Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2016 5:47:00 GMT -6
Bears at midseason: Rookie progress report
Rich Campbell Contact Reporter
John Fox's record of overseeing Year 2 turnarounds in his previous two coaching stops initially fueled intrigue about this Bears season. But the top focus was always long-term building, and now that the so-called Fox Bump has failed to materialize during a 2-6 start, the importance of developing young players is amplified.
So what progress have the Bears prospects made through the first half of the season? We examine the 2016 draft picks and other top rookies with an eye on their development and the organization's big picture.
Leonard Floyd, OLB, first round
First-half impressions: With three sacks in the last two games, including one that resulted in a fumble recovery and touchdown against the Packers, Floyd ended the first half on a significant uptick. Suddenly, he replaced concerns about his durability and consistency with flashes of potential. But since training camp began, various maladies have sidelined him for 2 1/2 games and five practices and limited him in nine other practices. Coaches have lamented how that has stunted his development. When he has been on the field, Floyd has demonstrated functional football strength, but some linemen have controlled him without much trouble. Floyd at least has become more powerful with his initial punch.
Second-half focus: First and foremost, Floyd must stay healthy. Coaches continue to evolve his pass-rush plan, focusing on using certain moves to set up others. They want Floyd to use speed-to-power, which he did on his sack against the Vikings, as opposed to power-to-speed. His hand-fighting techniques should improve. The Bears will get him on a substantial strength-building regimen, but that will wait until the offseason.
Extra point: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and his staff were developing pass-rush packages to feature Floyd but had to shelve them when Lamarr Houston's Week 2 knee injury depleted their outside linebacker rotation. Now that Pernell McPhee is back and Floyd is healthy, expect Floyd to line up in various spots for rushes designed to free him.
Cody Whitehair
Cody Whitehair, C, second round
First-half impressions: The organization threw Whitehair into the proverbial fire in Week 1 by moving him to center after he practiced mostly at left guard in camp and played predominantly at left tackle at Kansas State. The expected growing pains surfaced in the form of multiple fumbled center-quarterback exchanges. Whitehair struggled with his anchor at times against powerful tackles on the Texans, Eagles and Jaguars. But his upside is evident in how he corrects mistakes, his athletic footwork and his strong hands.
Second-half focus: As Whitehair has gotten more comfortable with the physical techniques and mental responsibilities of the position, he has played faster, stronger and cleaner. That should continue. Coaches hope he communicates clearer and quicker. "And just continue to work on his confidence," line coach Dave Magazu said. "It's like, 'Hey, you see it. Go ahead and make (the call).' I think that comes with time and experience."
Extra point: As Whitehair continues to develop at center, it's easy to see why the Bears would keep him there long term. He's strong, athletic and smart. Plus, the Bears have paid guards Kyle Long and Josh Sitton. What does that mean, then, for injured center Hroniss Grasu, the 2015 third-round pick? The Bears will cross that bridge in the offseason after Grasu completes his recovery from August surgery to reconstruct the ACL in his right knee. The glass-half-full view: Having depth is a good thing.
Jonathan Bullard
Jonathan Bullard, DE, third round
First-half impressions: Bullard's transition from Florida's scheme to the Bears' has been slow but steady. In college, he was asked to penetrate the backfield, which highlighted his knack for getting off the ball quickly. In contrast, the Bears put more of an emphasis on occupying space and holding up offensive linemen from getting to the second level. Bullard is getting better at using his hands to knock linemen back. That's especially important because at 290 pounds, he's not the mammoth presence Eddie Goldman is.
Second-half focus: As Goldman could attest from his rookie season last year, hand placement and hand-fighting technique are two of the biggest keys to separating from offensive linemen and shedding blocks. Bullard should continue to improve in that department.
Extra point: Bullard has played 29 percent of the snaps in the games he has played. Line coach Jay Rodgers was excited by how he destroyed a Vikings series Monday night. On second-and-3, Bullard penetrated to make the tackle for a 1-yard gain. On third-and-2, he pushed the right guard back, allowing safety Adrian Amos to make the tackle 1 yard short of the first down.
Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, fourth round
First-half impressions: A strained hamstring early in camp cost him valuable developmental time, especially because he's firmly behind veterans Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman on the depth chart. But coaches like his instincts, his ability to run and close on the ball and his toughness.
Second-half focus: If Trevathan and Freeman stay healthy, Kwiatkoski will have to continue developing on special teams and situationally on defense. Mental components to the game, such as reading formations and run/pass keys, are his challenges.
Extra point: Coaches like his versatility. He's viable in pass coverage, particularly because he played safety in high school, although he didn't get enough depth on a 29-yard play-action pass during the Jaguars' comeback in Week 6.
