Winners and losers of the first week of Bears training camp

It has been just over a week since the Bears reported to Bourbonnais for training camp and they have had five public practices so far.

In just that short time, there have been plenty of nuggets to trickle out, observations made and some names have popped up more than others.

Let’s take a look at a few players that are setting themselves apart from their teammates, both positively and negatively.

Winners

Anthony Miller, WR - Since Day 1, I can’t say that there has been a player whose name I have heard more than Miller. He’s been making play after play and getting a lot of reps with the 1s. The early returns suggest he could be a contributor from day one and show why Ryan Pace traded up to take him in the second round of the draft.

Jordan Howard, RB - The running game, much like the line play, are hard to judge in camp because they don’t allow a ton of to-the-ground hitting and they definitely don’t want their stud RB to get hurt. However, all reports seem to be that Howard has improved as a pass catcher and has been demonstrating that ability daily. Matt Nagy even said he saw Howard as a three-down back and he could have easily side-stepped a question like that so early in camp.

Defensive backs - It’s hard to pick just one here, but of the starters, it seems as those the early reports have been good. Sure, the defense is way ahead of the offense, but Prince Amukamara has been getting some turnovers, Kyle Fuller has been locked into some good battles and undrafted rookie Kevin Toliver has received some praise too. The only ones I have some criticism of so far are Marcus Cooper and Cre’von LeBlanc.

Losers

Roquan Smith, LB - It’s hard to win when he’s not even here. Not to say that it won’t be hard for him to get right back into the mix. It’s still a little too early to get concerned, in my opinion and I am staunchly in the “take everything you can get when you can, players” camp on this, but the longer it goes, the more neither side comes out looking good.

Kevin White, WR - His reviews have been mixed, but at this point in his career it needs to be more positive. I’ve read about drops, missed plays and suspect routes. He’s flashed, but it sounds like he is nothing more than a role player.

Tyler Bray, QB - He’s the third QB, so it isn’t a vital position, but for a guy who has been in this system, I have heard nothing good so far. Yikes.

Which players have caught your eye? Who are your winners or losers?