Observations and highlights from Day 1 of Bears' 2026 rookie minicamp

TL;DR

The Chicago Bears kicked off their 2026 rookie minicamp with on-field workouts, signing four draft picks and 13 undrafted rookies. Media shared initial observations and highlights of standout players like Zavion Thomas and Sam Roush.

Key points

Chicago Bears held rookie minicamp at Halas Hall
Four rookie draft picks signed on the first day
Thirteen undrafted rookies also participated
Media shared highlights of standout players
Zavion Thomas and Sam Roush impressed observers

Chicago BearsZavion ThomasMalik MuhammadKeyshaun Elliott

The Chicago Bears welcome their rookie draft picks, undrafted free agent signings and tryout players to Halas Hall this week for rookie minicamp, which kicked off with an on-field workout on Friday.

The Bears signed four of their rookie draft picks on Friday, including wide receiver Zavion Thomas, cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg, as well as 13 undrafted rookies.

The media was in attendance for Friday's workout, where they shared their initial observations and some video highlights of their top rookies, including safety Dillon Thieneman, center Logan Jones and tight end Sam Roush.

Bears rookie minicamp observations

Brief take aways (as much as you can in one mini camp practice).

▪️ZAVION Thomas looks explosive speed def shows up. Surprised at how natural he catches the ball with his hands.

▪️Sam Roush is a LARGE human but still can move. Really impressive quicks for a big man.

▪️Malik…

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) May 8, 2026

Top 3 Rookie Minicamp Day 1 Observations:

1- Zavion Thomas showed impressive hands catching balls that were thrown behind him.

2- Sam Roush has an NFL body.

3- Malik Muhammad looked sticky in coverage.

BONUS: K Gabriel Plascencia looks like a linebacker.

— Mark Carman (@thecarm) May 8, 2026