The Bears had a lighter practice on Wednesday, but had some repeat standouts from the session.
Chicago Bears training camp is in full swing ahead of the 2025 regular season. Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are preparing a return to relevancy with important practices and meetings at Halas Hall.
The starters, such as quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, and defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Montez Sweat, will hone their skills as they adjust to a new system. Rookies such as tight end Colston Loveland, receiver Luther Burden III, and tackle Ozzy Trapilo will look to hit the ground running ahead of their first season. And depth players like offensive lineman Doug Kramer, defensive end Dominique Robinson, and safety Jonathan Owens will try and hang on to a roster spot with competition nipping at their heels.
Following every Bears training camp practice, we at Bears Wire will highlight a select number of players who stood out during the day. Wednesday was a lighter day of work that had a few repeat standouts from Tuesday's practice:
1. QB Caleb Williams
Don't look now, but the Bears' starting quarterback is starting to string together strong practices. Williams was strong in Tuesday's practice and followed that up with arguably an even better day on Wednesday. Practicing in shells, Williams was spreading the ball around to different receivers and seemed to have full control of the offense. ESPN's Courtney Cronin notes that while the offense had a few pre-snap penalties, Williams was decisive when it came to operating the two-minute drill. That included a spike with one second left to set up what would have been a field goal. It's those details that will be critical when the regular season begins, and after an up-and-down couple of weeks, Williams seems to be putting it all together.
A dot to DJ 🎯 pic.twitter.com/2QiNUeNWwl
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 14, 2025
2. WR Rome Odunze
Williams isn't the only second-year offensive player to string together strong practices. In fact, his success is thanks in part to Odunze, who also has been shining these last few days. The two 2024 first-round picks continue to build their chemistry on the field. Odunze was a key factor in the two-minute drill, as he caught a 20-yard pass in the middle of the field from Williams, according to CHGO's Greg Braggs Jr. The next play was another completion to Odunze, getting them closer to that would-be field goal attempt. Odunze might be separating himself from the rest of the receiving group, and his stock continues to rise. Hopefully the connection between these two will be on display Sunday evening during the second preseason game.
Caleb Williams with an absolute dot to Rome Odunze. In stride on a 20-yard dig route. Just a beautiful pass with anticipation.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 14, 2025
Caleb finishes the 2 minute drill with another completion to Rome, offense ran up to the LOS, clocked it in time for the FG opportunity.
3. CB Josh Blackwell
With Kyler Gordon still nursing a hamstring injury, cornerback Josh Blackwell has been getting more and more opportunities to work with the starting defense. And on the days that he doesn't, he's making sure he shows why the Bears have hung onto him for so long. Blackwell was working with the second-team defense today in 11-on-11s, with Nick McCloud getting reps with the starters, according to Bear Report's Zack Pearson.
That wasn't good news for Tyson Bagent, who threw a pick to Blackwell during the final portion of practice. The nickel corner has turned heads around the league, too. "He's a problem for people," special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said after practice. "And every coordinator we play has a discussion about No. 39 and how good he is and where you got him from and how did we miss him."
Tyson Bagent tries to force a throw into the seam and throws an interception by Josh Blackwell for the 2nd team two minute drill.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 14, 2025
Defense ends the day on a strong note.
4. OT Darnell Wright
Who would have thought that in a practice with no pads on that a lineman would end up making the play of the day? Offensive tackle Darnell Wright had everyone in awe thanks to a special drill the Bears did to end practice. Johnson had the offensive linemen line up against a defensive lineman for passing drills, and Wright was the best of them all. Matching up against Montez Sweat, Wright faked a slant inside and brushed the defender off to go outside. Despite having an underthrown ball, Wright tracked it well and snatched it out of the air as applause broke out on the sidelines. It isn't the first time Wright has shown his ball skills during the offseason, and it feels like Johnson has found his new trick weapon.
Offense wins this round 🍿 pic.twitter.com/llNkEJBOOu
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 14, 2025
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 4 Standouts from Day 17 of Chicago Bears training camp
Category: Football
