Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Jori Epstein is out on the road covering training camps. Today’s stop: the Chicago Bears.
About the QB
The Bears named Caleb Williams their starter months ago. That’s instantly allowed him to command the offense. Williams’ creative arm angles and scramble drills look fluid – but he’s not escaping the pocket too soon. CB Jaylon Johnson told me this isn’t a case of happy feet. Williams has been more patient in the pocket than his reputation might suggest.
Rookie to watch
Fifth-rounder Austin Booker is joining a relatively established defensive line room but his length, quickness and playmaking have nonetheless turned heads. He could surprise with third-down rushes.
Keeping my eye on
The center battle. The Bears’ first unofficial depth chart wrote “OR” in capital, bold letters between Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton. A dependable center is crucial for a rookie QB’s success. Chicago needs to get this right.
Fantasy thought
You know Rome Odunze is a stud from his Washington career. But the ninth overall draft pick has also become a favorite Williams target. Williams found him early & often during both practices I watched. They’ll keep working to align how they read go-balls but the Bears are high on how Odunze can adjust to Williams’ off-script plays.
What I saw that was interesting
Williams is of course QB1, but Bears also feel good about Tyson Bagent’s Year 2 approach. Defenders broke up then intercepted consecutive Bagent passes during the first padded practice, but Bagent’s ability to explain what happened & why even before watching film impressed me.
Wild card
With the Olympics upon us, one Bears safety flew to Paris. Good on Chicago for letting Simone Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, see his wife in action as she won more gold medals.
