Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Jori Epstein is out on the road covering training camps. Today’s stop: the Chicago Bears.
The Bears named Caleb Williams their starter months ago. Thats instantly allowed him to command the offense. Williams creative arm angles and scramble drills look fluid but hes not escaping the pocket too soon. CB Jaylon Johnson told me this isnt a case of happy feet. Williams has been more patient in the pocket than his reputation might suggest.
Fifth-rounder Austin Booker is joining a relatively established defensive line room but his length, quickness and playmaking have nonetheless turned heads. He could surprise with third-down rushes.
The center battle. The Bears first unofficial depth chart wrote OR in capital, bold letters between Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton. A dependable center is crucial for a rookie QBs success. Chicago needs to get this right.
You know Rome Odunze is a stud from his Washington career. But the ninth overall draft pick has also become a favorite Williams target. Williams found him early & often during both practices I watched. Theyll keep working to align how they read go-balls but the Bears are high on how Odunze can adjust to Williams off-script plays.
Williams is of course QB1, but Bears also feel good about Tyson Bagents Year 2 approach. Defenders broke up then intercepted consecutive Bagent passes during the first padded practice, but Bagents ability to explain what happened & why even before watching film impressed me.
With the Olympics upon us, one Bears safety flew to Paris. Good on Chicago for letting Simone Biles husband, Jonathan Owens, see his wife in action as she won more gold medals.