Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington spoke to the media Wednesday at Halas Hall. Here are five things we learned from that session:

(1) Montez Sweat said Tuesday that he enjoys mentoring the Bears' young defensive ends. But the veteran pass rusher also helps teammates on the other side of the ball.

"He's very willing to share, to give the benefit of his experience, not just with guys in his position group," Washington said. "Yesterday or the day before yesterday, Montez was actually speaking to the offensive line about how he sees protection concepts and how he looks to assert himself as an edge rusher.

"I'm not sure I've ever seen that in my 17 years. Just the fact that he went over to the offensive tackles and gave them some feedback, as far as what he's trying to do and what they can anticipate, I thought was really cool. It speaks to the leadership. He also understands that we have to be the sum of our parts. The group has to be good. The offensive line has to be good for us to accomplish our goals as a team."

(2) Heading into Thursday night's preseason finale in Kansas City, the competition among the young defensive ends remains intense.

Among those battling for roster spots and playing time are Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy, Khalid Kareem and Dominique Robinson.

The evaluation process consists of both on-field production and potential in terms of projecting what the players are capable of.

"The balance of the work that we've done in camp, it really goes back to the offseason, but especially when we start the live competition," Washington said. "All of those things matter that count. It gives us an opportunity to make some projections, and also to evaluate the player's ceiling; how much more growth exists within that particular player, that person. It's a combination of both things.

"There is a projection aspect, but it also just comes down to raw production and how much have we seen from that player if they're a returning player, and how much growth have we seen in some of the rookies? And there is some projection based on some of the imperial data that we use where, 'Listen, this is where this person has gone, and this is what we anticipate.'"

(3) Washington was impressed with nickel back Kyler Gordon's performance in last Saturday's 27-3 preseason win over the Bengals.

In his first preseason action since recovering from an injury that prevented him from practicing, the third-year pro recorded four tackles, two tackles-for-loss and one sack when he drilled quarterback Logan Woodside on a well-timed blitz.

"He missed a little bit of time," Washington said, "so to have him back on the practice field and to watch how impactful he was in the game, not only as a blitzer but as a coverage element and those plays, making tackles in the open field, he's a top-tier talent. He takes what he does very seriously and takes a lot of pride in his performance. I'm glad he's on our team."

(4) Washington liked what he saw on tape of cornerback Tyrique Stevenson but needed to see the 6-foot, 214-pounder in person to truly appreciate him as a player.

"Tyrique's size, for a corner, is a tremendous asset for us, especially when he's at the point of attack," Washington said. "His break is exceptional. Once the ball is in the air, Tyrique can go from a backpedal situation, or once the play has kind of declared itself, he can really close and make plays on the ball. When you see that live and in person—live action as opposed to on film—it really jumps out at you."

Washington also feels that Stevenson, a 2023 second-round pick from Miami, possesses ideal intangibles to play his position.

"He's got a great personality," Washington said. "He's a confident young man. He's got the mindset I think you have to have as a corner. You have to forget very quickly, one way or another. You're going against outstanding receivers outside on the perimeter; No. 1 receivers. They are going to catch passes. You have to flush that, move on and continue to challenge to do your job and to make plays on the ball. He definitely possesses that ability."

(5) Washington senses "a lot of camaraderie" on the Bears defense.

"From what I've been able to observe, they like being around one another," he said. "There's respect in the room. There's a great feel, a great camaraderie. And when you're looking at that from a distance, there's the kind of brotherhood that you like to see for guys who are going to go through highs, mids and things that don't go exactly our way. I think it will give us a chance to go an 18-week, 17-game season and beyond and continue to gain on what our goals are.

"It's really cool to watch the groups interact with each other and to watch the genuine friendship and respect among the guys in this locker room."