Undrafted free agency may not hold the same glamour. Even so, it is of the same importance. Great teams are often built through success on the undrafted market. The Chicago Bears should know. Their last championship team had quite a few notable ones on it. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson wasted no time locking up some intriguing prospects following the draft on April 26th. Here are the ones we know of so far.
The Chicago Bears have some interesting trends on the undrafted market.
Xavier Carlton (EDGE, Cal)
At 6'6, 270 lbs with 35-inch arms, Carlton looks like the ideal 4-3 defensive end. He has good power and had his best season in 2024 with nine sacks, including ones against Miami, Florida State, and N.C. State. He still needs to expand his inventory of pass rush moves, but the tools are there for him to use.
Tysheem Johnson (S, Oregon)
You have a future in the NFL when you have versatility and ball skills. Johnson is only 5'10, but that didn't stop him from compiling five INTs, a sack, eight tackles for a loss, and 137 tackles in two years for Oregon. Richard Hightower will love him on special teams.
Power Echols (LB, North Carolina)
At 5'11", he's an undersized linebacker, so he doesn't present the impact power some might want. That said, he compensates for that with good instincts, solid athleticism, and a feel for coverage.
J.P. Richardson (WR, TCU)
A savvy route-runner with football bloodlines. He clearly understands how to find space even if he lacks speed. Also brings punt return experience to the table, delivering a touchdown last season.
Cole Nelson (EDGE, Virginia Tech)
An undersized edge rusher who lacks length and mass, but has an array of pass rush moves and a hot motor to go with them. He also has a glowing reputation on special teams.
Major Burns (S, LSU)
A supersized safety at 6'3, 195 lbs. He tackles well, demonstrates good blitzing ability, and terrific range as an athlete. Many of his issues come from constant mental mistakes.
Gio Paez (DL, LSU)
The Chicago Bears needed more depth at nose tackle behind Andrew Billings. Paez is a stout defender with understated athleticism who can hold his ground at the point of attack.
Jahdae Walker (WR, Texas A&M)
Another big wide receiver at 6'4, 205 lbs. His production was never great in two years with the Aggies, but he stood out on special teams, has 4.43 speed, and capability as a run-blocker.
Jonathan Kim (K, Michigan State)
Waited five years to get an opportunity, but made the most of it. Showed major improvement in 2024, connecting on 90% of his field goals and 91.7% of his extra points.
Luke Elkin (LS, Iowa)
The former teammate of Tory Taylor. It isn't hard to understand why the Bears chose to sign him. Their chemistry would be immediate after so much success together in college.
Sebastian Pares (OG, Eastern Illinois)
Another athletic offensive lineman who will be a good fit in Johnson's outside zone scheme. He runs with a high motor and above-average length at 34-inch arms.
Jereme Robinson (EDGE, Kansas)
Austin Booker's former teammate. While not the most explosive pass rusher, he is adequate and brings good size and length to the table. He needs to expand his arsenal.
Michael Batton (LB, Houston)
A cool story. He played quarterback in high school and community college before shifting to linebacker in 2022. He got better every year, showcasing speed, toughness, and versatility.
Deion Hankins (RB, Texas State)
If you like violence, then you'll love him. Hankins is a throwback bulldozer who may not have great agility but runs with power, balance, and ferocity.
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