Undrafted free agency is every bit as important as Day 3 of the NFL draft. Some would even argue more so. Teams that thrive at finding under-the-radar talents in it tend to have lots of success every year on the field. Look at New England and Baltimore as perfect examples. The Chicago Bears have been hit-and-miss with the undrafted market in recent years. They had some great finds in 2015 and 2016 but kind of fell off after that.
GM Ryan Poles hopes to increase their accuracy rate. Already the Bears are active in their work and more names figure to join the list in rapid succession.
Savon Scarver, WR, Utah State
Utah State wide receiver Savon Scarver to the Bears, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 30, 2022
Highly effective kick returner across five years at Utah State with four of them cracking 600 yards and scoring a ridiculous seven touchdowns. A big-play threat.
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Kevin Shaa, WR, Liberty
The #Bears are signing Liberty WR Kevin Shaa, per source. He gets a $14,000 signing bonus.#NFLDraft | @TheDraftNetwork
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 30, 2022
He wasn’t the favorite target of Malik Willis but he was the most explosive, averaging 18.4 yards per catch with six touchdowns on just 28 receptions. More speed for the offense.
Jake Tonges (TE, Cal)
Cal tight end Jake Tonges and Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn (a Chicago area native) are signing with the Bears as UDFAs per source.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 30, 2022
Tonges has good size for the position at 6’5 and is a decent athlete. He never produced much at Cal and almost transferred due to lack of usage. Opted to go pro instead.
Jack Sanborn (LB, Wisconsin)
Cal tight end Jake Tonges and Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn (a Chicago area native) are signing with the Bears as UDFAs per source.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 30, 2022
Sanborn is a throwback. He’s tough, hits hard, and plays well against the run. His 16 tackles for loss and five sacks proved he can play, but his athletic upside is limited at best.
Chase Allen (TE, Iowa State)
BREAKING: Iowa State star Tight End Chase Allen is headed to the Chicago Bears, a source tells @247Sports/ Cyclone Alert
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) April 30, 2022
Not only 6’6 but has 34-inch arms. Outrageous catch radius and strong hands. Not terrible speed either. He’s a determined blocker too. Might be overlooked due to iffy production.
Allie Green (CB, Missouri)
Former Missouri CB Allie Green is signing with the #Bears, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022
Alpha dog with toughness and intelligence. Great instincts for the position. Lacking speed, poor footwork, and average ball skills make him a tough NFL projection.
Landon Lenoir (WR, SIU)
#Bears are signing a local product, former @SIU_Football WR Landon Lenoir per source.
— Christian Shanafelt (@ChrisShanafelt) April 30, 2022
Nothing special sticks out about him but he gets open frequently has strong hands, and has a nose for the end zone (10 TDs in 2021). He isn’t a burner but sneaky fast.
Master Teague (RB, Ohio State)
Former Ohio State running back Master Teague is expected to sign an undrafted free agent deal with the Chicago Bears, a source tells @On3sports https://t.co/uctjPx5w0M
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 30, 2022
While he never managed to become the starter for the Buckeyes, he was a productive runner. Sadly injuries ruined the final two years of his career. He has speed and deceptive strength, but can he stay on the field?
Jaylon Jones (DB, Mississippi State)
Mississippi defensive back Jaylon Jones to Chicago Bears, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 30, 2022
Consistency was always an issue with him. Only one interception in college. Jones does have good size and athleticism. He has room to grow if he puts in the time.
C.J. Avery (LB, Louisville)
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 🤝 @ChicagoBears@Averyy_Sports is Chicago Bound!#GoCards x #ProCards pic.twitter.com/G3x8mT67MB
— Louisville Football (@UofLFootball) April 30, 2022
Highly experienced. Avery was equally effective in coverage (3 INTs) and as a blitzer (8.5 sacks). He has great instincts but is only 5’11 and not particularly fast.
Henry Litwin (WR, Slippery Rock)
FB: Henry Litwin is headed to the league! The Rock's career record holder in catches, yards and touchdowns will sign a free agent deal with the Chicago Bears! Congratulations Henry! pic.twitter.com/VgTgkPxmdi
— Rock Athletics (@Rock_Athletics) April 30, 2022
Chicago Bears will love his fit. Insanely productive with over 2500 receiving yards and 34 TDs in 2019 and 2021. Smart, quick, and a reliable pair of hands.
Tristen Taylor (OL, Eastern Washington)
Eastern Washington’s Tristen Taylor, the 6-6, 320 lb. offensive lineman from Stockton (Stagg HS) is signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent, per sources. @TristenTaylor65
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) May 1, 2022
Big interior lineman with good athleticism and loves to be a finisher on blocks. His footwork needs serious fixing and he’ll have to get better with his pad level.
Jaylen Alexander (LB, Purdue)
Source: #Purdue LB Jaylen Alexander to the Bears as UDFA
— mike carmin (@carmin_jc) May 1, 2022
A hometown kid from Hoffman Estates. Somewhat undersized but a good athlete with a warrior mentality and saves his best performances for big games.
Jonathan Alexander (S, Charlotte)
Charlotte safety Jonathan Alexander is signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. #ProNiners
— Hunter Bailey (@Hunter_Bailey45) May 1, 2022
Things didn’t go well at Kansas State, so he transferred. Blossomed in his first year with two INTs and two forced fumbles in just nine games. Great size at 6’3 too.
De’Montre Tuggle (RB, Ohio)
Ohio RB De’Montre Tuggle accepted an invite to Bears rookie minicamp.
cc: @jon_greenberg
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 1, 2022
Averaged 6.3 yards per carry for his college career and showed versatility with 34 catches out of the backfield. Good vision and patience. An average athlete overall.
