Justin Fields, Teven Jenkins and more

Fields has been in 12 games with 10 starts this season, completing 58.9% of his passes for 1,870 yards with seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 73.2 passer rating. The former Ohio State star also ran for 420 yards and two touchdowns on 72 carries, was sacked 36 times and lost five of 12 fumbles.

Passing Coordinator / Quarterback Coach John DeFilippo has been very impressed with Fields’ determination in the last few games.

“His determination to throw the soccer ball, then his determination on when to take off and when to run,” said DeFilippo. “I think you’ve seen that in the last few weeks he’s been playing where I’m not saying he’s played faster because he’s always played fast, but there was a decisive character in his decision-making when he was taking off and running the football. “

DeFilippo also liked what he saw from Fields regarding his “daily preparation and understanding of what it takes to play at this level”.

“Playing as a quarterback in this league, I’ve said it many times: it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” said DeFilippo. “Coaching or playing quarterback in this league is a lifestyle, and if you don’t buy into that lifestyle, you’re going to have a lot of trouble. Over this year he’s really gotten it, ‘Hey , I need to eat, sleep and every time I’m awake I think about football. ‘ It takes a lot of mental strength from a young man, and I know he has that in him. “

Teven Jenkins, tackle
Second round (39th)

Jenkins missed the first 11 games after undergoing back surgery in mid-August. He made his NFL debut playing two special team games on Dec. 5 against the Cardinals. A week later, he was inserted in the left tackle in the first quarter against the Packers after veteran Jason Peters sustained a high ankle sprain.

Jenkins started the next two games, but left last Sunday’s victory in Seattle with a shoulder injury. Penalties have been a problem for the Oklahoma state product, which has drawn seven flags in its first two games against Green Bay and Minnesota.

“He made a few bad plays, but he did play some in that game against Green Bay,” said offensive line coach Juan Castillo. “I thought he played really well in the Minnesota game… which was really good in that Minnesota game… [was] the physique on some of the “nudes” and some of the racing stuff. Unfortunately, some of the physicality cost him a penalty, which is unacceptable. But he showed what kind of player he is: the tenacity, the physique he will bring to the table.

“When you have to watch the video and you see everything going on, he was more consistent putting it aside. So, I was a little excited. [Jenkins was injured] the other night because I was excited to see him on the road, facing silent earls like Green Bay. I couldn’t wait for him to have a very, good game. “

Larry Boromi, tackle
Fifth round (151st)

Borom played both tackling positions as a rookie, starting six straight games on the right side from Oct.31 to Dec.31. 12 and competing in two competitions as a left tackle injury substitute – in Week 1 for Peters and last Sunday in Seattle for Jenkins.

“He had a lot of work [at left tackle] in training camp, ”Castillo said. “I think what happened at the end, especially in the pro pass, he had to stay square. He had a few coins [against the Seahawks] where he overshot a bit. But it is understandable. But he ended up playing square. He’s a good athlete. Usually when you stay between the defender and the quarterback, you have a good chance when you’re an athlete. “

Khalil Herbert, running back
Sixth round (217th)

Herbert produced on offense and in special teams as a recruit. In four games as the Bears were back when David Montgomery was injured, Herbert ran for 344 yards, the fourth most in the NFL during that span. The Virginia Tech product has appeared in all 15 contests this year, totaling 413 yards and two touchdowns on 97 carries and catching 14 passes for 96 yards. Herbert also averaged 23.9 yards on 25 kickoff returns with a long 50-yard return.

“You’re talking about the longevity of an NFL season and the fact that he hasn’t hit the rookie wall,” said running backs coach Michael Pitre. “He prepares like a pro, he prepares like a starter every week, and he’s just ready for his number call, whether it’s special teams, whether it’s attacking, whether it’s protection against the assists. Just having that approach has allowed him to be successful and take advantage of his opportunities when he gets them. “

Dazz Newsome, receiver
Sixth round (221st)

Newsome spent the first 14 weeks of the season on the practice squad before making his NFL debut on Dec.20 against the Vikings. Beginning in Sunday’s game in Seattle, he recorded his first professional reception, turning a short pass into a 10-yard gain and a first down by smashing a tackle from Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner eight times. Newsome also returned a 28-yard punt to establish a touchdown.

“I would say he’s one of the most improved players we’ve had and I’ve seen that throughout the season on the scouting squad,” said receiver coach Mike Furrey. “His confidence in the game, his skill in playing the game, he’s a football player. I spoke to him three or four weeks ago and I was like, I said, ‘Listen Dazz, you You’ve improved tremendously “, and that’s a lot of this knowledge and understanding that he belongs to and can play at that level. And then, as we all know, it was really waiting for that opportunity to have a chance to enter. “

Thomas Graham Jr., cornerback
Sixth round (228th)

After spending the first 14 weeks of the season on the practice squad, Graham caused a stir during his NFL debut against Minnesota, registering seven tackles and three assists while playing all 64 snaps. In Seattle, he was beaten by wide receiver DK Metcalf for a 41-yard touchdown, but rebounded to smash a key pass later in the game.

“It’s always good for guys to learn from other people and then find that point where you can be humiliated and then see if you’re hungry after being humiliated,” defensive back coach Deshea Townsend said. “In his case, he was not defeated after [the Metcalf TD] come.

“He comes to work, he asks good questions, he wants to be a league player, he wants to have a career in the league, not just a year. And that’s what you love about him. pose, his thirst for learning, and then what you say to him, he’s able to take it on the pitch and repeat it and give you the image you want. Especially for a young man it’s important . I think his journey to get to this point has made him strong in spirit, tough, resilient and hungry and have fun when he plays with us. “

Khyiris Tonga, nose tackle
Seventh round (250th)

Tonga has been part of the defensive line’s rotation throughout the season, appearing in 13 games with one start. Playing 21% of defensive snaps this year, he has compiled 19 tackles and one tackle for a loss.

“I’m really impressed with him,” said defensive line coach Chris Rumph. “I joke with him all the time and say, ‘Dude, I messed up your rating because I didn’t rate you as high as what you played. “I’m excited for him just for the person he is and the energy he brings and the willingness to learn. I think this guy can really do some good things for us.”