who knows considering he's barely been able to practice during team drills.
Following the week of practice, head coach Matt Eberflus was once again asked about what will happen at the position and it seemed like even he is a little frustrated.
"I don't know yet," Eberflus said. "I think we'll see how it goes. We had [Ryan] Bates there, and he's played there. [Coleman] Shelton's played there and at center. Davis has played there… he's been our starter. I expect him to be in there [at right guard]."
As for whether or not Davis will be ramped up and full go by training camp, Eberflus said "I don't think so" and that he doesn't know that for 100 percent. If Davis is on the field, he's the clear starter at right guard. But if that continues to be the case, everyone should start wondering when he's going to live up to his sizable contract.
2. DE Dominque Robinson
Heading into training camp, the Bears have nine edge rushers listed on the roster and six interior defensive lineman. With two spots still open on the 90-man roster, there's still an outside shot a veteran gets added to the front before the team returns.
That means there's going to be a lot of competition to determine who remains on the roster at the position going into the 2024 season. Off the edge, the Bears should have three players locked in to make the team: Montez Sweat, DeMarcus Walker and rookie Austin Booker. Last year, the Bears kept nine total defensive linemen and waived three edge rushers following training camp.
With Sweat back on the field during minicamp, we got a better look at how the position group looks from top to bottom. However, it's hard to evaluate the players up-front without pads and with contact limited.
Still, Sweat spoke highly of Booker and veteran free agent signee Jacob Martin. If the Bears add another vet off the market, that could be the group that gets kept including Walker. That could mean the end for former fifth-round pick Dominque Robinson unless he starts to gain more attention during training camp.
3. TE Tommy Sweeney
We all know by now how much offensive coordinator Shane Waldron loves his tight ends and running multiple tight end sets. That's a major reason why undrafted rookie Brenden Bates and veteran try-out Tommy Sweeney managed to land on the roster following rookie minicamp.
The Bears already have their clear established starters in Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett. After yesterday's news that the team will be looking to re-sign veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, the position is starting to get cramped.
With those three at the top of the position, the Bears have plenty of experienced players and could be looking to keep the players with a higher ceiling on the practice squad in Stephen Carlson or Bates. This makes Sweeney the odd man out and I feel that Lewis coming back is the end for Sweeney's comeback opportunity in Chicago.
Caleb Williams describes the biggest challenge he’s faced learning the new offense during minicamp
He’s had a lot of learning moments.
