Dennis Allen took the podium Saturday and offered a brief opening statement. That’s somewhat odd for a defensive coordinator, especially after a rookie minicamp practice.

His message was quick, to the point and completely accurate.

“We’re just getting into the introduction phase of what we’re doing with these young guys, so we’re not going to get into a lot of instant reactions in terms of how everybody’s doing,” the Chicago Bears DC said. “These guys are out here excited about working. They’re working extremely hard, both mentally and physically, and we’re excited about working with them.”

Allen guarded against “instant reactions,” as he should. There’s no way to evaluate, let’s say, second-round draft pick Luther Burden III when he’s running routes against tryout players, partnered with quarterbacks he has never worked with, while running concepts he learned the previous day.

That’s why we’re not doing full practice breakdowns. There still was a lot to learn from the three-day session, which also featured press conferences with coach Ben Johnson, his coordinators and every 2025 Bears NFL draft pick.

Here are a few takeaways from what was seen and heard at Halas Hall.

Ben Johnson setting the tone

The Bears conducted a minicamp afforded to new head coaches prior to this all-rookie session, so they weren’t the first practices Ben Johnson conducted in Chicago. They were the first open to the media, though, so watchful eyes were focused on how he would run the show.

Johnson is known for intensity, and he has maintained that this offseason program won’t be easy. That doesn’t mean he’s all old-school screamer. He tries to provide what each moment needs.

“A little bit of a counterbalance and a pendulum,” Johnson said in a Friday press conference. “As things go one direction, I like to try to keep things centered to a degree. I think you’ll see a lot of different personality styles come out, not just with me but with the rest of the coaching staff as well, as we work to get to know our players a little bit better and what they need to be pushed.”

Sometimes that comes with some fire.

“He’s super determined. He’s ready to go. He’s ready to take this thing to the top,” first-round pick Colston Loveland said. “He’s no nice guy. He’s going to … I’ve seen (him) getting on people’s butts. Fired up, too. Super excited.

“I’m loving how he coaches. It’s early, but I’m excited to play for him.”

Tempo will be faster and expectations will be higher during normal practices, so we could see a bit more fire.

Johnson also considered this a coaching orientation, as his staff figures out how to work together to create productive practices.

“This is the first time we’re all working together,” offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said. “Not only me but the rest of our staff, everybody. The flow of practice. What do our standards look like? How we operate from drill to drill, and how we’re going to communicate with our players. I think it’s a great opportunity for all of us to really get on the same page.”

Loveland has a lot to learn

Loveland couldn’t practice during rookie minicamp. He’s still rehabbing from shoulder surgery and, while he can do some things, the University of Michigan product isn’t ready for full practice.

He wasn’t off to the side, though. He was trying to mimic techniques during individual drills and was locked into what his fellow tight ends were doing. It’s clear he’s itching to participate, but he has remained patient with the rehab process knowing he should be ready by training camp.

Loveland still is trying to maximize each moment, though, considering the steep learning curve for NFL tight ends.

“It’s a matter of meeting, watching the tape, walking through, particularly for a guy like Colston right now that is a little dinged up,” Johnson said. “So we’re rehabbing him, and then that’s a priority for us is getting him back healthy, because the sooner he gets healthy, then we get the full speed reps, and that’s where it really all comes together.

“It’s more mental right now, and we’re going to take full opportunity with the time we have with him, call it six weeks in terms of getting him up to speed with not only what the veterans know mentally but how much can we walk through with him on the side to speed up the learning process.”

Why Bears believe in Kyle Monangai

Monangai has received more post-draft run than most seventh-round picks. Part of that’s the nature of the running back’s position and the Bears’ need for a physical runner. Part of it was his overall production at Rutgers while playing in the Big Ten.

We’ve heard a bunch about Monangai despite his draft slot suggesting there’s no lock he makes the team. The Bears like his makeup and his physicality, and believe position coach Eric Bienemy can help maximize his potential.

“There are a lot of areas where we’re going to have to coach him up,” Doyle said. “He’s a very physical player. He’s very willing. And then, the best thing about him that translates is that he’s a consummate pro. The last couple of days we’ve been able to meet with these guys, he’s front and center. He’s taking notes. He’s attentive. We’re asking questions of the group, and he’s answering. I think he’s going to carry himself that way. I think that guys who do handle themselves that way give themselves a shot.”

Ozzy Trapilo to enter tackle competition

Second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo worked on the left during rookie minicamp, but the Bears plan to train him on both sides of the offensive line. The Boston College product has experience playing those positions, and he talked extensively about the training required to ensure he’s ready for what’s required.

Trapilo already is known as a technician who’s always well prepared, with the goal of quickly getting on the field. That might be in reserve as a swing tackle. It could be as a starter, depending on whether Darnell Wright switches to the left side and how Braxton Jones performs once he fully recovers from ankle surgery.

We’re a million miles from seeing how the starting tackle spots shake out, but Trapilo will be a factor in that competition. Johnson was impressed by his ability to quickly apply lessons, and that’s a point of pride for Trapilo, who’s focused on maximizing each moment.

“My goal here is to play football and get on the field as soon as I can,” Trapilo said. “So, I’m going to do whatever I can to get that done. But at the same time, I know I have a lot to work on as a player. I’m a rookie — I’m not going to show up and be the best. My goal is to become the best player I can, but I know I’m not going to just do it without work. It takes a lot of work, a lot of time. My job is not to be results driven but process driven.”