I wrote on Thursday morning about a few young guys who were doing well in camp and needed to keep it up if they wanted to be on the Bears’ 53-man roster in 2024. We’ll examine some of those guys’ performances today, as well as how a few others stood out.
Austin Booker
Booker took certain actions that shown he has what it takes to be a formidable member of the League. I thought he stood out aside from a play on which he mishandled setting the edge against an outside run on one of his first plays. He presses the quarterback regularly and has a very quick first step.
He plays with strength and explosiveness for a player who might not weigh 250 pounds. He shook the
Austin only had one full season of playtime in college, so he is just beginning to scratch the surface as to how good he can become. For a fifth-round pick, he is going to make his presence felt. Collin Johnson To put it mildly, Johnson was the star of the game. He finished with three catches for 56 yards and two TDs. He had a near catch on a leaping back-shoulder reception that was called a catch on the field but overturned on replay. He also showed his ability on special teams, making the tackle on the game’s opening kick-off. Last year, Johnson was mostly on the practice squad but was brought up to the 53-man roster for the final three games of the season.
A wide receiver needs to demonstrate with his special teams play that he belongs when he is ranked fifth or sixth on the depth chart. Even while many people thought he had little chance of getting into the club, on Thursday night he might have cemented a spot.
Although Johnson played quicker and had excellent quickness and body control, his post-college time was in the 4.60 level. When his length, height, and leaping abilities are added, he becomes a formidable opponent for defenders to cover.
Carter, Ja’Tyre
I noted on Thursday that Carter, who started early in the 2023 season, was clearly a bubble player this year because he did not start the final few games of the season.
Carter played left tackle at Southern University, thus he is familiar with the position. Many thought he was too short to play outside when he measured 6034. Teams would prefer him to be taller to start, but for a backup swing man who can play tackle and guard, his height is adequate. Carter’s 33 ¾” arms assist compensate for his diminutive stature. It is possible because former Bear Charles Leno, who played left tackle for ten years in the League, was only ¼” taller than Carter but had long arms as well. How much playing time Carter receives in the next three preseason games will be interesting to watch.
Rypien Brett
Last March, during free agency, Rypien was signed by the Bears.
I disagree with certain supporters’ perceptions that Rypien will compete with Tyson Bagent for the backup position. Although Rypien has the potential to be a very fine third quarterback, the coach believes that Bagent is the undisputed number two.
In the League, Rypien plays a lot of games. He played for the Rams and Denver before to joining this team for his sixth season. Throughout his career, he has thrown 168 passes and received a couple starts. He is also highly familiar with the Bears’ scheme because to his time spent with the Rams last season. Rypien will undoubtedly start at quarterback if the Bears decide to keep three quarterbacks.
Dominique Robinson
Dominique is undoubtedly a player on the verge of retirement, and his performance on Thursday night
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