Deon Bush
Deon Bush, S, fourth round
First-half impressions: Coaches lauded Bush's pass-coverage range during camp, and that was evident on the practice field in non-contact situations. But a head and neck injury during the second exhibition game cost him reps and buried him on the depth chart.
Second-half focus: Coaches have challenged Bush to better grasp the mental components of playing safety, specifically being in the right position on time.
Extra point: Safeties coach Sam Garnes recently said he isn't sure when Bush goes home every night because he consistently stays late to study. "If he makes mistakes, I let him know that you're not going to play if you make these mistakes," Garnes said. "You've got to be perfect when you try to take someone's spot."
Deiondre' Hall, CB, fourth round
First-half impressions: Hall's lauded length (34 3/8-inch arms) paid preseason dividends with several pass breakups. But he has many details to master as he transitions from the FCS level, including understanding leverages, when to give ground to receivers and when to take chances.
Second-half focus: Hall's right ankle remained in a cast as recently as Halloween because of the nasty sprain he suffered Sept. 29. There's no timetable for his return, but the Bears have kept him on the roster in hopes they can squeeze some development out of him, even if it's in December.
Extra point: Hall averaged 10 special teams snaps per game until he was injured.
Jordan Howard
Jordan Howard, RB, fifth round
First-half impressions: Howard's opportunity to play coincided with the offensive line settling in after the Week 1 upheaval and some relatively favorable matchups. He made the most of that with his physical style and ability to read defenses in the Bears' zone scheme. In averaging 5.1 yards per carry, he's the Bears' most valuable offensive player through eight games.
Second-half focus: Despite Howard's production, coaches see significant room for improvement. Sometimes he's impatient with his reads and cuts, running backs coach Stan Drayton said. "Linebacker fits, safety fits, being able to get a pre-snap read, a post-snap feel — all those things come along the more you play," Drayton said. Howard also must be more decisive with his pass-blocking reads and knowing when to get into a pass route.
Extra point: Howard has 505 rushing yards on 99 carries despite not playing on offense in Week 1. That puts him on pace for 1,082 yards. The franchise rookie rushing record belongs to Matt Forte with 1,238 in 2008.
DeAndre Houston-Carson
DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, sixth round
First-half impressions: He played 67 percent of the special teams snaps in the first five games before being demoted. The Bears like his speed and believe he's very intelligent, but he committed three penalties in the first four games.
Second-half focus: Houston-Carson fits into the organization's plan as a core special teamer, but he has to learn the nuances of special teams in order to avoid penalties and make a positive impact. Those involve positioning against blockers and the timing of disengaging blocks.
Extra point: Whether Houston-Carson is active for upcoming games will depend partly on others' health. As players come back and as Bush gets his opportunity, he'll be subjected to the inactive list as a healthy scratch.
Daniel Braverman, WR, seventh round
First-half impressions: During camp practices, Braverman repeatedly demonstrated the ability to find holes in the defense. He was sure-handed and seemed to click with the backup quarterbacks. But that didn't translate to production in exhibition games.
Second-half focus: He must continue to bide his time on the practice squad. "Sometimes younger players run a route a little too deep or a little too shallow," receivers coach Curtis Johnson said. "Once he gets that down and the physicality of the game — he needs to understand when I have to go down, when I have to get the first down."
Extra point: Whether Braverman is promoted will depend on the health and production of receivers on the active roster. Keep an eye on Eddie Royal (toe) and return man Deonte Thompson. Thompson averaged 15 offensive snaps in the last two games, which Royal missed.
Cre'Von LeBlanc, CB, undrafted
First-half impressions: After the Bears claimed him off waivers from the Patriots during final cuts, it took him only three weeks to take over as the slot cornerback. Coaches have raved about his ball production in practices that have been closed to media. They like his football IQ, saying he takes coaching well and understands defensive strategy. They trust his ability to mirror receivers in man coverage.
Second-half focus: The Bears would be best off if they could keep the 5-foot-9 LeBlanc in the slot, allowing him to develop his understanding of leverage and spacing, which are critical to that position. But Bryce Callahan's lingering hamstring problem forced LeBlanc to the outside against the Vikings. Let's see if the week off helps reset things.
Extra point: LeBlanc has struggled fielding punts as a fill-in for Royal, tending to let them bounce.
Ben Braunecker, TE, undrafted
First-half impressions: Braunecker's development as a pass catcher was derailed by a sprained right ankle early in camp. But since his Week 4 promotion from the practice squad, he has played 67 percent of special teams snaps.
Second-half focus: Assuming Braunecker remains behind Zach Miller and Logan Paulsen, he must push forward on the scout team offense by developing his blocking techniques. He has played eight offensive snaps in each of the last two games, so there's room for him to contribute.
Extra point: The Bears have four tight ends on the active roster after claiming Daniel Brown off waivers Oct. 24. We'll see if they stick with that or go back to three.
