The Chicago Bears got their first glimpse at the rookie class this weekend. Did anything stand out?
The first rookie mini-camp is not really a weekend where a lot of news breaks. Things are easy on the rookies, as they get together for the first time, and learn some of the expectations that come with practice. This week is more about getting the rookies up to speed to jump in with the veterans for OTAs.
With that in mind, there still are some players who stand about a bit more than others. Some players pick things up more than others, and Matt Nagy was giving his insight on each player as well. There were some things to pick up on. Plus, there was a kicker competition.
The foundation has been laid for most of these players. What are some of the newsworthy notes from rookie mini-camp?
1. David Montgomery looks ready for a big workload
While the practice session was to get rookies up to speed, Montgomery is the type of back who is ready to jump in with the starters in practice next week. He showed up prepared, he showed up motivated, and most importantly, he showed up with an impressive pair of hands.
One of the multiple points on moving on from Howard was the question of passing game usage. Nagy was very positive about what he saw from Montgomery in this area and even highlighted a catch down the sidelines.
‘‘Well, he had a nice catch down the sideline.?’’ Nagy said. ‘‘He’s extremely focused when he’s in practice, which I love. He’s very dialed into whatever his assignment is. He loves being out here.”
Montgomery is an easy evaluation thanks to his heavy college workload. He is a pro-ready back with more versatility than Jordan Howard, which is why the Bears had to trade up to get him.