Ben Johnson presser takeaways:
▪️ Roles aren’t being earned yet that starts in training camp. But communication has improved.
▪️ Ball placement is a daily priority. They’re grading Caleb ABCDF in QB meetings, individual, 7-on-7 and team periods. Ben said Caleb has taken it to heart.
▪️ Caleb is doing a better job carrying meeting-room work onto the practice field. Doesn’t need a ton of reps.
▪️ Colston Loveland has been one of the most consistent young players Ben has been around. Advanced in the playbook, always taking notes, good in pressure moments, trusted by QBs/coaches, and his route tree has taken another step.
▪️ Kalif Raymond is not just a gadget guy. Ben praised his vertical push, urgency off the ball, inside/outside versatility, elite quickness and motivation.
▪️ Minicamp goals: establish the standard, handle business, run after catch, pursuit, takeaways and ball security.
▪️ Ben says he’s evolved as a play caller more situational, more focused on tailoring the offense to the guys available and getting playmakers the ball in space.
▪️ Darnell Wright stood out for his professionalism and approach. Ben called him a powerful, right-side tone-setter who can displace people in the run game.
▪️ On defenses having more tape on Caleb: Ben said the priority is mastering core plays first then the exotic stuff can come. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears
📊 Lowest drop rates among NFL rookie pass-catchers over the last 3 seasons, per TruMedia:
Colston Loveland, CHI - 1.2%
Jayden Higgins, HOU - 1.5%
Josh Downs, IND - 2.1%
Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI - 2.6%
DeMario Douglas, NE - 2.6%
Brock Bowers, LV - 2.7%
Chimere Dike, TEN - 2.7%
Jordan Addison, MIN - 2.9%
Rashee Rice, KC - 3.0%
Dalton Kincaid, BUF - 3.3%
Jayden Reed, GB - 3.3%
Tyler Warren, IND - 3.8%
*Minimum 60 targets
Dennis Allen press conference takeaways:
▪️Dillon Thieneman stood out mentally and schematically. Dennis Allen said he saw Thieneman do a lot of different things on the field and liked how he processed information.
Allen emphasized intelligence at safety. He said the great safeties are all really smart, which lines up with why the Bears valued Thieneman’s versatility and processing ability.
▪️Jordan van den Berg was pushed by the scouting staff. Allen said the scouts brought van den Berg to the defensive staff, and the defensive line coaches asked him to watch a 60-play cut-up as a favor.
Van den Berg’s traits jumped off the tape. Allen pointed to his movement skills, power, athleticism, toughness, skill set, and football character as reasons the staff got excited about him.
Fundamentals are a major focus.
▪️Allen said the defense has to become more fundamentally sound, stressing that it’s not just about what they do, but how they do it.
▪️Dayo Odeyingbo is in the mix at defensive end. Allen said he saw a lot of improvement from Dayo during the season before the injury.
▪️Allen believes the pass rush can improve as a full unit. He said if the defense does a better job with fundamentals, the pass rush should improve collectively — not just through one player.
▪️Cam Jordan connection was addressed, but nothing sounds serious right now. Allen said he had a great experience coaching Jordan, but there hasn’t been a ton of discussion about adding him.
▪️Malik Muhammad will get a chance to compete. When asked if Muhammad could compete for a starting job, Allen said everyone will have an opportunity to compete. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears
Both RAS scores are in the top 20 all time at the DT position. One was a 6th rounder the other is a UDFA. They are already great athletes. Their technique can be coached but raw power & agility cannot. Both have great get off. Low risk High reward type of players. #DaBears