The Chicago Bears roster has incorporated probably its largest undrafted free agent class ever with 21 names set to attend training camp in July. It isn't just a bunch of random bodies either. Several experts have gone on record stating the Bears found quite a few interesting talents. Ones that should've been drafted but weren't for one reason or another.
This begs an interesting question. Who among those number stands the best chance to actually make the final 53-man roster? Now the odds favor more than one doing so but that is not a guarantee. So if only one was given the pass, who would it be? Tristin McKinstry of The Athletic picked three undrafted players throughout the NFL most likely to make a roster.
One of them was signed by the Bears, and prepare for a surprise. Emanuel Hall? Nope. Mathieu Betts? Not him. Alex Bars? Not even he cracked it. The honor went to none other than Utah State tight end Dax Raymond.
"The Chicago Bears snagged one of the more underrated tight ends when Dax Raymond fell to free agency. Raymond, who played his college ball out of Utah State, is more of a receiving tight end. He is a machine when racking up yards after contact and is quick off the snap. His downfall involves blocking. Raymond really isn’t a polished blocker, but shows promise in that area."
Dax Raymond would fit perfectly on the Chicago Bears roster
The primary selling point for Raymond is how uncertain the Bears are at tight end. Trey Burton was fine as the starter, showcasing his versatility. Adam Shaheen is talented but hasn't been able to stay healthy. Ben Braunecker was brought back on a new deal to be a reserve and special teams fixture. Outside of that, there isn't much.
Dion Sims was released. Daniel Brown signed elsewhere. Given how much Matt Nagy likes to use the tight end in his offense, it makes sense somebody like Raymond would have an inside track to a roster spot. Word is he's already made an impression at rookie minicamps. If that continues through training camp and into the preseason, it will be hard to keep him off.
