The Chicago Bears draft class of 2017 came in with mixed expectations. Nearly every media source following the draft itself indicated the group had upside. However, their chances of making an early impact for the team? Not going to happen. This was a class intended to build for 2018, largely thanks to the presence of a new quarterback.
GM Ryan Pace has disagreed with that assessment though. On more than one occasion. He believes that a number of players in the class can contribute right away. People thought of course he would say that. He had to posture for his picks after all. As time has gone on though, it seems Pace wasn’t joking around.
After a fun little preview in minicamps, it was time for the major audition. The first padded practices of training camp arrived on Saturday, July 29th. It’s usually the time when veterans assert their dominance over rookies, right? Well not entirely. Seems a number of the Bears’ top picks came out firing.
Mitch Trubisky leads Bears draft class in strong showing
When hearing about the prized #2 overall pick, much of the Bears media chose to focus on one sequence in practice. It involved Trubisky fumbling three of his first six snaps from under center during his first team drills. It’s easy to get carried away without context. Trubisky never took snaps under center in college or high school. Head coach John Fox also insisted the centers had a bad habit of pulling out to block too soon. A common occurrence in the first padded practice.
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Suffice to say it just means Trubisky will keep working on it. History says he’ll have it figured out in a few weeks. So that aside how did the rookie do in pads for the first time?
Trubisky is really slinging it. Serious zip on the ball. It's very impressive
— Andrew Link (@BearsLink82) July 29, 2017
In terms of throwing the ball, Trubisky has the strongest and most accurate arm. It isn't close.
— Andrew Dannehy (@ChiBearsAD) July 29, 2017
Trubisky ends the day with a strike to Ben Braunecker. #Bears
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) July 29, 2017
There's a lot to improve, but Mitchell Trubisky throws a great ball. The natural abilities are certainly evident.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) July 29, 2017
Who is that man! Trubisky to #TitusDavis #BearDown! pic.twitter.com/DOrIcaqKpu
— Gridiron Assassin (@GridAssassin) July 29, 2017
Trubisky looked how he should’ve looked. He’s a #2 overall pick with a world of talent but is also an inexperienced rookie. There were going to be moments where he faltered a bit. That’s standard procedure. On the whole the kid looked good. He made his reads, got the ball out and was accurate on almost every throw. He even made the proper decision to spike a ball when a defender blew up a possible screen play.
It’s a case of letting the experience catch up to the talent. Once that happens he’s going to be a good football players.
Adam Shaheen is that big and that good a pass catcher
Moving on we have the second round pick, tight end Adam Shaheen out of Ashland. The popular comparison for him is a baby version of Rob Gronkowski. Though he’s not overly wild about that connection, it’s clear why he’s earned it. Shaheehn is a physical specimen with basketball player size and speed to go with a football player mentality. People wanted to see how he could perform against pro defenders after dominating Division II teams in college.
They weren’t disappointed. Shaheen exerted his presence both as a receiver and blocker at times during drills.
Adam Shaheen, with a tough catch while draped in coverage in drills – from Trubisky. Similar crowd reception.
— Robert Zeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) July 29, 2017
Shaheen just hauled in another over the middle over three defenders. His height is going to play into his favor rather nicely. #BearsCamp
— Da Bears Brothers (@DaBearsBros) July 29, 2017
Best way I can describe Bears TE Adam Shaheen: he moves a little like Jason Witten, where it's not super pretty but it's pretty effective.
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) July 29, 2017
Shaheen with a nice block on Floyd. He's really strong and stays low and drives his hips nicely
— Andrew Link (@BearsLink82) July 29, 2017
Trubisky to Shaheen. Your Bears' future. #BearDown. pic.twitter.com/MtAiNC81UL
— Gridiron Assassin (@GridAssassin) July 29, 2017
It was particularly evident how much chemistry Shaheen already has with Trubisky. First appearing in minicamps a few weeks ago, the two roommates seemed to have grown in sync over that time. They connected on a number of positive plays. This could be a tandem that gashes defenses for years to come. No doubt something the Bears are banking on.
Tarik Cohen creating a cult fan base with every touch
The first two were relatively expected. What has caught fans pleasantly by surprise is the emergence of fourth round pick Tarik Cohen. The North Carolina A&T running back came in with plenty of skeptics. At just 5’6″ it was hard to take him seriously as a possible offensive weapon. This despite constant comparisons to Pro Bowler Darren Sproles. Apparently it took just minutes of practice for people to realize those comps might be valid.
Tarik Cohen is definitely as quick as advertised. He's gonna have a ton of highlight reels during his NFL career.
— Chris (54-48) (@ChiKidChris17) July 29, 2017
Get used to this: Tarik Cohen finds the tiniest space in a scrum and turns it into a BIG gain.
— Robert Zeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) July 29, 2017
Tarik Cohen, still speedy. Hits the sideline and uses the turbo boost
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) July 29, 2017
#Bears rookie RB Tarik Cohen catches punt while holding 1 ball, then another while holding 2 balls but drops last one while holding 3 balls.
— Bob LeGere (@BobLeGere) July 29, 2017
Trubisky to Cohan #BearDown! pic.twitter.com/tIYVjfWs3U
— Gridiron Assassin (@GridAssassin) July 29, 2017
Moving forward the Bears knew they’d want to find somebody who can compliment Jordan Howard in the backfield. Preferably a talent with different skills to offer. Perhaps some speed and receiving abilities. Cohen embodies both. His size may not be something he can control, but he also doesn’t let it stop him.
If there’s a hole anywhere in a defense on a given play, he has the vision, agility and speed to find it and hit it. In such cases his size can be an advantage because it’s difficult to track him behind the line of scrimmage until it’s too late. The same as its been with Sproles.
It’s still early. There are plenty of valleys to cross. Still, it’s nice to see that the latest Bears draft class got off on the right foot.
