The Chicago Bears wrapped their three-day mandatory minicamp on Thursday, and there was a lot to digest even during the “vanilla” portion of the offseason program.
There are no pads at this time of year, so that means no tackling. It also hinders the ability to properly gauge certain phases, such as the run game, pass rush, or line play in general. There are, however, other things that are clear signs of the team’s plan.
Arguably, chief among them was that the Bears’ coaching staff reflects its leader.
Intensity, Versatility & More on Display in Bears Mandatory Minicamp
Bears Assistant Coaches Bringing Energy
Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s fire was a relatively unknown commodity. He had shown passion as an assistant, but this is his first time as a head coach. It remained to be seen if that would bring a change.
It did not, with Johnson showing his fire during organized team activities, getting on veteran tight end Cole Kmet for improper alignment.
For one, Kmet told reporters that he appreciates that level of attention to detail.
More importantly, though, that was not a one-off moment for the Bears coaching staff. Johnson made quarterback Caleb Williams and the starting offense run plays again, just as he had during OTAs, and his assistants were just as intent on drilling in the details.
Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy was the most notable (at least partly due to proximity to the media viewing section).
He is far from the only one, though.
Assistant head coach/wide receiver coach Antwaan Randle El and defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Al Harris also stood out with their passion during drills and interactions with players.
Kyle Monangai’s Got Hands
Bears’ seventh-round draft pick Kyle Monangai was the 22nd running back taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he figures to open the competition part of the offseason program (i.e., training camp and the preseason) behind veterans D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.
However, Monangai worked regularly with the Bears’ second unit and appeared to work ahead of veteran Travis Homer, who is more valued for his special teams role.
Monangai also showed well, particularly catching the ball out of the backfield.
It is a relative surprise. He caught 38 passes in five seasons at Rutgers, three of which he logged at least 100 carries in, and logged 252 yards and 1 receiving touchdown in his career with the Scarlet Knights.
Swift is an adept pass catcher, and Johnson is no slouch.
Monangai could offer a shifter option than the latter while providing more power than the former, all while preserving the oft-injured Homer for special teams duties.
The Bears also have undrafted free agents Ian Wheeler and Deion Hankins on the roster, but both seem destined for practice squad spots if all else remains unchanged. Injuries, of course, could always alter the landscape.
Former Draft Picks Could Be in Trouble
The Bears bolstered two key units this offseason, and while one set of moves drew more attention, both figure to have a pair of recent draft picks in jeopardy of losing their roster spots.
Defensive linemen Grady Jarrett (free agency) and, even more, rookie second-round pick Shemar Turner are invariably bad news for Zacch Pickens, who has not participated on the field this offseason and is already behind Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter Sr.
Pickens was the No. 64 overall pick in 2023, but injuries have hindered him.
Draft classmate Tyler Scott, selected No. 133 overall, could also see his tenure on the 53-man roster tested.
The Bears signed former Washington Commanders receiver Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency, and they have return specialist Devin Duvernay, a receiver by trade, all challenging for snaps, let alone targets.
Missing Persons Report
Pickens’ absence was not the only, and hardly the most notable. The list of absentees on the field did not always reflect the happenings inside the building, according to Johnson, who also showed little concern about the players missing time.
Still, it is difficult to overlook when the list includes key veterans Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon and premium rookie draft picks Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.
Left tackle Braxton Jones has been another non-participant on the field.
Johnson did say that Jaylon Johnson’s absence, and that of backup safety Elijah Hicks, was excused. The others have all dealt with or are navigating injury issues that have limited their participation.
With one more OTA, that will focus on the younger players, per Johnson, training camp is the next opportunity to gauge the Bears’ overall team health.