Bears Camp Heat Up: Williams Finds Groove, Odunze Shines & Wright Surprises

Bears Camp Buzz: Caleb Williams Heats Up, Rookies Shine, and an O-Lineman Steals the Show

Halas Hall is buzzing. The Chicago Bears’ 2025 training camp is not just another preseason warm-up — it’s the launch pad for what new head coach Ben Johnson hopes will be the team’s most competitive season in years. And if you’ve been following the energy out in Lake Forest, you can feel it — this group is different.

The regular season might still be weeks away, but these camp days are where the foundation is laid. Every throw, every rep, every blown whistle is shaping the roster and defining who will get the nod when the lights go bright in Week 1.

A New Era Under Ben Johnson

There’s something refreshing about Johnson’s approach. He’s blending structured, disciplined sessions with just enough creativity to keep things exciting. Sure, there are the traditional positional drills and the necessary classroom work, but he’s also throwing in competitive wrinkles — like one-on-one showdowns between offensive and defensive linemen, with bragging rights on the line.

And in true football fashion, the stars are setting the tone, while the roster hopefuls are clawing for every scrap of opportunity they can get.

🔥 The Standouts from Wednesday’s Session

The midweek practice wasn’t full pads, but don’t let that fool you — there were moments that had fans, coaches, and even teammates buzzing.

1. Caleb Williams – The Confidence Switch Just Flipped

If the past couple of weeks have been a learning curve, Wednesday looked like the moment Caleb Williams found his rhythm. Coming off a strong showing on Tuesday, the second-year quarterback followed it up with an even sharper day.

• Smooth ball distribution – Williams wasn’t locked onto one guy; he spread the wealth across multiple receivers.

• Two-minute mastery – In a simulated end-of-half drill, Williams spiked the ball with just one second on the clock to set up a potential field goal. That’s veteran-level clock management.

• Command of the offense – Even with a few pre-snap penalties, Williams looked in control, making quick reads and decisive throws.

This is the kind of confidence you want to see in August if you’re a Bears fan. And if Wednesday was any indication, Williams’ “up-and-down” days might be fading in the rearview.

2. Rome Odunze – The Go-To Guy in Crunch Time

It’s becoming clear: Rome Odunze is not just another target — he’s the target. The chemistry between him and Williams, both 2024 first-round picks, is looking dangerous for opposing defenses.

• Big plays when it matters – During that same two-minute drill, Odunze snagged a clutch 20-yarder across the middle, then followed it up with another grab to get them in range for the kick.

• Separation skills – Odunze isn’t just making catches; he’s creating space against top defenders, making Williams’ life a lot easier.

You can already imagine the Bears’ Sunday-night highlight reel: Williams rolling right, Odunze breaking free, and Soldier Field erupting.

3. Josh Blackwell – The Quiet Disruptor

With Kyler Gordon sidelined by a hamstring tweak, cornerback Josh Blackwell is seizing his extra snaps. Whether he’s repping with the first team or locking things down with the twos, he’s making plays that turn heads.

• Ball hawk mode – Picked off Tyson Bagent during the final team period, reading the play like a veteran.

• League-wide respect – Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower summed it up perfectly: “He’s a problem for people. Every coordinator we face asks about him — where we got him and how they missed him.”

If Blackwell keeps this up, he’s going to force his way into meaningful defensive snaps, even when the secondary is at full health.

4. Darnell Wright – Yes, the Offensive Tackle Made the Play of the Day

Here’s the twist no one saw coming: The highlight of the afternoon didn’t come from a receiver, a running back, or a defensive back — it came from Darnell Wright, the Bears’ hulking offensive tackle.

In a late-practice challenge designed by Coach Johnson, O-linemen went up against D-linemen in a passing drill. Most reps went how you’d expect… until Wright stepped up against Montez Sweat.

• Sneaky route running – Wright faked inside, slipped outside, and left Sweat flat-footed.

• Hands like a receiver – Despite an underthrown ball, Wright adjusted mid-route, tracked it, and snatched it clean.

• Sideline eruption – Teammates roared, clapping and laughing as the 320-pounder jogged back with the ball in hand.

It’s not the first time Wright has shown off surprising ball skills, and it’s probably not the last. Johnson might have just discovered his “emergency tight end.”

Beyond the Stars – Rookies and Roster Battles

While the headliners got plenty of attention, the roster’s depth pieces and rookies were busy trying to prove they belong.

• Colston Loveland (TE) – The rookie tight end is starting to find his footing, showing crisp route running and a reliable pair of hands.

• Luther Burden III (WR) – Electric after the catch, even in light drills. He’s pushing hard for a role in the rotation.

• Ozzy Trapilo (OT) – The rookie tackle is holding his own against seasoned pass rushers, which is no small feat in this camp.

• Doug Kramer (OL), Dominique Robinson (DE), Jonathan Owens (S) – These depth guys are grinding for every rep. With roster cuts looming, the intensity in their position groups is only going to spike.

Why These Camp Days Matter So Much

Fans sometimes downplay August football, but make no mistake — this is where teams are built. Chemistry between a QB and his receivers doesn’t happen in Week 6; it happens here. Trust between an offensive lineman and his quarterback starts in these sweaty August sessions. And for fringe roster players, every drill is an audition.

Key Takeaways from Wednesday at Halas Hall:

• Caleb Williams is turning a corner and starting to look like the guy Chicago drafted to lead the franchise.

• Rome Odunze is emerging as the No. 1 target, and that connection could be a lethal weapon come September.

• Josh Blackwell keeps making plays — the kind that earn you a permanent spot on the roster.

• Darnell Wright’s surprising hands might just be the most fun storyline of camp.