It's hard to get a good read on many of the Bears rookies following their weekend mini camp. There are no pads and no contact so they can only be judged on how they move and react, which makes it easier to judge the skilled players.
Credit needs to be given to Bears GM Phil Emery and his scouting staff because it was clear they found several undrafted players with good talent.
The team signed QB Matt Blanchard who was brought in for a tryout during the camp. Blanchard played his college ball at Wisconsin-Whitewater, yep that QB mecca in the cheese state. I liked him from day one. The kid throws a tight spiral and a very catch-able ball. Granted he wasn't facing any pressure or real defenses, but he has raw natural talent.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The wideouts had three or four undrafted rookie free agents that have the talent to develop into players in the league, however they won't make the Bears roster. Brittan Golden of West Texas A&M and Terrian Crump of Western Illinois stood out. Golden is smaller at 5-11, but quick and is a good route runner with reliable hands. Crump is bigger at 6-2, 225 and adds a big skilled body. he dropped a few too many passes.
Tight end Brandon Venson was also brought in as a tryout and leaves with a contract as well. Venson held his own with 4th round pick Evan Rodriguez. Venson is an Illinois State product and has better size than Rodriguez. It will be interesting to see what kind of opportunity he's given if he makes it to training camp.
All of the draft picks looked good. First round pick Shea McClellin showed his athleticism, but his real test will come when the pads are on.
Nobody showed more than wideout Alshon Jeffery. If he isn't starting by Week 4 of the season I will be shocked. He is the whole package. I promise he is no Juaquin Iglesias. If Jeffery can grasp the playbook he'll be a big time player.
News
Safety Brandon Hardin battled injuries in college at Oregon State, but the Bears liked him enough to use a 3rd round pick on him. Hardin looks like an NFL safety, At 6-3, 217 he moved well and looks like he will be a strong safety.
Corners Isaiah Frey and Greg McCoy were the team's final draft picks. Like most young corners they have to work on technique and are learning one of the toughest positions in the NFL to play. Both looked like good athletes, but they will have to make their marks on Special Teams.