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
Rich Campbell Contact Reporter
John Fox's record of overseeing Year 2 turnarounds in his previous two coaching stops initially fueled intrigue about this Bears season. But the top focus was always long-term building, and now that the so-called Fox Bump has failed to materialize during a 2-6 start, the importance of developing young players is amplified.
So what progress have the Bears prospects made through the first half of the season? We examine the 2016 draft picks and other top rookies with an eye on their development and the organization's big picture.
Leonard Floyd, OLB, first round
First-half impressions: With three sacks in the last two games, including one that resulted in a fumble recovery and touchdown against the Packers, Floyd ended the first half on a significant uptick. Suddenly, he replaced concerns about his durability and consistency with flashes of potential. But since training camp began, various maladies have sidelined him for 2 1/2 games and five practices and limited him in nine other practices. Coaches have lamented how that has stunted his development. When he has been on the field, Floyd has demonstrated functional football strength, but some linemen have controlled him without much trouble. Floyd at least has become more powerful with his initial punch.
Second-half focus: First and foremost, Floyd must stay healthy. Coaches continue to evolve his pass-rush plan, focusing on using certain moves to set up others. They want Floyd to use speed-to-power, which he did on his sack against the Vikings, as opposed to power-to-speed. His hand-fighting techniques should improve. The Bears will get him on a substantial strength-building regimen, but that will wait until the offseason.
Extra point: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and his staff were developing pass-rush packages to feature Floyd but had to shelve them when Lamarr Houston's Week 2 knee injury depleted their outside linebacker rotation. Now that Pernell McPhee is back and Floyd is healthy, expect Floyd to line up in various spots for rushes designed to free him.
Cody Whitehair
Cody Whitehair, C, second round
First-half impressions: The organization threw Whitehair into the proverbial fire in Week 1 by moving him to center after he practiced mostly at left guard in camp and played predominantly at left tackle at Kansas State. The expected growing pains surfaced in the form of multiple fumbled center-quarterback exchanges. Whitehair struggled with his anchor at times against powerful tackles on the Texans, Eagles and Jaguars. But his upside is evident in how he corrects mistakes, his athletic footwork and his strong hands.
Second-half focus: As Whitehair has gotten more comfortable with the physical techniques and mental responsibilities of the position, he has played faster, stronger and cleaner. That should continue. Coaches hope he communicates clearer and quicker. "And just continue to work on his confidence," line coach Dave Magazu said. "It's like, 'Hey, you see it. Go ahead and make (the call).' I think that comes with time and experience."
Extra point: As Whitehair continues to develop at center, it's easy to see why the Bears would keep him there long term. He's strong, athletic and smart. Plus, the Bears have paid guards Kyle Long and Josh Sitton. What does that mean, then, for injured center Hroniss Grasu, the 2015 third-round pick? The Bears will cross that bridge in the offseason after Grasu completes his recovery from August surgery to reconstruct the ACL in his right knee. The glass-half-full view: Having depth is a good thing.
Jonathan Bullard
Jonathan Bullard, DE, third round
First-half impressions: Bullard's transition from Florida's scheme to the Bears' has been slow but steady. In college, he was asked to penetrate the backfield, which highlighted his knack for getting off the ball quickly. In contrast, the Bears put more of an emphasis on occupying space and holding up offensive linemen from getting to the second level. Bullard is getting better at using his hands to knock linemen back. That's especially important because at 290 pounds, he's not the mammoth presence Eddie Goldman is.
Second-half focus: As Goldman could attest from his rookie season last year, hand placement and hand-fighting technique are two of the biggest keys to separating from offensive linemen and shedding blocks. Bullard should continue to improve in that department.
Extra point: Bullard has played 29 percent of the snaps in the games he has played. Line coach Jay Rodgers was excited by how he destroyed a Vikings series Monday night. On second-and-3, Bullard penetrated to make the tackle for a 1-yard gain. On third-and-2, he pushed the right guard back, allowing safety Adrian Amos to make the tackle 1 yard short of the first down.
Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, fourth round
First-half impressions: A strained hamstring early in camp cost him valuable developmental time, especially because he's firmly behind veterans Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman on the depth chart. But coaches like his instincts, his ability to run and close on the ball and his toughness.
Second-half focus: If Trevathan and Freeman stay healthy, Kwiatkoski will have to continue developing on special teams and situationally on defense. Mental components to the game, such as reading formations and run/pass keys, are his challenges.
Extra point: Coaches like his versatility. He's viable in pass coverage, particularly because he played safety in high school, although he didn't get enough depth on a 29-yard play-action pass during the Jaguars' comeback in Week 6.
