CampTour'12: Bears Day 2

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/pos...12-bears-day-2
CampTour'12: Bears Day 2

July, 27, 2012 Jul 27
7:09
PM ET

By Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Let's roll through some thoughts and observations after watching the Chicago Bears' second training-camp practice:

• One of the prettiest plays in 1-on-1 drills came when receiver Earl Bennett hauled in a long pass down the right sideline from quarterback Jay Cutler. Bennett used some crafty veteran contact with his left arm to keep cornerback Kelvin Hayden at bay.

• After fans cheered Bennett's catch, cornerback Tim Jennings turned to the crowd and said: "Hey, we [cornerbacks] play for you guys, too." Jennings drew a laugh.
• The Bears' three-receiver set has been pretty consistent: Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester and Bennett usually in the slot. When Hester was shaken up briefly during team drills, rookie Alshon Jeffery replaced him on the outside. So that gives you a clear sense of the depth chart as it stands now. If the Bears keep veterans Devin Thomas and Eric Weems for special-teams purposes, and that is quite possible, it will be difficult for 2011 slot receiver Dane Sanzenbacher to make the team.
• Special-teams coordinator Dave Toub put out some interesting lineups during kickoff-return drills. Bennett was among those manning a front-line position. Two others were rookies, safety Brandon Hardin and tight end Evan Rodriguez. Historically, it's fair to make assumptions about a young player's chances to make the team based on his standing on special teams. In other words, it's looking good very early for Rodriguez, especially. Hardin was already a lock to make the team.
• We didn't see new defensive tackle Brian Price on Friday, a day after the Bears acquired him in a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because his physical was not complete. The Bears indicated that should happen Saturday. According to the collective bargaining agreement, however, Price must ease into training camp with three unpadded practices before he can join the team fully. So it will be a bit of time before Price is up to speed.
• For those interested in such things, during team drills, it was quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates who relayed plays via radio to Cutler. Bates stood next to offensive coordinator Mike Tice during the process.
• In person, running back Michael Bush proved to be a much bigger dude than I thought he was. The Bears list him at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, but when you see him in a T-shirt on rather than a jersey, you could easily mistake him for a linebacker or even a small defensive end.
• The Bears' first full-pads practice is scheduled for Saturday night. I won't miss it.

http://www.csnchicago.com/football-c...9&feedID=10330

Early standouts at Bears camp
July 28, 2012, 1:24 pm
KIP LEWIS

After two days of practice, a couple of things have stood out at Bears camp in Bourbonnais.

First off, the cornerback position is much deeper. The additions of veterans Kelvin Hayden and Jonathon Wilhite should protect the defense should any injuries occur. It's also clear that they are going to give a good look to rookie safety Brandon Hardin. He moves well for a big guy and most importantly looks comfortable on the field.

Alshon Jeffery picked up where he left off when he arrived at the rookie mini-camp way back in the spring. He can run and catch the ball, and there is no question that he will have a good size role this season in the offense. The key for him will be minimizing the mental mistakes. If he can do that, then he will ensure a spot on the field frequently.

Tonight is the first padded practice, which means we'll get to see how the young players respond to the tempo and physical part of the game going to another level. We will see if first round pick Shea McClellin displays the talents the Bears need.

Quote:

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In person, running back Michael Bush proved to be a much bigger dude than I thought he was. The Bears list him at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, but when you see him in a T-shirt on rather than a jersey, you could easily mistake him for a linebacker or even a small defensive end.

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For me, when I get to stand next to these players, I realize that Bears height and weight roster chart doesn't begin to tell the story. Many of the players, in person, are WAY different than I thought.

Carimi, is listed as a 6/7" 316 pound olineman. What impressed the heck out of me was that he is pretty cut for a 316 pound man. Small waist. Really, he looks proportionately more like a basketball guy than an offensive lineman.

But I also see that Lovie's players must all have low body fat. Even in the NFL you see linemen with guts - but not so much on the Bears.).

Garza, must have a really low body fat. He's "thick" and built like a fireplug (he just looks powerful). Lance Lewis is the same way (that fireplug look). Just built like he's about as deep as wide in his torso (the guy looks like he could seriously HURT you.....and wants too.....just taking the guy's photo made me feel like I'd ticked him off). Everyone else seemed to be friendly. Lewis looks like he's always wanting to kill somebody. He must be a holy terror to face on the field.

When Hester was coming onto the field, he walked right past me. What impressed me about him was his waist looked so tiny. He's a muscular guy with a tiny waist. Built like a greyhound - for pure athleticism.

Anyway, all of the players look "different" in person, at least different than I pictured them in my mind.