The Chicago Bears rookie minicamp is set to begin on May 3rd and run through the 5th. In accordance with that, the team released their full roster for the practices. Contrary to the title, these practices won't include just rookies. A number of veterans both from the NFL, CFL, and even the AAF will be in attendance as well.
So it will be an interesting mix of players who are trying to make a strong impression to the Bears coaching staff. Remember that these practices are a one-and-done opportunity for many of these guys. If they can't deliver, their odds of making a roster elsewhere drop drastically. It is a highly competitive and sought-after prize for many of these guys.
Last season, five players received invitations to camp. Among them was Johnathan Franklin III who later earned a spot on their practice squad. It may not seem like much in the eyes of the public, but these tryouts have a certain degree of importance to them.
So who should fans at least keep their ears out for?
Five names that stick out on Chicago Bears rookie minicamp roster
Quinten Rollins (CB)
A former 2nd round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2015. He had a strong rookie year with two interceptions and seven pass deflections. However, injuries haunted him from that point on until he was finally cut. He's still just 26-years old, so there's a chance he may yet hold some value if he is finally healthy.
Peter Pujals (QB)
Holy Cross isn't what one would call a hotbed of NFL talent, but Pujals brought some attention with his standout career there. He started five seasons and was team captain in four of them. He threw for 84 touchdowns and ran for 19 more. His arm strength is decent and has shown solid ball placement. Somebody who might creep in at the 4th QB.
Chuck Bednarski (K)
Not to be confused with the Hall of Fame Philadelphia Eagles linebackers (Chuck Bednarik), Bednarski is part of a massive eight-man kicking competition that begins with these minicamps. While he went a modest 15-of-23 in his final year at Minnesota State, he demonstrated he has a powerful right leg. His long stands at 55 yards.
Shayne Lawless (LB)
It's hard to get noticed at small schools like Stony Brook, so Lawless was facing an uphill climb from the start. Still, he was highly productive in four years there with 245 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four interceptions. He demonstrates a keen sense of reading what the offense will do and has good size as well.
Jonah Trinnaman (WR)
The Bears have shown they're a team that loves to target standout athletes on offense these days. Trinnaman qualifies. He has 4.31 speed and a 40.5-inch vertical leap. He is explosive. The problem is he's also unproven. He never had more than 320 yards in any college season at BYU and spent last year on injured reserve with the New York Jets.
