The energy at Halas Hall intensified on June 3, 2025, as the Chicago Bears officially kicked off their mandatory minicamp.
Under the meticulous eye of Head Coach Ben Johnson, the team is fully immersed in a “details”-driven approach, aiming for precision in every aspect of their game. While rookie quarterback Caleb Williams experienced the expected “up and down” moments, his commitment to growth remains evident.
Beyond the QB, key position battles are heating up, particularly at left tackle, and veteran leaders like Cole Kmet are embracing their roles in Johnson’s evolving offense.
Dive into the latest insights from minicamp and see how the Bears are shaping up for the season ahead.
Mandatory Minicamp Begins: The Bears started their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 3rd, marking the next phase of the offseason program. While the practices are non-contact, it’s a crucial time for installation and player evaluation. Head Coach Ben Johnson noted that “everyone was in the building,” though some players were sidelined with minor injuries.
Gradual Improvement for the Offense: Coach Ben Johnson expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, stating he’s seen “gradual improvement throughout the course of the offseason program.” He noted growth from both individual players and units as a whole. The practice structure on Day 1 was similar to previous OTA workouts, but Johnson hinted at potential changes for Wednesday and Thursday.
Caleb Williams’ “Up and Down” Day: Rookie QB Caleb Williams had an “up and down” day on the first day of minicamp, according to media observations. While he made some good plays, he also left some on the field. This is expected as he continues to learn a new offense under Ben Johnson. The focus remains on cleaning up the offensive operation, which has been a point of emphasis for Johnson.
Cole Kmet’s Role and Intelligence: Ben Johnson lauded veteran tight end Cole Kmet for his “high intelligence factor,” noting it’s been “clear from the get-go.” Kmet reportedly excelled in Tuesday’s practice, catching multiple passes from Williams, notably in a two-minute drill. Kmet also praised Johnson’s “obsessive attention to detail,” referencing a moment in an earlier OTA practice where Johnson stopped a play because Kmet wasn’t lined up precisely. Kmet addressed being “taken aback” by the drafting of fellow tight end Colston Loveland but feels reassured by Johnson’s explanation and believes they can complement each other.
Left Tackle Competition Continues: The battle for the starting left tackle spot remains an “ongoing process” according to Ben Johnson. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo and 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie are both taking reps with the first-team offense while Braxton Jones recovers from a broken ankle. Johnson emphasized that true evaluation at this position won’t happen until pads come on in training camp, but praised Trapilo’s “mental aspect of the game” and Amegadjie’s growth. He stressed that the primary job of an offensive tackle is pass protection.
D’Andre Swift and the Running Backs: D’Andre Swift, who played under Johnson in Detroit, expressed excitement for the season and confidence in his own abilities, despite discussions about the team potentially targeting more running back help. Johnson is looking to reunite with Swift and leverage his strengths.
Injuries and Absences: Several players were in attendance but not practicing due to minor injuries. These include cornerback Kyler Gordon, linebacker T.J. Edwards, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, and rookie tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland is still recovering from shoulder surgery, while Burden is dealing with a soft-tissue injury and is one of three second-round picks (along with Shemar Turner and Ozzy Trapilo) who have yet to sign their rookie deals due to arguments over fully guaranteed contracts.
Ben Johnson’s “Details” Philosophy: Johnson’s strong emphasis on “details” continues to be a recurring theme. Players like DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and D’Andre Swift all spoke about the demanding nature of Johnson’s approach, highlighting the need to be “on your Ps and Qs” and know the playbook inside out. Johnson even stopped practice on Tuesday to correct an imperfect huddle break, underscoring his commitment to precision.
Chasing Explosive Plays: Reports indicate that a core tenet of Johnson’s offensive scheme will be a focus on “explosive plays.” Players like Rome Odunze have noted Johnson talks about these plays “almost every day,” indicating a significant shift from the stagnant offense seen in 2024.
