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Anderson flashes speed, quickness in rookie minicamp
By Larry Mayer
May 8, 2006
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Linemen generally don't distinguish themselves during non-contact practices, but there was at least one exception at the Bears' rookie minicamp.
Defensive end Mark Anderson, a fifth-round draft pick from Alabama, impressed coaches with his athleticism in position and team drills during workouts Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Defensive end Mark Anderson could emerge as a third-down pass rush specialist as a rookie with the Bears.
"Mark has staggering numbers," said coach Lovie Smith. "How many guys do you know can vertical jump 42 inches? We saw that with the work that he did this week. He has great quickness and explosion and hopefully we'll see that from him as he starts to rush the passer."
Anderson, who was projected to be selected as high as the second round in the draft, could prove to be a steal. The 6-4, 258-pounder is a gifted pass rusher who plays with great effort. He started all 12 games last season at Alabama, registering 40 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 7½ sacks.
As a rookie, Anderson could emerge as a third-down specialist but is willing to contribute wherever he's needed.
"That's a goal," he said, "but right now I just want to help the team the best way possible-special teams, third downs; whatever I can do to help the team win a Super Bowl."
Anderson is excited about joining an established defense that led the Bears to the NFC North title last season while ranking first in the NFL in points allowed and second in total yards.
"This is one of the best defenses," he said. "There's no room for mistakes. You've got to pay attention and do everything right the first time. You've got give it your all and be ready to go every time you step on the field."
In the trenches: Smith was also impressed with defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek, a third-round pick from Oklahoma who always plays and practices like every snap could be his last.
"Intensity is one of his strong suits," Smith said. "He has the (long) hair going, the look about him. Hopefully he's as tough as he looks and we think he will be.
"I can't wait to see him in pads, but it was good just to get a chance to spend some off-the-field time with him too. We're excited about him being here."
Taking the lead: Fullback J.D. Runnels, a sixth-round pick from Oklahoma who could start as a rookie, ran well and displayed excellent pass-catching ability out of the backfield.
"He's another guy with a lot of speed," Smith said. "He ran in the 4.5s; for a fullback you don't see that very often. He has good hands as we were able to see this week.
"He's a smart guy with great character. We talked to a lot of people about him and everyone said the same thing. He seemed like somebody we would like to have in our program."
Diamond in the rough: About 20 undrafted and unsigned rookies participated in the minicamp on a tryout basis, hoping to land an NFL contract.
"Last year we found (safety) Brandon McGowan in the group," Smith said. "I don't know if we'll have a Brandon McGowan in this group, but we'll see. As a coaching staff, we'll go back and look at the tape again, start evaluating it and then go from there."
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Anderson flashes speed, quickness in rookie minica
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