5 Takeaways from Chicago Bears’ first padded practice of training camp

The Chicago Bears held their first padded practice of training camp on Friday morning. Several players took advantage of the competitive environment to showcase the progress they’ve made this offseason. We’ve swiftly identified five takeaways from Friday’s practice session.

Caleb Williams thriving

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was electric for portions of Friday’s practice. He delivered an absolute strike to veteran receiver Keenan Allen during a two-minute drill. In a similar situation, he rolled out and located rookie wideout Rome Odunze on third down to keep the two-minute drive alive. Williams has consistently displayed rare playmaking ability, and didn’t change when the pads came on.

Good timing route by Caleb and Odunze. This was on 3rd down to keep the 2 minute drill alive pic.twitter.com/rWnRcR28Te

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 26, 2024

Caleb Williams with a perfect strike to Keenan Allen in the 2 minute drill pic.twitter.com/tGI9e7Thhx

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 26, 2024

Tyler Scott building momentum

Tyler Scott recorded just 17 receptions for 168 receiving yards as a fourth-round rookie. Now a sophomore, reps will be tough to come by with Allen, Odunze, and D.J. Moore at receiver. Scott has done an impressive job building momentum and chemistry with Williams throughout the early portion of camp, however.

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On Friday, he won the day by hauling in this beautiful deep touchdown to win the two-minute drill for the offense after Williams escaped pressure and rolled to his right.

Caleb Williams rolls out and hits Tyler Scott deep for a TD to win the 2 minute drill for the offense! pic.twitter.com/bIrrhzpltN

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 26, 2024

Gervon Dexter looks quicker, more explosive

The Bears are counting on Gervon Dexter to take a sizable step forward as a sophomore this season. He’s been outstanding throughout the first handful of practices. The former Florida standout looks considerably quicker with an improved, explosive get-off. Dexter blew up a few reps on Friday.

Gervon Dexter’s offseason conditioning appears to be positively impacting his get off speed. He just blew up the backfield fast on the third play of this next team period.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 26, 2024

Gervon Dexter Sr. just showed an impressive get-off on the last rep. Blew up the right guard and got in the backfield.

That get-off was noticeable.

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) July 26, 2024

Adrian Colbert roster push

Adrian Colbert is a 30-year-old veteran safety who first joined the Bears’ practice squad in 2022. He’s attempting to make the 53-man roster as the fourth safety behind Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and Jonathan Owens. Friday’s practice helped Colbert as he intercepted second-team quarterback Tyson Bagent.

Tyson Bagent picked off by Adrian Colbert

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 26, 2024

Offense a work in progress

The offense has enjoyed success via two-minute and 7-on-7 drills, but it hasn’t been a clean operation the entire time. False starts were a recurring issue on Friday. Williams, Bagent, and Brett Rypien are still mastering the cadence of Shane Waldron’s offense. It should improve with time.

Not the cleanest practice in regards to the cadence, for the entire offense. Two false starts for the first team unit in 11 on 11 and two back to back just now for Brett Rypien’s unit.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 26, 2024

There have been a lot of false starts in today’s practice. From the first-team unit to the third-team.

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) July 26, 2024