Mark Potash: Analyzing the highs and lows of Bears training camp

By Mark Potash

Undrafted rookie wide receiver Tanner Gentry (19) makes a great catch of a deep ball from quarterback Mark Sanchez in practice at training camp. (Sun-Times illustration by Patrick Finley)

BOURBONNAIS — The Sun-Times’ Mark Potash breaks down the best and worst of the Bears’ training camp, which ended Monday at Olivet Nazarene University:

Mike Glennon looked …

Like an inexperienced quarterback still finding his way — understandable considering he’s learning a new offense and learning new receivers, who themselves are learning a new offense. This is going to be a work in progress, but the pressure is on to hit the ground running in Week 1.

Mitch Trubisky looked …

Better than advertised. Trubisky’s obvious skills are enticing — the quick release, arm strength, accuracy, mobility and ability to throw on the run. He still has a lot to prove, but his performance in the preseason opener might have been an indication he’s closer to being ready than the Bears thought. We’ll see.

Do the Bears have a quarterback controversy?

Not yet. Unless the disparity in performance continues in the preseason, Glennon will be the Week 1 starter. But all bets are off — or should be — once the season starts. Then it’s the quarterback who gives the Bears the best chance to win.

He had a good camp …

Receiver Tanner Gentry. The 6-2, 209-pound undrafted rookie from Wyoming has consistently made big plays and is not a one-trick pony. He has caught everything short, middle and deep and has shown a knack for coming up with contested balls at each level. Still have to see it in games, though.

He had a disappointing camp …

Wide receiver Kevin White. The Bears are doing all they can to pump him up; Glennon even listed White with Cam Meredith as the two receivers with whom he has developed a rapport in camp — something the eye test doesn’t confirm. It remains to be seen if White still has the speed and other skills that made him the No. 7 pick of the 2015 draft. We just don’t see it out there.

I’ll be watching …

Guard Kyle Long. He’s expected to be ready for Week 1, but it’s not clear how good he’ll be after being so limited in the preseason — and how well he’ll hold up through a 16-game season.

Did camp change my opinion of the team’s future?

No. There are way too many unknowns. But first impressions were more good than bad: The defense should be better; the rookie class could have an immediate impact; Trubisky might be a factor sooner than expected; and while Long, linebacker Danny Trevathan and McPhee are question marks, significant on-the-field injuries were limited. But the bar has yet to be raised for this team — until further notice, 7-9 would be a good season.

Follow me on Twitter @MarkPotash.

Email: mpotash@suntimes.com