The Chicago Bears wrapped up their mandatory mini camp on Thursday. They’ll continue with a few more practices next week, but these sessions will focus primarily on rookies and special teams work. Most of the roster has now been released for the rest of the summer and will report back next month for training camp.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson addressed the media on Thursday and was asked which players stood out to him during the camp. Johnson, with a smile, named two players on defense and two on offense who impressed him:
- DE Dominique Robinson
- LB Ruben Hyppolite
- TE Joel Wilson
- RB Kyle Monangai
All four showed flashes of potential, but rookie running back Kyle Monangai really turned heads with his strong performance. According to Johnson, Monangai has been picking up the offense quickly and looks better every day. His versatility and work ethic have already made a positive impression on the coaching staff and teammates alike.
Training camp is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, and it will be fascinating to see how these players continue to develop. Fans and coaches alike will be keeping a close eye on Hyppolite and especially Monangai to see who emerges as a key contributor for the Bears this season. Ben Johnson had one message for the Bears as they prepare for training camp: come ready and in shape. July can’t get here soon enough.
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It’s kind of amusing how even new coach Ben Johnson, who’s been praised daily by almost every regular commenter here suddenly loses credibility when he pays a direct compliment to the universal whipping boy, Dominique Robinson, and of course, that compliment is either “political” because it’s what Poles wants him to say, it’s “motivation” to those that need to do more, or whatever. Is it that hard to believe that Ben Johnson, who has seen every rep of these guys live, as well as watched those same reps on film, and most would probably agree, knows at least as much… Read more »
@Tred I couldn’t agree more, especially hearing the name Dominque Robinson. I have to be honest, after hearing this it’s making my mind drift towards words that are political in nature, words like appeasement, kissing ass is at the top of the list. I’ve been one to openly praise Coach Johnson, but I don’t like what he said in this particular moment. The fans have seen Dominique Robinson play for 2 different coaches with the exact same result regardless of OTA’s. I sincerely hope coach Johnsons word are hyperbole and that in the end the position coaches will make the… Read more »
Well, we’ll see. Anyone here remember the name Tanner Gentry? He was a darling of the offseason, too. And people used him as an example why a failing GM, deserved to keep his job. And Tanner Gentry? He went on to do… nothing. And Ryan Pace? He kept his job seven years, during which time the Bears had one winning season, and went 0-2 in the playoffs. And Pace ran the team into the red trying to hang on. The moral of the story? WAIT until you actually see guys playing in meaningful games before you get excited about them.… Read more »
Who are next: Pickens, Scott, Kramer, Kiran? Psychological motivation at work or grand delusion?
I remember on the third day of the draft, many commenters here said that the Bears totally messed up by waiting to take a RB in the seventh round. I knew nothing about Monangai at the time, but a little research indicated that he ran for 1200 yards in back to back seasons behind Rutgers’s not so good OL. Now, he hasn’t done anything during the regular season on Sundays yet, but, …
maybe the Bears had some idea what they were doing after all.