The Chicago Bears have high expectations for their 2018 rookie class. Many experts have stated on several occasions that it is one of the best, on paper, in the league this year. Still, these experts are mostly media men and former scouts who never really served at the top level in the NFL. So what would happen when a former general manager offered his own opinion on the group?
That opportunity arrived when Phil Savage paid a visit to Bears training camp on Thursday. Prior to becoming the primary administrator for the Senior Bowl, he was a longtime executive in the NFL. He’s most notable for serving as GM of the Cleveland Browns from 2005 to 2008. During that span, they drafted notable names such as Braylon Edwards, D’Qwell Jackson and future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas.
So it’s safe to say the man has a fair idea of what good players look like. That’s why it was so encouraging to hear his assessments of a few names from training camp that stood out. Names he feels should have an immediate impact on the Bears’ fortunes this coming season.
Anthony Miller and Kylie Fitts shined during Chicago Bears camp
It didn’t take long for savage to zero in on the man who’s been making Bears camp his personal playground since things back earlier this month. Wide receiver Anthony Miller was a huge favorite of draft experts coming out of Memphis. They feel he can be a special receiver thanks to his unique mix of quickness and sharp route running. Savage seems to concur.
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“Based on what I saw today at Chicago Bears camp, Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller is going to be an immediate contributor as a rookie. Arguably, the best player on the field this morning. Super quick, sticky hands and production usually adds up to NFL success.”
im not lying when i say anthony miller might finish as wr1 when the seasons done pic.twitter.com/kcW7zbr3oc
— BK (@bvks_) July 24, 2018
It’s true. Miller has put on a show during each and every practice. He isn’t just making the occasional nice catches. He’s going up against established starters like Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara and beating them multiple times. This is how polished a receiver he already is. The Bears coaching staff and quarterback Mitch Trubisky love him and believe he’ll be a big contributor this year.
He wasn’t alone though.
Savage later said there was another standout, one that might be a bit more surprising to the mainstream fans. It was sixth round pick, Kylie Fitts.
“Another observation from Chicago Bears training camp, 6th round pick Kylie Fitts of Utah is off to a fast start as a pass rushing outside linebacker. Natural bend and burst, he has been very impressive thus far, in my opinion.”
Fitts is a fascinating case. It looked like he was destined for stardom in college after a strong sophomore year in which he had seven sacks. Sadly, as is often the case with many players, he ran into injury problems. He missed all but one game in 2016 and another five games in 2017 with foot and other injuries. This is why he fell so far in the draft.
At the same time, there was a buzz about him. He shined during the Senior Bowl practices. Bears coaches even said they felt Fitts was a steal where they eventually picked him. That his talent far exceeded his draft position. Based on what Savage said, it’s turning out to be true. This could be great news for the Bears defense, who desperately need more help at the edge rush position.
