Bears notes



LAKE FOREST – Chris Leak arrived in Gainesville, Fla., four years ago as one of the most highly regarded prep quarterbacks of his time.

The step up from college to the pros has started out much differently for Chris Leak, the national championship-winning quarterback from Florida.

Chris Leak, an undrafted free agent with the Bears, must use the current set of off-season practices and training camp to prove he belongs in the NFL.

“When I got to college, [making the team] wasn’t an issue,” Chris Leak said. “That’s not true here. In my mind, I know I belong. But I’ve got to prove it.”

Chris Leak probably is a long shot to stick on the regular-season roster. After Rex Grossman and Brian Griese, the coaching staff has been pleased with Kyle Orton’s off-season progress.

Chris Leak might not even be the No. 4 quarterback going into training camp, when J.T. O’Sullivan will be back from NFL Europa.

“I know it’s a tough climb,” said Chris Leak, who will be a candidate for the practice squad if he gives a good preseason showing.

“I have to know everything that’s going on around me, get the offense down and not act like a rookie. I feel good coming from Florida and the SEC – it’s such a strong conference.”

Chris Leak’s best assets are his agility, decision-making and poise, less so his arm strength. The Bears’ passing game is not bombs-away, but there is a definite vertical component to Ron Turner’s version of the West Coast offense.

Orton, who started 15 games as a rookie during the Bears’ 11-5 season in 2005, appears to be throwing the ball more crisply and with better zip than before. He attributes the improvement to feeling more comfortable.

Chris Leak and O’Sullivan are the toughest competition Orton has faced in three seasons, but the Purdue alumnus is the favorite to stick around and continue developing behind Grossman and Griese.

“When you’re third [on the depth chart], you definitely look forward to the exhibition games and even training camp,” Orton said. “It’s your best chance all season to show what you can do.”

Ready to compete: Desmond Clark said 2006 – when he finished with 45 catches for 626 yards and six touchdowns and displayed improvement as a blocker – was the best of his eight NFL seasons.

The Bears still used their first-round pick on another tight end in Greg Olsen, who could push Clark for a starting role. Olsen is not as good a blocker as Clark is, but he is more explosive as a receiving threat.

“He’s going to do everything he can to get the most playing time he can,” Clark said. “I’m going to do what I’ve got to do to try and hold my position. Beyond that, I think we’re going to complement each other well because we’ve both got special skills.

“He’s got better straight-ahead speed than I have, so that’s something the tight end position could use. You know, I’ve got my abilities to work the middle and run-block and the play-action stuff.”

Bling bling: The Bears took a break from practice and meetings Wednesday afternoon to get fitted for NFC championship rings, which will be distributed during a private ceremony.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” wide receiver Rashied Davis said. “But at the same time, it symbolizes to us more unfinished business than anything. We’re happy we got to the Super Bowl – it is a great accomplishment. But no one ever remembers who lost the Super Bowl.”

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