The Chicago Bears conducted their rookie minicamp this week, getting their first look at the incoming 2023 draft class and 14 undrafted free agents. Along the way, they also hosted several tryout players, both rookies and veterans. The objective was to fill out the roster enough to conduct full practices while also giving players a chance to make an impression. Anybody that did so would earn a contract to join the team for training camp in July. The Bears signed six such players last year.
This time around, they've decided to add three, including two rookies and a veteran. Each brings something interesting to the table as the team moves closer to the next phase of preparation for the coming season.
The Chicago Bears continue to stick to their script.
Josh Lugg, OL, Notre Dame
One thing we know about the Bears is they like big, strong, and nasty players up front. Lugg checks all of those boxes. He's 6'7, 310 lbs, and displays a mean streak on every block. He comes across as somebody with good intelligence, working well in combo blocks and rarely getting caught by blitzes or stunts. His big issue is athleticism. He isn't known for standout quickness or range, which could limit him in the Bears' outside-zone scheme. Still, players of his makeup tend to serve well as backups when given a chance.
Braden Trahan, S, Louisiana
Good size, toughness, and intelligence show up a lot with Trahan on tape. He seems to know where the ball is going a lot. He's not afraid to play physical and had excellent production for his long college career with 13 interceptions. That includes nine over his final three seasons. As is the case with many undrafted players, he was passed over because of lacking speed. The range just isn't there. It also doesn't help he's on the older side for a rookie. Still, he has enough tools to believe he can be a quality backup and special teams contributor.
Stephen Carlson (TE)
The veteran tight end hasn't played in an NFL game since 2020. He was highly productive at Princeton but went undrafted. Cleveland used him primarily as a blocker and on special teams during his time there. He wasn't too bad in either category. Sadly a torn ACL in the summer of 2021 derailed any progress. He worked out with the Giants last year but failed to get signed. It appears his knee is fully recovered, and he showed enough to intrigue the Chicago Bears, who do need more depth at tight end.
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