Deon Bush
Deon Bush, S, fourth round
First-half impressions: Coaches lauded Bush's pass-coverage range during camp, and that was evident on the practice field in non-contact situations. But a head and neck injury during the second exhibition game cost him reps and buried him on the depth chart.
Second-half focus: Coaches have challenged Bush to better grasp the mental components of playing safety, specifically being in the right position on time.
Extra point: Safeties coach Sam Garnes recently said he isn't sure when Bush goes home every night because he consistently stays late to study. "If he makes mistakes, I let him know that you're not going to play if you make these mistakes," Garnes said. "You've got to be perfect when you try to take someone's spot."
Deiondre' Hall, CB, fourth round
First-half impressions: Hall's lauded length (34 3/8-inch arms) paid preseason dividends with several pass breakups. But he has many details to master as he transitions from the FCS level, including understanding leverages, when to give ground to receivers and when to take chances.
Second-half focus: Hall's right ankle remained in a cast as recently as Halloween because of the nasty sprain he suffered Sept. 29. There's no timetable for his return, but the Bears have kept him on the roster in hopes they can squeeze some development out of him, even if it's in December.
Extra point: Hall averaged 10 special teams snaps per game until he was injured.
Jordan Howard
Jordan Howard, RB, fifth round
First-half impressions: Howard's opportunity to play coincided with the offensive line settling in after the Week 1 upheaval and some relatively favorable matchups. He made the most of that with his physical style and ability to read defenses in the Bears' zone scheme. In averaging 5.1 yards per carry, he's the Bears' most valuable offensive player through eight games.
Second-half focus: Despite Howard's production, coaches see significant room for improvement. Sometimes he's impatient with his reads and cuts, running backs coach Stan Drayton said. "Linebacker fits, safety fits, being able to get a pre-snap read, a post-snap feel — all those things come along the more you play," Drayton said. Howard also must be more decisive with his pass-blocking reads and knowing when to get into a pass route.
Extra point: Howard has 505 rushing yards on 99 carries despite not playing on offense in Week 1. That puts him on pace for 1,082 yards. The franchise rookie rushing record belongs to Matt Forte with 1,238 in 2008.
DeAndre Houston-Carson
DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, sixth round
First-half impressions: He played 67 percent of the special teams snaps in the first five games before being demoted. The Bears like his speed and believe he's very intelligent, but he committed three penalties in the first four games.
Second-half focus: Houston-Carson fits into the organization's plan as a core special teamer, but he has to learn the nuances of special teams in order to avoid penalties and make a positive impact. Those involve positioning against blockers and the timing of disengaging blocks.
Extra point: Whether Houston-Carson is active for upcoming games will depend partly on others' health. As players come back and as Bush gets his opportunity, he'll be subjected to the inactive list as a healthy scratch.
Daniel Braverman, WR, seventh round
First-half impressions: During camp practices, Braverman repeatedly demonstrated the ability to find holes in the defense. He was sure-handed and seemed to click with the backup quarterbacks. But that didn't translate to production in exhibition games.
Second-half focus: He must continue to bide his time on the practice squad. "Sometimes younger players run a route a little too deep or a little too shallow," receivers coach Curtis Johnson said. "Once he gets that down and the physicality of the game — he needs to understand when I have to go down, when I have to get the first down."
Extra point: Whether Braverman is promoted will depend on the health and production of receivers on the active roster. Keep an eye on Eddie Royal (toe) and return man Deonte Thompson. Thompson averaged 15 offensive snaps in the last two games, which Royal missed.
Cre'Von LeBlanc, CB, undrafted
First-half impressions: After the Bears claimed him off waivers from the Patriots during final cuts, it took him only three weeks to take over as the slot cornerback. Coaches have raved about his ball production in practices that have been closed to media. They like his football IQ, saying he takes coaching well and understands defensive strategy. They trust his ability to mirror receivers in man coverage.
Second-half focus: The Bears would be best off if they could keep the 5-foot-9 LeBlanc in the slot, allowing him to develop his understanding of leverage and spacing, which are critical to that position. But Bryce Callahan's lingering hamstring problem forced LeBlanc to the outside against the Vikings. Let's see if the week off helps reset things.
Extra point: LeBlanc has struggled fielding punts as a fill-in for Royal, tending to let them bounce.
Ben Braunecker, TE, undrafted
First-half impressions: Braunecker's development as a pass catcher was derailed by a sprained right ankle early in camp. But since his Week 4 promotion from the practice squad, he has played 67 percent of special teams snaps.
Second-half focus: Assuming Braunecker remains behind Zach Miller and Logan Paulsen, he must push forward on the scout team offense by developing his blocking techniques. He has played eight offensive snaps in each of the last two games, so there's room for him to contribute.
Extra point: The Bears have four tight ends on the active roster after claiming Daniel Brown off waivers Oct. 24. We'll see if they stick with that or go back to three.
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
