Stock up, Stock Down after Chicago Bears minicamp

The Chicago Bears wrapped up their mandatory veteran minicamp, the last time the entire team will be together until training camp begins on July 26.

As usual, the media portion of the Bears’ practices provided plenty of reporting. Some of it, like this beauty of a touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore, was exactly what Bears fans had hoped to see and hear.

pic.twitter.com/1OMsMPMlUP

— Bears Talk (@TheBearsTalk) June 7, 2024

Other reports were not so encouraging, however. Which players helped themselves the most over the past week? Who hurt their chances of securing a long-term place with the team?

Here’s our Stock Up, Stock Down now that minicamp is over.

Stock up: Rome Odunze

Bears fans saw one of their worst nightmares begin to take shape during the team’s rookie minicamp in May: 9th overall pick Rome Odunze left practice with a reported minor injury.

Mercifully, Odunze returned to practice to the practice field and, according to Matt Eberflus, was one of the most impressive players so far.

Matt Eberflus on whether any particular player caught his attention this offseason: “Rome (Odunze) really impressed us in terms of his ability to grab concepts and execute out there.”

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) June 6, 2024

Odunze living up to his potential is almost as important to the Bears’ long-term success as Caleb Williams. When you look at what the top receivers in the league are earning now and what that means for a DJ Moore extension, having a true WR1 on a rookie contract is like a roster-building cheat code.

Stock Down: Nate Davis

I’ve avoided speaking judgmentally on the Nate Davis situation. I will continue to do so because last year, it came out that his mother had tragically passed away during the offseason, and that was why he missed so much practice.

Once again, Davis is not practicing. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but the fact of the matter is that unless he practices consistently in training camp, he probably won’t have a roster spot after this season and may lose his starting role.

Stock Up: Tory Taylor

Taylor has been billed as a generational punter, and he’s already living up to the hype. According to Herb Howard, Taylor was a menace on Wednesday, dropping multiple punts inside the five-yard line and even kicked a dreaded “coffin corner” punt.

No doubt. He put on an absolute clinic. Had 4 punts downed inside the 5, including one he bounced out at the 1yd line and another that was caught in the air by the coverage team at the 1yd line. He had an additional 3 punts downed inside the 10. And it was a windy day at Halas.… https://t.co/tKHwKU8rqL

— Herb Howard (@HerbHoward411) June 5, 2024

Many analysts criticized the decision to draft Tory Taylor in the 4th round. I have a feeling those critics will find themselves eating those words shortly after the season starts.

Stock Down: NFC North Offenses

By all accounts, this Chicago Bears defense is already humming. They ended 2023 strong with momentum, and they’re looking to carry that over into the 2024 season. According to Kyler Gordon, the goal is to hit 20 interceptions and 20 forced fumbles next year. Watching how they ended 2023 and hearing how practices have gone so far, it sure sounds doable.

One thing’s for sure: I wouldn’t want to have to play this defense twice next season.