Chicago Bears FULL Rookie Minicamp DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS: First Look at Rookies + MORE!

The Chicago Bears launched their 2026 rookie minicamp today (Friday, May 8) at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. It’s a two-day session (May 8-9) for the full 2026 draft class, 13 undrafted free agents (UDFAs), 24 rookie tryout players, five first-year pros, and five veteran tryouts — a total of 54 participants getting their first on-field reps in Bears gear. Rookies reported Thursday for orientation (headshots, equipment fittings, playbook distribution, and meetings), with practices kicking off Friday under new head coach Ben Johnson. Low-contact, high-learning focus on installs, individual/position drills, and culture-building. 

Quick Draft Class Context
Chicago added seven players in the draft, emphasizing secondary upgrades, trenches, and versatility:

• Round 1, No. 25: S Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) — versatile, instinctive playmaker expected to compete immediately.
• Round 2, No. 57: C Logan Jones (Iowa) — athletic center with leadership upside.
• Round 3, No. 69: TE Sam Roush (Stanford) — big target whose hands and route-running are under the microscope.
• Round 3, No. 89: WR Zavion Thomas (LSU) — speedy, athletic playmaker with special-teams return potential.
• Round 4, No. 124: CB Malik Muhammad (Texas) — physical corner with coverage skills.
• Round 5, No. 166: LB Keyshaun Elliott (Arizona State) — high-motor linebacker and special-teams contributor.
• Round 6, No. 213: DT Jordan van den Berg (Georgia Tech) — interior depth piece.

Four of the seven draft picks were officially signed ahead of camp (with the rest finalizing quickly); the full 13-UDFA class (including QB Miller Moss from Louisville, OL Caden Barnett, RB Coleman Bennett, and others) is also in house. No holdouts or drama reported. 

Day 1 Highlights & Buzz
Early reports, official team updates, and media at Halas Hall described an energetic, professional opening day with high vibes from the new coaching staff:

• Ben Johnson held his first rookie-minicamp presser, emphasizing excitement around the group and the staff’s intensity — practices are expected to be sharp and efficient, mirroring his previous approach.

• Standouts in focus: First-round S Dillon Thieneman drew eyes for his range and fit in the secondary; third-round TE Sam Roush was highlighted for pass-catching reps (a key area to build confidence); OL Logan Jones, WR Zavion Thomas, and others got noted in position work.

• Rookies Logan Jones, Sam Roush, and Dillon Thieneman spoke post-practice, sharing the standard mix of “surreal,” “blessing,” and “ready to compete” energy. UDFAs like RB Coleman Bennett and QB Miller Moss also turned heads in early drills and meetings.

• Overall vibe: Heavy on playbook absorption, fundamentals, and first impressions — both on-field and off. Tryout players (including notable names like Joshua Kreutz, son of former Bear Olin Kreutz) and special-teams hopefuls got their shots. No injuries or red flags reported; just the usual rookie-minicamp mix of nerves, excitement, and learning the Ben Johnson standard. 
The Bears posted Day 1 photos, roster details, and highlight clips across their site and social channels. Local beat writers and team media captured the buzz around the class’s potential impact.

Bottom line: Clean, high-energy Day 1 under Ben Johnson for a draft class built for immediate depth and future upside — especially in the secondary and trenches. Day 2 wraps tomorrow before the full offseason program ramps up. Galleries, sizzle reels, and deeper notes are already live on chicagobears.com/news. Bears fans are getting their first real look at the new era — looking sharp so far. #BearDown #nfl #rookieminicamp

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