The 5 Biggest Takeaways from the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp

The Bears were able to get their rookies on the field for the first time during the rookie minicamp. Thirty-three players were in attendance and got a chance to show Marc Trestman and his staff what they can do. 

From here the team will get ready for OTAs before taking a break until training camp. For the rookies it's a chance to feel the speed of the NFL for the first time and start to get acclimated to their new playbook. 

All eyes were on the five draft picks, and there were some key takeaways from the camp. Here are the five biggest ones from the weekend. 

Kyle Long Is Athletic and Versatile

Kyle Long was drafted to play guard but saw time at right tackle during minicamp. His ability to switch positions can be an asset in the regular season. 

Long has focused on guard since he played USC last November. He has seen time at tackle before and many believe he could end up there permanently as he gets his feet wet in the NFL. 

The reason Long played tackle during the minicamp was because the Bears were shorthanded at the position due to the lack of veterans. Fifth-round pick Jordan Mills saw some time at guard. Mills is primarily a tackle but will have to play multiple positions if he wants to contribute as a reserve. 

There's a Good Chance Jon Bostic Can Be a Starter Come Opening Day

Second-round pick Jon Bostic has a fan in defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. Tucker was impressed with Bostic during the minicamp and said both Bostic and fourth-round pick Khaseem Greene are off to a good start. 

D.J. Williams is the lead man on the middle linebacker depth chart as of now but don't be surprised if Bostic leapfrogs him. He is accustomed to making the calls and has the I.Q. to pull it off. 

 “He’s very comfortable making the calls and controlling the huddle, things like that,” Tucker said. “So those are all positives.”

When asked if Tucker would start Bostic at the beginning of the year he eluded to it being too early to tell.  “It’s a case-by-case deal,” he said. “You just have to wait and see. Our job is to get the best players on the field. 

Khaseem Greene Will Fit in Well

The Bears defense has been a hard-hitting, opportunistic group predicated on getting takeaways. Khaseem Greene's reputation is just that. 

Greene was tied for the most forced fumbles in the country last year with six. He is a converted safety who has only been playing linebacker for two years, but he's generated a buzz for his big plays. 

Greene was also tied for the lead in the nation in impact tackles with 27. An impact tackle is one that holds a gain of one or two yards with no first downs. 

Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Charles Tillman have been the leaders in making big plays for the Bears over the last couple of years. With Urlacher gone, the team needs another player to step in and Greene is just the guy to do so. 

Look for Greene to blitz a lot, help the pass rush and create some turnovers. On a defense that led the league in takeaways last year, Greene will fit right in. 

Marquess Wilson Will Take Advantage of Having a Clean Slate

The reputation of Marquess Wilson took a major hit after the saga between him and his former coach Mike Leach. His draft stock took an even bigger hit but the Bears figured he was worth the risk in the seventh round. 

Now Wilson has a clean slate and an opportunity to make an impact on a team with serious depth issues at wide receiver. Second chances don't happen often, but must be taken advantage of when given. 

“I was just happy I got drafted,” Wilson said. “I was just happy that I got a second opportunity, another chance to go out here and play football again. I just want to take full advantage of that opportunity and be close to the team and just work hard out here for them.”

With Devin Hester out of the receiver mix, Wilson needs to work hard, learn the playbook and take control of the fourth position on the depth chart. 

Wilson seems to have learned from his past and has earned some praise from his new head coach Marc Trestman. Getting on the coach's side could mean Wilson sees a lot of early playing time. 

Do We Need to Keep Our Eye on C.J. Wilson?

One player that really impressed the coaching staff was undrafted cornerback C.J. Wilson. He's a 5'11'', 193-pound speedy player out of N.C. State. 

Wilson was a three-year starter who missed the first four games of last season for the Wolfpack after being suspended. He ran a 4.34 40-time and tied a school record by returning three interceptions for touchdowns. 

The Bears are intrigued by what Wilson can bring on special teams. He has experience as a kick returner and could be a gunner on the outside on kick and punt coverage. 

When training camp starts Wilson could be one of the guys who comes out of nowhere to push for a roster spot.