http://www.chicagobears.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=9224

Smith not fretting about Benson's absence
By Larry Mayer
July 23, 2005



BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - The Bears reported to training camp Saturday without unsigned first-round draft pick Cedric Benson. But the rookie running back's absence didn't dampen coach Lovie Smith's enthusiasm.

Running back Cedric Benson joined the Bears after rushing for 5,540 yards and 64 touchdowns in four seasons at Texas.
"Eventually he'll get in camp and we'll put him in and get him ready once that happens," Smith said. "But the rest of our team is here and we're excited about them."

The Bears, who haven't had a first-round selection hold out of training camp since receiver David Terrell missed 11 days in 2001, chose Benson with the fourth overall pick.

One factor working against Chicago is the fact that most first-round picks wait until the 11th hour to agree to deals and the Bears reported to camp about a week earlier than most teams because they play an extra preseason game Aug. 8 against the Miami Dolphins.

As of Saturday, none of the NFL's 32 first-round picks had agreed to terms.

Bears fourth-round pick Kyle Orton also remains unsigned. But a deal with the quarterback from Purdue could be struck as early as Saturday night.

"I expect us to get it done hopefully pretty soon with Kyle," Smith said. "Cedric will eventually be in camp. I know (general manager) Jerry (Angelo) and (director of player contracts and legal affairs) Cliff (Stein) and the guys are really working hard to get that done."

Benson is slated to compete with incumbent Thomas Jones for the starting job. A lengthy holdout no doubt will hurt the rookie's chances, but Smith didn't sound worried Saturday.

"When Cedric gets here, that's when we'll start coaching him," the coach said. "We'll be pleased when that happens. We've put in a big part of our offense, but we haven't hit any. He needs to get into football shape and he'll be able to do that.

"We're in earlier than everyone else, so eventually we'll get the guys in and we'll start coaching them then."

Reinforcements arrive: One day after agreeing to terms, veteran fullback Marc Edwards passed his physical examination Saturday and signed a one-year contract.

Edwards bolsters a position depleted by injuries to starter Bryan Johnson (foot) and backup Jason McKie (pectoral), neither of whom will be able to participate in the first practice Sunday.

Smith has previously coached against Edwards, who has played eight NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (1997-98), Cleveland Browns (1999-2000), New England Patriots (2001-02) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-04).

"I know a little bit about him and we're excited to have him be a part of the team," Smith said.

With Keith "Thump" Belton the only other healthy fullback in camp, the Bears will give third-year tight end Gabe Reid some reps at the position.

"We have some options," Smith said. "That's why you can't wait for training camp to get here and see exactly where the guys are."

Special effort: Fans who attend training camp workouts will notice that the Bears spend a lot of time on special teams drills.

"Since Day 1 we've tried to put a big emphasis on special teams," Smith said. "People say that, but you have to do it. I think you'll see from the amount of practice time that we give the players that we're into special teams and we want to be one of the best in the league at doing it."

While the Bears will have a new kicker and punt returner this season, Smith is particularly interested in seeing Jerry Azumah revert to the form he displayed in 2003 when he led the NFL in kickoff returns with a 29.0-yard average and 2 TDs.

"Jerry Azumah was a Pro Bowl player before last year," Smith said. "We have to get that back."

Rex appeal: Smith can't wait to see Rex Grossman back under center Sunday. The 2003 first-round pick returns after missing the final 13 games last season with a knee injury.

"Rex is definitely a leader," Smith said. "We like him leading our team. You can ask any of his teammates and they'll all say the same thing about him. We're excited about him taking off."