May 17, 2007
Orientation process continues for Bears rookies
By Larry Mayer
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Feeling a bit like college freshmen again, Bears rookies have returned to Halas Hall this week to work with their veteran teammates for the first time.
“It’s been great,” said first-round pick Greg Olsen, a tight end from Miami. “You look up to the guys who’ve been here, learn how things work and get into a schedule. It makes everything a lot easier to get used to.”
“Just like everything, it’s a learning process,” added second-round pick Dan Bazuin, a defensive end from Central Michigan. “You have to learn where you fit in in the organization and on the team. Getting to meet some of these veterans and being able to listen to them has been a real treat for us.”
The Bears selected Central Michigan defensive end Dan Bazuin in the second round of the draft (62nd overall).
Rookies who had already completed their final exams or graduated were permitted to return to their respective NFL teams on Tuesday. Bears draft picks have taken advantage of the opportunity in advance of this weekend’s full squad minicamp.
“It’s pretty cool, just the atmosphere of being around professional athletes, people that you see on TV all the time,” said fifth-round pick Kevin Payne, a safety from Louisiana-Monroe. “I like it for the simple fact that I’ve been working out by myself for the last three or four months, so it feels good to get back around some teammates.”
The rookies and veterans have been working out together on the field and in the weight room as well as meeting with their position coaches.
“As a rookie, it’s about learning your role and learning where you stand and earning the respect of the players and the coaches and showing them what I can do,” Olsen said.
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Orientation process continues for Bears rookies - Chicago Bears
Orientation process continues for Bears rookies
Orientation process continues for Bears rookies
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