4 Standouts from Day 11 of Bears training camp practice

The Chicago Bears are in the thick of training camp practices as they inch closer and closer to the start of the 2024 season. Every rep counts for this team as they look to install a brand new offense with new playmakers, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

On defense, the Bears are building off a successful 2023 season with many of the same starters in place. They will look to solidify themselves as a top defense, while role players on both sides try and make an impact to secure a roster spot when the preseason wraps up.

After every practice, we will be highlighting a handful of players who stood out and why. The Bears returned to Halas Hall for Day 11 of practice, and despite the fact it was unpadded, there was a lot that took place. Both the offense and defense had their moments, and it was a promising day for Williams at quarterback.

1. QB Caleb Williams

Seeing as we have a completely separate series focused on Williams, he's not usually someone that's highlighted in our standouts. But given how much he reportedly stood out, we made an exception. The rookie quarterback had an exceptional day, making on-target throws in red zone activities and looking comfortable in the pocket, according to those in attendance. During a drill, Williams climbed the pocket to throw a dime to wide receiver Keenan Allen, who caught the ball in stride for the score.

There would have been another score, too, as Williams evaded pressure to find fellow rookie Rome Odunze in the end zone during a situational drill. Unfortunately, Odunze made a rare error with the ball hitting his chest and falling to the ground. Still, Saturday showed growth for Williams, and as 670 The Score's Mark Grote puts it, he could be ready to make a jump with his development.

2. DT Gervon Dexter

Some of the pressure Williams was seeing came from the next two players listed. First is Gervon Dexter, who continues to have a strong start to his preseason. The second-year defensive tackle is quicker and twitchier coming off the snap, as was shown on Saturday. Dexter was getting in Williams' face on that touchdown to Allen, and he stopped another play dead in its tracks. According to Bear Report's Zack Pearson, Dexter broke through the offensive line on a full team drill and blew up a play before it could really get going.

Dexter has had a few big moments during the first part of camp and continues to be a problem for the Bears' blockers. Seeing these plays on Sundays in September will be more important, but this continues to be good progress for No. 99.

3. DE Dominique Robinson

Another name who seemingly made his presence known might come as a surprise to some. Defensive end Dominque Robinson is firmly on the roster bubble at this point, given how much he played in Thursday's preseason opener, but he made sure to stand out a couple of days later. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune noted that Robinson was able to generate pressure on Williams in one play and recover a fumble on another.

Biggs observed Robinson with more impressive reps as he was able to get to the quarterback. Of course, there were no pads, and evaluating line play is difficult. Nevertheless, a day like Saturday was vital for Robinson, and the hope is he can carry that momentum into next week when the pads come on.

4. CB Josh Blackwell

The backup cornerback battles have been riveting up to this point in camp. No, really. It seems that someone new is stepping up and making plays, and Saturday, it was Josh Blackwell's turn to turn some heads. Managing to perform the "Peanut Punch" on one of the best receivers in the game is one way to do it.

During 7-on-7s, Bear Report's Zack Pearson witnessed Allen catch a ball, only for Blackwell to punch it out like Charles Tillman used to do way back when. Blackwell is battling with players such as Greg Stroman Jr., Reddy Steward, and Jaylon Jones for one of the final cornerback spots. Plays like the one he made during this practice will only help his cause.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 4 Standouts from Day 11 of Bears training camp practice