Chicago Bears training camp: Standouts from Week 2
Head coach Ben Johnson has established a high standard with this team, which has featured some impressive performances from big names and others looking to make an impact en route to a roster spot. But there were some players who showed up through this second week of practice (Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8), including some top rookies and the most important player on the roster.
Following the second week of training camp, here are the Bears' biggest standouts from the last four practices:
WR Luther Burden III
Following a rough first full practice, where head coach Ben Johnson had to pull him from a drill after not aligning correctly, second-round rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III has been the biggest standout in camp. Burden has showcased his play speed, which Johnson raved about, and his ability to make plays with all three quarterbacks (Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum). Burden's best practice came during the longest workout of the summer, where he was an absolute monster catching patches all over the field (during 7-on-7, 11-on-11, short, deep), including a beauty of a deep ball from Bagent. Burden hasn't been on the field long -- and he's still learning -- but he's already showing that he could be one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL draft.
QB Caleb Williams
The second-year quarterback might've gotten off to a slow start, but Caleb Williams has really come into his own in this second week of practices. He's strung together three outings where reporters were calling each "his best day of practice so far," which shows Williams has made daily progress. Williams has developed a nice rapport with his young rookies, Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III while showcasing his impressive arm talent and, most importantly, his progress in Ben Johnson's offense. Williams' best day came with the longest practice of the summer, where pressure was purposely thrown his way and he still delivered an impressive outing. It wasn't perfect (as the starting offense struggled during the two-minute drill), but Williams made some nice throws to Burden, Olamide Zaccheaus, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and Miles Boykin.
TE Colston Loveland
The Bears' top rookie finally made his full practice debut in this second week, and he showed why Chicago drafted him 10th overall. Colston Loveland's first two full days of practice, returning from shoulder surgery, were outstanding and showcased why Ben Johnson was so high on Loveland -- and how the offensive guru plans to utilize Loveland's impressive skillset. Loveland developed an instant rapport with Caleb Williams, who already has a deep trust in the young tight end, and showcased his impressive speed, route running and hands. Loveland's first full practice featured a leaping catch from Williams over the middle during 7-on-7, and he followed that up with an impressive third-down grab from Williams over the middle during 11-on-11 on Day 6. It's only been a short time, but it's clear Loveland has the potential to be special -- and soon.
WR Olamide Zaccheaus
The Bears wide receivers have been shining bright this summer, where DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and rookie Luther Burden III have stolen the show. But free-agent addition Olamide Zaccheaus has quietly been putting together an impressive camp, where he's developing a nice rapport with quarterback Caleb Williams. Zaccheaus has been a constant presence in the passing game during training camp, and he's showing he can be a vital part of Ben Johnson's offense. One of Zaccheaus' best receptions came on Day 8, where Williams scrambled and connected with Zaccheaus on a deep ball, during 11-on-11 work, for what might be the longest play of training camp so far. According to Mark Carman, Zaccheaus has impressed throughout training camp and Thursday saw "sharp routes" and "diving catches."
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