postcard from bears camp...

Whenever I attend a football camp, I find myself focusing on techniques, cohesiveness amongst players and the one-on-ones. In my opinion, that is where you see the true skill level for players, their footwork and attention to detail. And, well, I came away impressed with the Bears after checking out practice down in Bourbonnais. And guess what? I was impressed with their wide receivers... yup I said it! Here are my notes...

Any pictures taking at the game can be found in our photo gallery - click here!

Devin Hester To put it plain and simple, Hester looks much more polished as route runner at Bears camp. Talk to anyone inside the Bears organization at camp and they will tell you that Hester has had a great camp. What do I see? A player that looks more polished. We all know his lateral speed is unquestioned, but I saw a WR that really exploded out of his cuts. Hester dominated one-on-ones, put some clinic film together vs. press-coverage and showed improved footwork compared to last season. Second year in Mike Martz’s system could produce some numbers for Hester. Roy Williams - the new comer For a big WR, he had control of his footwork, ran clean routes and didn’t look stiff coming back to the football. He doesn’t have the speed of Hester, but there is no question he can get down the field. Is one-day of camp going to change my perspective? No, but I have to say that Williams did surprise me. And if he can win during the regular season vs. press-coverage, expect QB Jay Cutler to make him a prime target. Johnny Knox I'm certain Knox is a little disappointed being recognized as the third wide out, but in Martz system, we will still see him on the field. In my opinion, he is the best pure route runner on this roster and he did add some size to his frame this off-season. Dude pumped some serious iron and ate his wheaties (smile). Earl Bennett When I saw Bennett, I simply thought third downs. Get the underneath crosser with the angle route breaking back to the middle of the field. He is going to see targets again for Cutler. And in this offense he can make plays in crucial situations of the game. Now, I am not going to compare this unit to the core group of WRs up in Green Bay and there is still time to work before the regular season. But with familiarity in Martz's system there should be some solid production on Sundays from the WR position in Chicago. Some other quick hits from practice… - I don’t chart passes during practice, but seeing Cutler’s footwork and velocity on the ball was enough for me. He looks ready to play. -Watching DE Julius Pepppers run through drill work is something to see. Best athlete on the field. - The Bears aren’t tied to former first-round pick Vernon Gholston and I wouldn’t expect him on the roster to start the season. Wasn’t explosive off the ball and didn’t show the ability to win with his hands at the point of attack. - Marion Barber fits as a downhill runner in Martz’s offense and should compliment Matt Forte BIG time. Where does that leave Chester Taylor? Considering that he doesn’t play a role on special teams, he may be the odd man out unless the Bears try a three back field set which would be sexy. - I see good things this season from Free Safety Major Wright. Can get off the numbers in Cover 2 and should make plays as a deep middle of the field safety in Chicago’s man-covergae and pressure schemes. - Expect Sam Hurd to be the No.5 WR on the roster and play a big role for Dave Toub’s special teams. Opposite CB Corey Graham on punt coverage, the Bears have two gunners that can get down the field. - The Bears looked like a veteran football team during their offensive install. Plenty of pre-snap movement and multiple personnel groupings. A lot of moving parts after an offseason that was shut down to the lockout.

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