Thread: Observations From The OTA's...........................

Biggs: Observations from Bears OTAs

By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 1:42 p.m. CDT, June 6, 2012


One of the reasons Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was benched for a game last season was that he missed opportunities for takeaways.

Jennings said the video ultimately will tell whether he picked off Jay Cutler in a diving play along the sideline Wednesday during the Bears' OTA session, but it appeared he did. Jennings cut in front of receiver Earl Bennett and dove to snag the ball.

“It was a good play,” Jennings said. “I kind of saw it (develop). Earl ran a good route and I was able to catch up. We probably have to take it to replay to see if I really caught it. But we’re taught to finish, even if it hits the ground -- scoop and score and let the officials make the call.”

With Charles Tillman absent from the OTA, Kelvin Hayden lined up opposite Jennings with the first team. Jonathan Wilhite, who rotated in with the first team in the previous two weeks, was sidelined. Wilhite did some running on the side so it’s unlikely he has a serious injury.

Jennings made another fine play in 7-on-7, breaking up a ball intended for Brandon Marshall.

Here are other observations from Wednesday's OTA:

* Wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher made some impressive moves in one-on-one drills vs. cornerbacks. He ran tight routes and was elusive after the catch. It’s going to be a challenge for him to make the roster; the sixth and final roster spot at wide receiver could come down to a battle between him and Devin Thomas, who was signed to a one-year deal and could provide more value on special teams. Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Alshon Jeffery and Eric Weems figure to have spots locked up. It wouldn’t be a surprise for the Bears to keep a sixth receiver but it’s highly unlikely they would keep seven.

* Absent along with running back Matt Forte were wide receiver Devin Hester, linebacker Brian Urlacher, cornerback Charles Tillman and kicker Robbie Gould. Gould is in Memphis, Tenn., participating in the St. Jude Classic Championship Pro-Am. Remember, these workouts are voluntary.

* Tight end Kellen Davis participated for the first time in workouts that the media were able to watch. Davis was watching during the last two Wednesday OTAs. It is believed he was sidelined with back issues. This time, tight end Matt Spaeth was sitting out. Wide receiver Johnny Knox (back) and long snapper Pat Mannelly (knee) also did not participate. Rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, the second-round draft pick from South Carolina, sat out.

* Working at nickel back behind D.J. Moore was undrafted rookie free agent Jeremy Jones, who is listed as a safety from Wayne State. Jones received the highest signing bonus of the Bears’ undrafted free agents at $5,500.

* Is a two-way star in the making? The Bears lined up defensive tackle Henry Melton up as a fullback to block for Kahlil Bell. Maybe they were fooling around, but it could be something we see more of. Tight end Draylen Ross, who has worked with fullbacks in individual drills the previous two weeks, got time in the backfield in team work.

* Defensive end Julius Peppers did some individual work but was replaced by Chauncey Davis in team drills.

* Without Hester, Eric Weems, Devin Thomas and Dane Sanzenbacher handled kickoff return chores. Thomas didn’t help himself by failing to field one kickoff.

* The offensive line remained the same as previous weeks with J’Marcus Webb and Chris Williams splitting time at left tackle. Chris Spencer was at left guard with Roberto Garza at center, Lance Louis at right guard and Gabe Carimi at right tackle. James Brown, the undrafted free agent from Troy, continued to work at right tackle with the second team.

* Undrafted rookie free agent safety Trevor Coston made an acrobatic play over the middle to break up a Jay Cutler pass intended for Earl Bennett. Cutler had gunned the ball over the middle and Coston came out of nowhere to make a difference.

* Major Wright picked off a Jay Cutler pass for tight end Kyle Adams. It appeared Adams might have run the wrong route.

* Fullback Tyler Clutts, filling in as long snapper with Pat Mannelly sidelined, worked for a good 10 minutes on snapping with punter Adam Podlesh after practice.

* The Bears will have their 10th and final OTA on Thursday. Three-day minicamp is next Tuesday to Thursday at Halas Hall.

bmbiggs@tribune.com