The Chicago Bears have officially wrapped up their mandatory minicamp, sending players off for a crucial summer period before the intensity of training camp.
As of June 8, 2025, the overriding sentiment from Halas Hall is one of cautious optimism, largely fueled by the burgeoning talent of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and the exacting standards set by Head Coach Ben Johnson. With “details” being the new mantra, and a few promising rookies making early impressions, the Bears are laying the groundwork for what many hope will be a significant leap forward in the 2025 season.
Let’s break down the key takeaways as the team transitions from structured practices to individual preparation.
Minicamp Positives: Head Coach Ben Johnson expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress during minicamp, noting “gradual improvement” from both individuals and units. He emphasized the importance of players continuing to work on their own during the summer break.
Caleb Williams’ Progress: After some “up and down” moments earlier in the week, Caleb Williams reportedly “electrified” the minicamp with a sharp performance on Wednesday. His comfort with the new scheme and improved decision-making were highlighted.
Standout Rookies: Ben Johnson specifically mentioned rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite and running back Kyle Monangai as early standouts during the offseason program, indicating they’ve made a strong impression. Monangai, a seventh-round pick, is noted for his quick learning and attention to detail.
Rome Odunze’s Development: Wide receiver Rome Odunze is also reportedly showing significant growth and buying into the new offensive philosophy.
Offensive Line Versatility: There were intriguing reports from minicamp of offensive linemen participating in wide receiver drills and even quarterbacks lining up at receiver, hinting at potential trick plays and unique offensive packages under Ben Johnson.
Injury Updates: While most players were present for minicamp, Kyler Gordon (CB), T.J. Edwards (LB), and Luther Burden III (WR) were among those sidelined with soft-tissue injuries. Colston Loveland (TE) is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Ben Johnson’s “Details” Focus: The unwavering emphasis on “details” from Coach Ben Johnson continues to be a defining characteristic of the new regime. Players like Cole Kmet and DJ Moore have spoken about Johnson’s relentless pursuit of perfection and how it’s pushing them to self-evaluate.
Culture of Accountability: Johnson’s leadership is fostering a culture of accountability, where no one is “safe” from his demanding, yet constructive, style.
Running Back Depth Speculation: Despite the presence of D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, some speculation persists that GM Ryan Poles might still be looking to upgrade the running back position.
“Worst to First” Potential: ESPN’s Aaron Schatz identified the Bears as the second most likely team to go “worst to first” in the 2025 NFL season, citing the improved offensive line and Caleb Williams’ expected Year 2 leap as key factors.
Optional OTAs Next Week: While mandatory minicamp is over, the Bears still have one more week of optional Organized Team Activities (OTAs) scheduled for June 9-11. These sessions will likely focus on younger players and special teams, with some veterans still expected to attend.
Training Camp Ahead: The next mandatory team activity will be training camp, which typically begins in late July at Halas Hall. This is when full-contact practices will commence, and position battles will intensify.
