Guess we’re trying this again. The last time the XFL tried to get off the ground in 2001, it was a disaster. The league lasted just one season and was plagued by a myriad of problems. This time around though, it’s felt odds are better. Ownership has deeper pockets and there is a clear league vision installed from the top down. While obviously no threat to the NFL, there are several players inhabited the eight rosters around that league whom the Chicago Bears have good reasons to watch.
Few things are more important in football than roster depth. This venture by the new league will give teams a chance to find possible hidden gems that can fill out critical backup spots. Maybe even a future starter or two. The question is who should the Bears look out for? Here is a list of names scattered across the rosters that have a certain notable upside along with a fit with needs this team has. The next three months for them could prove quite fruitful.
XFL names the Chicago Bears should track carefully
Jordan Ta’amu, QB, St. Louis Battlehawks
One great thing about the XFL is it offers underdeveloped quarterbacks the perfect opportunity to getting the precious playing time they likely couldn’t in the NFL. Especially with the preseason likely get shortened in the near future. Ta’amu exactly that guy. An impressive physical specimen, he has size an above-average arm. Not to mention running ability. What he didn’t have at Ole Miss was an understanding of how to process defenses. His new offensive coordinator, former NFL quarterback Chuck Long might be just the man to help him overcome that hurdle.
De’Angelo Henderson, RB, Houston Roughnecks
Another of those shorter-than-average running backs who never got much of an opportunity. Henderson was prolific during his time in college and flashed that same potential in the preseason multiple times including a 59-yard rookie debut against the Bears in 2017. He has deceptive power in his 5’7 frame and solid speed. Catching passes also isn’t a problem. This feels like a player who just hasn’t gotten a chance to prove what he can do. That’s why this XFL opportunity can be so big for him.
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Sammie Coates, WR, Houston Roughnecks
One thing that was sorely lacking from the Bears offense in 2019 was speed. Taylor Gabriel was the only receiver who had any of significance and he suffered health setbacks. Coates is a legitimate deep threat, having run a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at the combine in 2015. The problem became he couldn’t master all the arts of wide receiver in the NFL. That speed showed up plenty of times but he struggled with route running and also had issues with dropped passes. Houston should give him a chance to show whether or not he’s learned anything.
Isaiah Battle, OT, Seattle Dragons
There was a genuine interest in Battle from the start by the NFL. He was selected in the Supplemental Draft in 2015. A massive human being at 6’7, 350+ lbs, he was noted for having surprising athleticism and long arms. Most saw him as a true left tackle from a physical standpoint. In the end, he never got an opportunity to play. He bounced between the Rams, Chiefs, Seahawks and Panthers before getting drafted by the Dragons. He’s almost guaranteed to play this season, which will be much-needed. The talent is there, but he needs to show if he will embrace the work.
Nico Siragusa, OG, Los Angeles Wildcats
The running game was a constant issue for the Bears in 2019. So it would make sense they might prioritize finding blockers who can help it improve. Siragusa is a specialist in that department. Big and powerful, he generated movement constantly in college. This is why he landed with the Baltimore Ravens as a 4th round pick. However, he ended up on a crowded depth chart and wasn’t able to stick with the team. After bouncing around elsewhere, he headed for the XFL. The best part? He’s about to get an education from Jerry Fontenot, the former starting center for the Bears.
Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB, Dallas Renegades
It’s no secret the Bears are looking for pass rush help. Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd are the only notable players they have at outside linebacker going into this offseason. Kikaha was always a fascinating player. He was a prolific pass rusher in college at Washington and was a 2nd round pick of the New Orleans Saints. He constantly flashed potential there but suffered a number of injury setbacks. Rather than choose to bounce around the NFL, he stepped away to heal his body in 2018. Then he decided to take the XFL invitation, no doubt as a chance to play right away.
T.J. Barnes, DT, New York Guardians
When one thinks “3-4 defensive end,” the body they look for is one like Barnes. He is a mountain of a human being at 6’7, 360 lbs. This is why he moved around the league for a number of years despite being a former undrafted free agent. He never managed to see the field in the NFL, but did see some action in the Alliance of American Football where he showed out as a nice run defender with occasional pass rush appearances. This XFL stint could be another nice step in his needed development.
Jalen Collins, CB, Tampa Bay Vipers
One of the most disappointing players in recent memory. Collins had all the tools imaginable to play cornerback coming out of LSU. Big, athletic, and instinctive. He could match up with any receiver. This ability showed out in the 2016 playoffs as he was a major catalyst for the Atlanta Falcons’ Super Bowl run. The problem is he could never stay out of trouble, ultimately getting suspended four different times. After a brief stint in Indianapolis, he headed for the XFL. He’s still only 26-years old. It is hoped this time away might help him mature and stay out of trouble. If so, that is a starting cornerback on most teams.
