Prior to the 2019 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace indicated the team would be quite active signing undrafted free agents (UDFA) once the draft concluded and boy, was he right. The Bears have agreed to terms with 21 prospects who went undrafted.
Pace has found a few diamonds in the rough over the years, including WR Cameron Merideth, DE Roy Robertson-Harris, CBs Bryce Callahan and Kevin Tolliver, and LB John Timu. And with 21 UDFAs in the fold, fans can expect a few will make the 53-man roster once the regular season starts.
Here are five UDFAs that have the best chance of making the Bears active roster.
WR Emanuel Hall, Missouri
Hall is by far the most intriguing UDFA the Bears signed. A senior from Mizzou, Hall was expected to be picked as high as the second round but fell when concerns arose regarding his medicals and his attitude, according to NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein. Hall only played nine games in 2018 due to injuries but has blazing speed and the ability to take the top off a defense averaging 20.8 yards per catch during his collegiate career. Hall will likely battle Javon Wims and Marvin Hall for the final WR spot. Both Halls possess pure speed, something the Bears lacked in 2018. But with Emanuel’s potential and fierce determination following his fall, I’ll bet on the rookie to make the roster.
TE Dax Raymond, Utah State
Outside of running back, tight end was considered the Bears biggest need on the offensive side of the ball and while the draft board fell a certain way, Pace was still able to find an effective weapon following the draft in Dax Raymond. Listed as 6-5, 255 pounds, Raymond had a productive final two seasons at Utah State, catching 68 passes for 801 yards and three touchdowns. He has a good first step off of the line and slips off tacklers, gaining more yards after contact. However, he may need to bulk up to handle NFL linebackers.
Still, the backup tight end spot may be up for grabs, as Adam Shaheen has struggled to make an impact when healthy and Ben Braunecker primarily plays special teams. It’s also interesting to note that, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Raymond is making the most money of all the UDFAs that have been reported.
K John Baron II, San Diego State
We can simply say he’s a kicker and leave it at that, but Baron showed quite a bit while at San Diego State. He hit 17 of 22 field goals in 2018, good for 80 percent, and going 5-for-5 from 50 yards or more with a long of 54. Baron will have competition beginning at rookie minicamp through OTAs and training camp, but Baron was the only rookie kicker signed to a deal while the others were just invited to participate in camp.
He’s also competing against recent signings Redford Jones, Chris Blewitt, and Elliott Fry, none of which have NFL kicking experience. The door is wide open for Baron to win the kicking job and bring stability to the position for the first time in four seasons.
G Alex Bars, Notre Dame
The Bears added Bars and his linemate Sam Mustipher, both interior linemen who played under Bears offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. It’s likely only one will make the active roster, and even though Bars is still recovering from a torn ACL from last September, he grades out as the better lineman and the better bet to make the 53 man roster.
Bars is a 6-6, 312-pound guard who has played all over the line while at Notre Dame, most recently at left guard after taking over for Quenton Nelson. He can effectively block downfield and pulls with ease to create open lanes for runners. Bars’ flexibility could offer value as a backup lineman and his familiarity with Hiestand only improves his case. And keep in mind, Bars is the Bears’ second-highest paid UDFA, according to Brad Biggs.
DE Chuck Harris, Buffalo
From one great Buffalo edge rusher to another? While Chuck Harris is no Khalil Mack, he had a nice senior season for the Bulls, finishing with 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games and shows raw potential to develop into a force on the edge. Harris has the athleticism and intelligence to compete at the NFL level and will push OLB and 2018 sixth-round pick Kylie Fitts for a spot on the roster.
While the numbers certainly aren’t eye-popping, Harris is still coming into his own and, depending on his development with defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, he may become a key contributor for the Bears down the road.
.jpg?w=600)
