QBs struggle in rookie minicamp

Most of the 54 rookies and first-year players invited to the Bears' weekend minicamp haven't played much football in the past three months, and it looked like it.

Quarterbacks Dan LeFevour, the Bears' sixth-round draft pick out of Central Michigan, and former Fighting Illini Isiah "Juice" Williams struggled. They had to contend with howling winds and unfamiliar receivers while also working on drop-back skills that they weren't required to perfect while operating out of the shotgun in college.

In passing drills, even against air, more balls hit the ground than receivers' hands. And more than a few that did hit pass catchers in the hands clanked off.

But all that's expected at a rookie minicamp, especially one with 29 players, including Williams, invited strictly on a tryout basis to join the five draft picks and 13 undrafted free agents signed last weekend.

"(With) the wind it was good to see the quarterbacks have to struggle a little bit through it," coach Lovie Smith said. "As far as someone looking real good or us being disappointed in someone, you can't really say that. This camp is about trying to catch the players up a little bit (on the playbook), so when they get ready to mix in with our veterans we don't have to stop for them."

Watchful eyes: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz seems to have already made Benet Academy High School's Dan LeFevour a pet project, offering advice and observations throughout the Friday afternoon workout.

"Juice (Williams) and I both have a lot to learn from a guy like that," LeFevour said. "He's been great so far, just giving you little tips here and there about quarterback play. I can already see the improvement. Now I just have to tie it all in together with the concept things I've learned and it should be a lot better."

Whatever it takes: Third-round pick Major Wright could contend for a starting job at free safety, but he has a long way to go.

"I dreamed about this when I was younger and now it's here," Wright said. "But now I just have to go out and hustle and just stay focused."

Wright says he'll do whatever it takes to keep his dream alive.

"If it's just coming out and playing scout team, that's me," he said. If it's coming out and playing special teams, that's me."

Done deal: Restricted free-agent defensive end Mark Anderson signed his one-year tender offer from the Bears for $1.759 million Friday afternoon.