BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Observations on the 2003 Chicago Bears from training camp practices:

1. Tape measures must lie. Rex Grossman doesn't look 6 feet 1, but he really is. With his boyish face and friendly demeanor, Grossman has the look of a public relations intern. But after re-examining the scouting combine documents, Grossman indeed is 6-1 (and 222 pounds) -- the same height as starter Kordell Stewart. What's intriguing, though, is Grossman's big-time arm. Bucs coach Jon Gruden says the ball explodes out of Grossman's right hand because of his compact delivery. What's equally impressive is his knack for finding the small holes as receivers break on crossing patterns. Grossman is for real.

	Urlacher

2. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher should have a big season again now that Keith Traylor and Ted Washington are protecting him from the blocks of guards and centers. Urlacher's numbers fell off when the Bears' defensive line lost both players and Urlacher constantly faced blocks. For now, the Bears aren't going to line up Urlacher as a defensive end on passing downs because they want to take advantage of his pass-rushing ability.

3. Alex Brown might be ready for a breakout year as the starter at right defensive end. His weight has gone from 260 to 272 and he can move. On one play near the Bears' goal line, Brown avoided the left tackle, leaped into the air and deflected a Chris Chandler pass into the quarterback's hands. Brown had two-and-a-half sacks in nine starts as a rookie, but his body is ready for more action.

4. This could be good or bad, but Desmond Clark, a tight end signed from the Dolphins, could be the second leading receiver behind Marty Booker. Clark caught 51 passes for the Broncos two years ago, and the Bears haven't had a proven pass-catcher at tight end in the Dick Jauron era. The problem is that if the offensive philosophy is to throw safe possession passes to the tight end, it won't allow Dez White or David Terrell to develop their big-play ability as the third and fourth options.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.