The Chicago Bears finished the voluntary portion of their offseason OTA program. While this is not a mandatory event, the Bears had great attendance and it was a good chance for plenty of players to get a head start on training camp when the real battles are won.
So, while this did not decide jobs, or whether a player would break out we saw plenty of tips that can start a steady progression into training camp. Who are five players that may feel better about their status this week than they did a week or two ago?
5. Sam Mustipher
Considering the Chicago Bears’ offensive line was at its best down the stretch, and Sam Mustipher was at the center for that run, it was expected that Mustipher would be in line to resume that role. Still, the Bears made a lot of changes on the offensive line, and Mustipher was a small piece to a lot going on that cause the uptick in success last year.
With James Daniels and Cody Whitehair potentially taking center snaps, there was a question for Mustipher and whether he would be the man. So far in the early reports of OTAs, he has been that guy. Bears beat reporters said he had started with the first team at OTAs on the Hoge and Jahns podcast.
Mustipher also said that he had gained 10 pounds of muscle, and has been spending a lot of time with Olin Kreutz this offseason.
#Bears OL Sam Mustipher said he worked a lot on getting stronger this offseason. Worked with former #Bears C Olin Kreutz in both his offseasons so far.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) June 9, 2021
The Chicago Bears have relied on UDFA contributions from Roy Robertson-Harris to Bryce Callahan, and it typically has taken a few years to get into the lineup. However, the Bears have shown that they will give you the keys to start if you prove you can do it. They do not care about draft status. The arrow is pointing to Mustipher starting at center week one and got stronger at OTAs.