LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Darrell Taylor wasn’t sure what to think when he got traded to the Bears. The Seattle Seahawks were the only NFL team he had ever known, and making a scheme switch this late in the summer isn’t ideal.

Then Taylor did some research on the Bears situation. He realized he’ll have a real opportunity to start or take significant snaps opposite Montez Sweat. He found out he’d be moving to a 4-3 front where he wouldn’t have to drop into coverage as he did as an outside linebacker in a 3-4.

Then he got to Halas Hall and felt a positive energy coursing throughout the building. Armed with newfound Bears knowledge and that feeling of optimism in the organization, Taylor got excited about the prospects of this major life change. There’s real opportunity for him here.

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“Coming in and being around everybody and being in this environment, I’m just excited to be here,” Taylor said in a Saturday press conference. “It’s something new for me. I’ve never been traded before. Never been with another team. I’m just excited to see new faces, be in a different environment and just get to work.”

He’ll have a few weeks to get acclimated with a new scheme and new defensive responsibilities and earn the impact reps he craves. This is a contract year for him, so a big statistical season will help the individual and team reach lofty goals. Taylor has been productive in the NFL, with 21.5 sacks, 34 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles and 22 tackles for a loss. He’ll surely want to do so again.

You can tell from watching his Seahawks tape and hearing him speak on Saturday that he’s an excitable sort, a passionate guy who loves his job.

“I’m an intense player, you know?” Taylor said. “Effort is everything no matter who the player is or who the team is. Effort is everything, and I think that’s going to be me — effort sacks, effort plays, chasing down everything. And I’m excited to be able to do that in blue and orange.”

Taylor believes he’ll be better in a 4-3, where he can focus on attacking as a pass rusher and run defender. Eberflus agrees.

“There’s a lot of guys who have done that conversion from an odd front being a nine technique to be able to play defensive end,” Eberflus said. “I’ve had a bunch of those over the course of my career and it’s always worked out. Those guys always make good defensive ends in our system. Like I said before we’re not asking them to play inside or kick them inside, play them inside a tight end, we’re mostly playing from a wide position. Those guys will flourish in that system.”

Eberflus is confident that defensive tackle Chris Williams can also flourish in this Bears system. That’s why the team traded for him on Saturday morning exchanging draft picks with Cleveland to acquire his rights.

Williams is thrilled for the chance to work with Eberflus for a second time. They overlapped in Indianapolis, and Williams has fond memories of playing in his scheme.

“I was productive then when I was with him, too, and I felt growth every time, every year with him,” Williams said. “I know his scheme is to attack and be fast and use my skillset. I definitely feel comfortable with in this scheme.”

Post-practice notes

Bears CB Jaylon Johnson left in the middle of practice, during individual drills and didn’t return. Head coach Matt Eberflus said in his press conference that Johnson left for a personal matter, and that it was for a good thing. … S Jaquan Brisker made the play of practice, ranging from midfield all the way to the sideline to cut off a deep ball and made a diving interception. He managed to drag both feet in bounds, spun out of his fall and celebrated a great play. It’s also a sign that Brisker is all the way back after missing time with injury. …WR Keenan Allen participated in practice but finished the session on a bike. S Kevin Byard continues to miss time with a soft tissue injury. …Eberflus didn’t have an update on OL Larry Borom (ankle), someone contending to be the team’s swing tackle. Borom got hurt in Thursday’s preseason finale.

Follow Bears Insider Scott Bair on X @ScottBairNFL.