(670 The Score) As the Bears concluded their offseason program with veteran minicamp two weeks ago, many rookies were in the spotlight.
The Bears are poised to have two rookies start in their secondary in cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker. Receiver Velus Jones Jr. will likely play a key role in the offense. During one practice, four rookies filled roles on the first-team offensive line. Rookie pass rusher Dominique Robinson also saw snaps that would’ve gone to veteran Robert Quinn, who was absent during mandatory minicamp.
Plenty of rookies should get the chance to make an impact in 2022 as the Bears work through a transitional season. Coach Matt Eberflus anticipates young players stepping into key roles for his team, a trend throughout his coaching career.
Eberflus puts his faith in rookies playing, and so too have others coaches operating this cover-2 base defensive scheme.
“If you look back at our system from the Buccaneers to the Bears to the Cowboys to the Colts to here, you will find that we have played young guys fast and they have played very well,” Eberflus said. “That’s what the system does. It’s a system where we rely on techniques and fundamentals and the coach-player relationship. That’s important to us. That’s a partnership. We’ve been able to do that.
“We’re not afraid to do that. We’re not afraid to put young guys in there and let them go and let them play. So, we’re looking forward to our guys like a Brisker or a Gordon or a young guy like that stepping in and playing.”
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When Eberflus served as the Colts’ defensive coordinator, he turned to rookie linebacker Darius Leonard in 2018 to fill a key role in his defense. Cornerback Kenny Moore, who was entering his second season then as an unheralded player, emerged as a key starter. The Colts also put increased trust in young pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, who has since signed with the Bears this offseason.
In 2019, the Colts turned to rookie cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and linebacker Bobby Okereke as new starters in their defense. A year later, second-round rookie running back Jonathan Taylor led the Indianapolis offense from the backfield.
The Bears turned over much of their veteran-laden roster this offseason, trading star pass rusher Khalil Mack, releasing nose tackle Eddie Goldman and allowing veterans like receiver Allen Robinson, defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, linebacker Danny Trevathan, tight end Jimmy Graham and safety Tashaun Gipson to leave in free agency.
First-year Bears general manager Ryan Poles made 11 selections while leading his first NFL Draft, including eight on the third day. Chicago currently has 26 rookies on its roster entering training camp.
It's a sign that Eberflus is prepared to play any young player who's ready to prove his place.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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