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Bears Winners and Losers from OTAs and Minicamp: Two veteran wide receivers impress and one notable absence raises eyebrows

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kole Noble | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 12:13 PM ET

OTAs and Minicamp are basically over for the Chicago Bears, even though the team will still hold a few sessions this week for the younger players and players who want to work on more special teams specific drills.

The majority of the team is now off for the summer and will return in late July for the start of training camp. After that, the preseason and regular season will be around the corner before we know it.

Therefore, now is the best time to look back at the last few weeks and analyze some of the players that stood out, or failed to stand out, not including the four players head coach Ben Johnson singled out on Thursday. It's important to note that players were not in pads during this period of the offseason, making it harder to gauge how some players looked or will look later during camp.

Winners

QB Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams looked like one of the more improved players from the start of OTAs to the end of minicamp while learning the new offense and executing the scheme on the field against a live defense. It, of course, started out rough for the unit but by the end of last week, the offense started rolling with Williams making some big plays.

WR Olamide Zaccheaus

Even after Ben Johnson praised Olamide Zaccheaus after being signed, his addition was still overlooked to an extend. During minicamp, Zaccheaus received some strong reviews starting in the slot with rookie Luther Burden III sidelined due to injury. Williams went to Zaccheaus often, who then was able to show off his RAC ability.

Caleb Williams to Olamide Zaccheaus pic.twitter.com/4Ockdmrlq1
— Chicago Bears Network (@bearsnetwork_) June 6, 2025

WR Devin Duvernay

This keeps coming up every time I mention the wide receiver room. Don't count out Devin Duvernay making an impact on offense. While he was added to overhaul the returning duties on special teams, his speed offers some value as a downfield threat for the offense as well.

CB Tyrique Stevenson

For someone coming off a disappointing 2024 season, the new staff has a lot of confidence in Tyrique Stevenson playing in this new scheme. And Stevenson is excited for the opportunity to play in a scheme that will challenge his consistency and responsibility as a boundary cornerback. He's already received some solid reports.

Tyrique Stevenson is a player primed for a huge year. Last year his role in the Fail Mary cast a (deserved) negative light on him, but his mix of physical attributes and play style as a corner mesh perfectly with what Dennis Allen wants from his CBs.
— EJ Snyder (@FootballEJ) June 4, 2025

Losers

WR Tyler Scott

Going back to the subject of the wide receiver room, hearing Zaccheaus and Duvernay mentioned so much and not hearing anything about Tyler Scott is concerning. With five receivers above him on the depth chart, the former fourth-round pick is in danger of being a cut candidate unless he can show something.

OL Ryan Bates

Where o' where is Ryan Bates? The veteran offensive lineman was absent from the start of minicamp, which was a surprise. Bates dealt with a lingering shoulder issue plus a concussion in 2024 and it's unknown what caused him to miss time. We'll see if he makes it to the field or not during training camp after some time off.

DT Zacch Pickens

Another player who missed some practice time already this offseason was Zacch Pickens, who is also on the hot seat when it comes to potential roster cuts. The D-line room got a significant upgrade this offseason, pushing the former third-round pick down the pecking order. It's looking like Pickens will have a fresh start elsewhere.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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