NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bears' Montgomery impressed with Fields: He is a 'freakish athlete'

5 years ago
Chris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Chicago Bears rookie Justin Fields is already turning heads at practice.

"Justin is a freakish athlete, to say the least," Bears running back David Montgomery said Wednesday, according to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times. "He already carries that leader mantra that you rarely see from rookies."

The Bears traded up from 20th overall to the No. 11 pick in April's draft in order to select the former Ohio State passer.

While Andy Dalton - whom Chicago signed prior to the draft - remains the starter entering camp, Fields has made no secret he intends on winning the starting job.

"He's great. He's progressing well (and) taking the reins," Montgomery said.

Despite Fields' presence, Dalton remains confident his job won't be challenged.

"I knew the situation I was going into, regardless of if they drafted somebody or they didn't," the 33-year-old said, according to Chris Emma of 670TheScore. "I was on a one-year deal and I was going to be the starter. My mindset didn't have to change."

Bears head coach Matt Nagy told reporters that Dalton will be getting the first-team reps during organized team activities, Fields will throw with the second team, and veteran Nick Foles will be the No. 3 quarterback, according to ESPN's Jeff Dickerson.

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