Chicago Bears Report Card: Grading the Rookies Heading in to Week 2

The Chicago Bears looked impressive Sunday in their 30-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. While we've already gone through what we've learned, this time we focus specifically on the rookies.

Around the league, more undrafted free agent rookies made final rosters than ever before (partly as a result of the lockout and shorter windows of evaluation). Teams like the Bears brought in a lot of these players, and a few did stick.

For the Bears, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, HB/TE Kyle Adams, DE Mario Addison, LB Dom DeCicco and S Winston Venable all made the squad.

But for this group, in addition to the rookies the Bears drafted, the hard part comes as they try to make an impact with the team. 

So let's take the rookies away from their hazing for a moment and focus on their report cards after the preseason and one week of real football. 

Dane Sanzenbacher, WR

Sanzenbacher has looked good throughout camp as a tough, possession-type receiver who can go get the ball in the slot.

Another undrafted free agent who has come a long way to make the team, Sanzenbacher has been impressive.

GRADE: B

Dom DeCicco, LB

DeCicco had a good first preseason game, followed by a very rough second game. It was his failed block that led to the blocked punt.

But DeCicco came back and played well enough that he made the roster as an undrafted free agent.

GRADE: B-

Kyle Adams, HB/TE

Adams is a tight end/fullback who surprisingly made the team as an undrafted free agent.

I just haven't seen enough of him to give him a grade.

GRADE: Incomplete

Mario Addison, DE

Addison is another undrafted rookie who made the Bears. He has an explosive first step and an ability to rush the passer.

Addison has looked good so far.

GRADE: C+

Winston Venable, S

Venable's biggest impact this season will likely be on special teams. He is aggressive, as Corey Graham will tell you.

"He’s fast, he’s tough and he plays with reckless abandon," Bears special-teams ace Corey Graham said of Venable. "He’s exactly the type of player you look for on special teams."

Venable will eventually get a chance on defense; he made the Bears’ roster as an undrafted free agent because he hits hard, hits often and plays special teams.

GRADE: B

Gabe Carimi, RT

Carimi has basically held his own throughout camp, and while he made some rookie mistakes in his first game against the Falcons, he did alright for a rookie.

A left tackle in college, the Bears are starting Carimi at right tackle due to concerns about his athleticism and footwork.

But if J'Marcus Webb continues to struggle, perhaps Mike Tice will try Carimi on Jay Cutler's blind side.

No matter what, I have high expectations for the kid, which is why he only gets an average grade for now. But as a first-round pick, he should be able to improve as the season goes along.  

GRADE: C

Stephen Paea, DT

Paea was an exciting prospect coming out of the draft, with a nasty temperament and a strong work ethic. The former Australian rugby player seemed perfect for the 3-technique vacated by the departing Tommie Harris.

But Paea has been awfully quiet all throughout camp with nary a word said about him other than he was recovering from a knee injury, and he was inactive for the opener last Sunday.

Paea injured his knee at the Senior Bowl last January and had surgery afterward. He's still not completely healthy, so it's too soon to know if he will be a bust or boon at the position.

Meanwhile, the Bears will proceed slowly with him, so I wouldn't expect much from him in 2011—especially in the early games.

GRADE: Incomplete

Chris Conte, S

Conte had seven tackles and one pass defended in three preseason games, but he went out of the Browns game with a head injury in the third quarter and did not return.

Conte was fairly impressive in camp and did get into the opener, though he did not contribute any numbers.

Overall, he's played corner and safety, and at 6'2", has good size and could be a find for the Bears.

GRADE: B-

J.T. Thomas, LB

Thomas was drafted by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. After an unspectacular preseason, the Bears placed Thomas on injured reserve with a back injury, meaning he will miss the entire season.

Thomas had been sidelined with injuries during the preseason and never really showed much when he did play.

GRADE: Incomplete

Nathan Enderle, QB

Enderle was Mike Martz's pick, and he is the QB they are grooming to be Cutler's backup for next season.

Right now, however, Caleb Hanie is the backup.

Enderle looked good in limited action in camp, but he is not very mobile. He does have a strong arm and has been about average so far.

GRADE: C