The New Bears Undrafted Free Agents You Must Get To Know

Perhaps the most underrated part of the offseason is the Chicago Bears undrafted free agent signings. Already GM Ryan Pace has shown it's possible to get value after the draft. Look at Cameron Meredith, Cre'Von LeBlanc, Bryce Callahan, and John Timu. Players who provided occasional positive plays for the team. There is never any telling what sort of talents can be found. Well it seems the Bears have made their latest run for 2017. Though more names could be added in the near future, several are already set to join the team. A number of them actually bring some intrigue with them. Enough to wonder whether they might be a hidden gem for the coaching staff to polish. Here are some that fans should get to know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApOiP83wcRY

Rashaad Coward (NT, Old Dominion)

Defensive line depth was a key for the Bears this offseason and they've stayed after it in both free agency periods. Not a surprise given the health concerns surrounding Eddie Goldman. Word is the Bears initially planned to draft Coward in the sixth round but felt fortunate the 6'6", 310 lbs kid felt out entirely. They pounced quickly. It's obvious right away that he's a not only big but surprisingly athletic. He can run down ball carriers, deflect passes and even provide some limited pass rush. Definitely a project worth undertaking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbZTnH8YcoQ

Dieugot Joseph (OT, Florida International)

The Bears know they need to keep up their search for help at offensive tackle. Dieugot Joseph looks like he was genetically engineered for the NFL. Big, long and athletic in his footwork. His hands are quick and lash out with a good punch. Like most undrafted linemen though he comes with a lot of technique issues. That and the fact he's only 293 lbs. Not good for a guy who is 6'6". He'll need to add weight and muscle mass in order to handle the power he'll face. The upside is huge with him, but it will take work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U1k-eFvCaY

Tanner Gentry (WR, Wyoming)

The athleticism, body control and hands jump out right away with this kid. It seems like all a QB has to do is get it in the general vicinity and he'll find some crazy way to bring it in. He was targeted on throws of 20 yards or more 49 times in 2016. He caught 22 of them. For the season he had 1,326 yards and 14 touchdowns. Give him any space to work and he has the awareness and route running skill to get open. If he ever learns how to beat press this could be something fun to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9vlEk8np00

Franko House (F, Ball State)

Wait, what? That's right. Franko House is actually a basketball player out of Ball State. He just graduated as a senior playing his last season on the courts. Only since then did he make the conscious decision to resume playing football, something he hasn't done since high school. House stands at 6'6", 250 lbs so he does bring that large frame needed for the position along with the prerequisite athleticism basketball players have. Who knows. If he can be taught to play the position the right way, the traits are there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHYmW-ln3Og

Freddie Stevenson (FB, Florida State)

The Bears have toyed with the fullback position over the past year. Thus far they really haven't utilized it a great deal. However, with Jordan Howard in place having one could prove more fruitful than in years past. Freddie Stevenson is fresh off a successful run of leading the way for Florida State star runner Dalvin Cook who compiled over 3,300 yards in two seasons for the Seminoles. To top it off Stevenson can run the ball too and has the hands for catching passes. If Chicago is going old school, then this is a piece they're missing.