Coby Bryant hasn't been a Bear for very long, yet he's already embracing a leadership role on the team. Having Super Bowl caliber experience isn't exactly easy to come by, but fresh off of his win with Seattle, Bryant has seemingly taken rookie Dillon Thieneman under his wing.
The Bears made a splash earlier this offseason when they pried Bryant away from the Seahawks following Seattle's Super Bowl LX victory. Then, by selecting Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick, Chicago appeared to solidify its long-term plan at safety. Bryant's recent comments about the rookie offer a glimpse into how the Bears hope to build that future from within.
"Honestly just the biggest thing is just taking care of his body and just being coachable, which he is. He's very, very smart and intelligent. Obviously, the tape speaks for itself as well too, but it's gonna be a long year for him, you know, just coming from the combine and just all the meetings and everything. So, just taking care of his body and taking it one week at a time, and any questions, I'm always there for him."Coby Bryant
Bryant recognizes the difference between college football and the grind that is the NFL. Almost all NFL players have walked that path before, and they can all attest to the difficulty that lies within. The rookie season is a long and winding year that just doesn't stop, and it's only amplified when you're a first round selection. The weight of expectation normally lays heavy on the heads of those lucky enough to be drafted so high.
That's why it's so imperative that Thieneman relies upon those veteran players around him. The Bears are expecting him to be able to produce at a high level off of the bat. The safety position is one of the most highly communicative positions in football, and preparing for the season is an absolute must between this core group of players.
Bryant accepting his role as mentor and guide to this new wave of defensive players is an honorable way to go. Bryant even acknowledges the difference in the energy in practice that a few simple years makes. Veterans understand that not every rep needs to be taken at maximum level, but rather mastering the mechanics and remaining coachable are essential to surviving in the league.
Bryant's leadership may only be beginning, but the impact is already evident. If Thieneman reaches his potential in Chicago, the lessons he's learning from a Super Bowl champion today could help shape the next leader of the Bears' secondary tomorrow.
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