Micah Dew-Treadway (DL, Minnesota)
Minnesota DL Micah Dew-Treadway has signed with the Chicago Bears. MDT grad transferred from Notre Dame to the Gophers and played 7 collegiate seasons. pic.twitter.com/uaIUbNmewD
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) May 1, 2022
Big body that serves mostly as a run plugger. He has a little bit of gap penetration ability but it never fully materialized after he transferred to Minnesota.
Matt Coghlin (K, Michigan State)
Opportunity awaits.@MatthewCoghlin ➡️ @ChicagoBears Minicamp pic.twitter.com/6UJtISWrHI
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) May 1, 2022
Connected on 73% of his field goal attempts for his college career. He has decent leg strength with a career-long 51-yarder to his name.
Antonio Ortiz (LS, TCU)
Told TCU long snapper @antjortiz Antonio Ortiz has rookie minicamp invites with the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears. Planning to attend both.
— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) May 1, 2022
Finalist for every long snapper award in college football. Consistent snap accuracy and good blocking ability. He should end up a starter somewhere.
Ezekiel Barnett (LB, Louisiana Tech)
Congratulations to my guy, @zekebarnett_ on his invitation to the @ChicagoBears mini camp next weekend! The Bears are getting a look at a rangey LB who is long and covers space well. Bear down! #HCfamily pic.twitter.com/CztdzAkrWq
— Nathan Shackelford (@nathanshack19) May 1, 2022
A dangerous coverage linebacker with four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in three seasons. A bit undersized but great versatility. Fits what the Chicago Bears want at the position.
Cyrus Holder (WR, Duquesne)
Former Duquesne WR Cyrus Holder is signing with #Bears, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2022
Had over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final 14 college games. He has good size at 6’4 with strong hands and deep ball tracking skills. Lacks the ability to separate in coverage.
Luke Little (WR, Mary)
JUST IN: @UMaryFootball’s Luke Little is signing with the Chicago Bears.
— Jeff Roberts (@JeffRoberts__) May 1, 2022
Insanely productive with 20 TDs in 2021. Has 6’4 and ran a respectable 4.5 at his pro day. Considerable upside but he is making a big jump from Division II.
Christian Albright (LB, Ball State)
Christian Albright 🤝 Bears
Let's get to work, Christian!#1AAT | #TrueCardinal pic.twitter.com/gs1EhFHeCz
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) May 1, 2022
Consistently productive linebacker/defensive end hybrid with 15 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, and nine forced fumbles. The range seems limited but also lacks pass rusher length.
Jean Delance (OL, Florida)
Congrats to @jeandelance56 on signing with @ChicagoBears ‼️ #BeyondFamily pic.twitter.com/pAo5MZKQij
— Beyond Athlete Management (@beyond_am) May 1, 2022
This is a surprisingly solid addition. Projected to go in the 5th round range. Outstanding length and is a good athlete. Needs time to clean up his technique issues.
Kainoa Fuiava (DL, Idaho State)
Excited to be in Chi-Town!!! LFG🔥 #BearDown 🐻
— Kainoa Fuiava (@KainoaFuiava) May 1, 2022
Decent size. Not an interior pass rusher in any sense. His hopes rest on being able to plug gaps as a nose tackle if he wants to make it.
Derick Bush (CB, Coastal Carolina)
Another Chant is off to the NFC North!@CoastalFootball CB @derick_bush is signing with the #Bears as an UDFA. @wmbfnews #ChantsUp
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) May 1, 2022
He was terrific in 2020 with two interceptions and eight passes defended. Good closing speed as a zone corner and isn’t afraid to hit.
Tre Bugg (DB, Air Force)
Per sources, Air Force DB Tre Bugg was invited to the Chicago Bears mini camp.@Hula_Bowl @DraftDiamonds
— Draft Guy Jimmy (@draftguyjimmy) May 1, 2022
Five interceptions and 16 passes defended over his final two years of school. He’s a good athlete that can cover ground. At 180 lbs his weight is a concern though.
Johnny Huntley (TE, Liberty)
TE @Johnny7Huntley has accepted a rookie minicamp invitation with the @ChicagoBears! pic.twitter.com/KAX2eYVvtT
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) May 1, 2022
He was never used much in the passing game but he has that athletic profile that fits well in the offense the Chicago Bears plan to run. Undersized but can run and catch.
Elijah James (DT, Liberty)
Elijah James, the hero of the Cure Bowl in OT, will also be joining Johnny Huntley at Bears minicamp. https://t.co/tgnamxf8TM
— Luke Randle (@lukerandle02) May 1, 2022
Chicago native with good size at 6’5, 320 lbs. Showed some promise as a gap shooter but is mostly known for being able to command double teams in the run game.
Amari Carter (S, Miami)
University of Miami safety Amari Carter joining the Chicago Bears on an undrafted deal, per a league source. Carter, who has his own charitable foundation (https://t.co/etcuIvITbJ) that helps homeless people in South Florida, was a team captain for the @MiamiHurricanes #Bears
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 1, 2022
Ralph Holley (DT, Western Michigan)
Chicago Bears invited Ralph Holley (Western Michigan defensive tackle) to rookie minicamp, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 1, 2022
Drew Plitt (QB, Ball State)
Drew Plitt 🤝 Bears/Colts
Make the most of these opportunities, Drew!#1AAT | #TrueCardinal pic.twitter.com/XPgbCkOoiX
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) May 1, 2022
Roy Baker (CB, Eastern Kentucky)
Next stop…The Windy City!
Congratulations @_Bake_18 on earning a Rookie Mini Camp invite from the @ChicagoBears ✅#E2W | #MatterOfPride pic.twitter.com/yPtI95Kyty
— EKU Football (@EKUFootball) May 1, 2022