Bears camp packs up Thursday after a relatively quiet 22 days in Kankakee County. From Brian Urlacher’s reported insult of Jay Cutler to Cutler’s supposed knock on Devin Hester, the Bears may have delivered their biggest hits on the media for making something out of nothing. Yet on the field, there have been significant developments that need no exaggeration. Here is a quick review.
Most impressive rookie
Al Afalava
safety
Not much was expected out of the sixth-round draft pick. Yet Afalava has displayed a veteran’s savvy and intelligence that complements a big-hitting style. He could start in a constantly reshuffled secondary.
Most disappointing rookie
Juaquin Iglesias
wide receiver
With an undistinguished receiving corps, the best-case scenario would have had the third-round pick playing his way into the rotation. Like many Bears receivers, Iglesias needs more consistency that should come with experience.
Most surprising veteran
Chris Williams
right tackle
Hard to consider a guy with zero NFL starts a veteran, but so far he has looked athletic, aware and more than able manning the right side.
Most disappointing veteran
Nate Vasher
cornerback
If Vasher thinks he has been picked on by media for a lackluster preseason, wait until quarterbacks target him. He could lose his starting job.
Jay talking
A day-to-day look at Jay Cutler’s first training camp with the Bears.
Out in the open: Cutler started Wednesday night’s practice at Olivet Nazarene completing all six passes in 7-on-7 drills.
Through the air: During full-team drills, Cutler mainly worked on handing off the ball on a run-dominated night. He had a ball intended for Desmond Clark picked off at the 2-yard line by Al Afalava and had a sharp pass over the middle to Earl Bennett for a 10-yard score.
