ADAM L. JAHNS (THE L IS SILENT) ON KEVIN WHITE
From his piece in the Sun-Times:
How does Kevin White look?
Like a work in progress. His physical gifts are apparent. He’s fast and imposing. But his drops stood out, especially when Jeffery was out of town. White is under pressure to be a difference-maker and is clearly learning the finer points of being an NFL receiver. But I’ll say this: when Jeffery did return for minicamp, White’s play seemingly improved.
Many have larger expectations for White in what will be his rookie campaign. None of those expectations are possible if he doesn’t catch the ball. Whilst other writers – including one for this site – have been leading the White Hype Train, I’ll remain cautiously optimistic.
BIGGS (TOM) CALLAHAN
From his piece in the Tribune:
Cornerback Bryce Callahan, defensive end Akiem Hicks and, not surprisingly, wide receiver Kevin White consistently flashed during the spring. Callahan is the leading candidate to be the nickel cornerback, a position he played last season. He took advantage of ample time working outside while an undisclosed injury sidelined Kyle Fuller. Callahan led all defensive backs with four interceptions in the offseason, a statistic kept on the wall of their meeting room.
“That’s one of the main things Vic (Fangio) was preaching,” Callahan said. “We need more takeaways and more interceptions.”
Callahan has added nearly 10 pounds of muscle to his upper body, getting to him 193 pounds. He felt being under 185 might have led to getting dinged last season. While he’s not tall at 5-foot-10, he has a 41-inch vertical jump and is fluid in the middle of the field.
Callahan’s emergence would greatly improved the backend of the Bears secondary, still the team’s least talented meeting room.
DICKERSON ROSTER PREDICTION
From his piece for ESPN:
Tight ends (3): Zach Miller, Tony Moeaki, Ben Braunecker (cut: Rob Housler, Khari Lee, Greg Scruggs, Gannon Sinclair, Joe Sommers).
* Housler did not participate in minicamp, so that will be a situation to monitor. The Bears seem to like Braunecker, who many thought would be drafted. Lee can still make the team if he stays healthy and has a successful preseason, but Moeaki (if available) is a proven commodity. This will be another interesting position to follow in the preseason.
Braunecker is the fascinating player here. He will quickly become a fan favorite if he hangs on through the summer.
AND SOME QUICK HITS…
- L. Jahns points out that a large chunk of Ryan Pace’s first draft class are now starters in 2016. Pretty damn impressive.
- The transition won’t be dramatic but there is still adapting to do for Jay Cutler, according to Dan Wiederer.
- Mike North, who is apparently still around, thinks folks should ignore the mini-camp hype. (I would agree.)
