Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Did the Bears sign any of the players who tried out during their rookie minicamp?
Evan B.
Homewood, Illinois
Yes, they signed Central Michigan receiver Titus Davis, a Chicago area native who attended Wheaton-Warrenville High School and is the older brother of Corey Davis, a receiver from Western Michigan who was selected by the Titans with the fifth pick in this year's draft. Titus was one of nine NFL veterans trying out at the rookie minicamp; he entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Chargers in 2015 and has also spent time with the Jets and Bills—all without appearing in a regular-season game. The Bears made room on their roster for Davis by waiving rookie receiver Levonte Whitfield, an undrafted free agent from Florida State.
Which of the Bears' undrafted rookies has the best chance of making the 53-man roster?
Frank H.
Long Grove, Illinois
It's difficult to project the 53-man roster before the Bears have even held their first OTA practice, but the undrafted free agent who impressed me most at the rookie minicamp was receiver Tanner Gentry of Wyoming. The 6-2, 210-pounder showed good hands, balance and body control. He's not very fast, but he was extremely productive in college and looks to be a polished receiver. He certainly stood out among the young wideouts at rookie minicamp. As is the case with most non-starters, Gentry will have to show that he can perform on special teams to enhance his chances of earning a spot on the Bears' 53-man roster.
Do you think rookie Andy Phillips has a legitimate chance to supplant Connor Barth as Bears kicker?
Jeff D.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Phillips is certainly an impressive kid and kicker. He was a world class downhill skier who served a church mission in Norway before playing college football. At Utah, he was a four-time All-Pac 12 selection and four-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist. He set school records for field goals made (84), field goals attempted (100), points scored (427) and points per game (8.4). Last year Phillips made 21-of-25 field-goal attempts (84 percent). I thought Connor Barth did an excellent job of rebounding from a slow start last year and will be interested to watch Barth and Phillips kick during training camp and the offseason. I'm not saying that Phillips will unseat Barth, but I do feel he has a legitimate chance to win the job and isn't just a "camp leg."
