The Chicago Bears rookie draft class is huge, and as the first class Ryan Poles is bringing in, it will be under a lot of attention. How did the rookies do in their first preseason game?
Kyler Gordon
Kyler Gordon missed the game with an injury. The injury appears to be minor, and Gordon has been getting first-team work, but it would have been nice to see him.
Jaquan Brisker
Jaquan Brisker was as advertised for his NFL debut. He moved from the deep role, into the box, and into the slot, playing wherever he was needed. He also made strong tackles and had a near interception. Brisker took over a drive in the second quarter and it looked like it the coaches had seen enough for his debut.
Velus Jones
Velus Jones joined Kyler Gordon on the sidelines, and the hope is that both are not serious. The big question is how Jones will impact the return depth chart.
Braxton Jones
Braxton Jones started at left tackle, and when Justin Fields was pulled from the game, he left the game. Jones had ups and downs as any rookie would, but overall the performance was acceptable and it is becoming obvious that he will start week one at left tackle.
Dominique Robinson
Robinson flashed his athleticism by creating a sack, although it was mostly by capitalizing off of the miscommunication or a misread by the left tackle. Either way, he flashed which is what the team needs to see.
Zach Thomas
Thomas saw a lot of work because he is the backup to Cody Whitehair. Whitehair did not need much work, and it got Thomas in there from the first quarter into the second half. He had a performance similar to Jones, where you saw moments of upside, but also enough to build off of.
Trestan Ebner
Ebner flashed in his debut. He opened the game as a kick returner, and he showed that he was the most explosive back and the best pass catcher in the group. Ebner will need to improve in pass protection, but he already ensured himself onto the roster.
Doug Kramer
Kramer was behind Sam Mustipher and played most of the center snaps in the game. He had some moments but was on the ground a bit too much, and at times looked overwhelmed. This can often be more normal than a performance like Jones, but it is clear why the team still has Mustipher over him.
Ja’Tyre Carter
The Chicago Bears wanted to give Michael Schofield more work after the starters got pulled, so Carter did not get in until the second half. Carter looks good moving in space but has work to do in when using his hands and fighting in a box.
Elijah Hicks
Hicks was able to get in with the second team because Dane Cruikshank was banged up. He also was noteworthy on special teams, which is his path to the roster.
Trenton Gill
Gill was just as exciting as any rookie.