Every Confirmed Chicago Bears Private Draft Visit So Far

The Chicago Bears are permitted by NFL rules to meet privately with 30 NFL draft prospects each year. How they arrange such meetings depends on preference. GM Ryan Poles could use them to get a head start on undrafted free agency, making pitches to players he feels might be available after the draft. He could also use them to get a better feel for prospects he isn’t sure about. Personal meetings are often a great way to get inside the heads of players. Often teams use them for both reasons and more.

As of writing this, the Bears are confirmed to have met with 22 prospects. Here is every name known thus far and why the team might be interested in them.

The Chicago Bears have some intriguing names involved.

Aidan O’Connell (QB, Purdue)

While not overly mobile, O’Connell plays well from the pocket, has a decent arm, and throws with good accuracy. He’s a fierce competitor and overachieved against bigger programs.

Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA)

A strong, tough runner that fights through contact. His vision and foot quickness are both average. However, he makes up for it as a solid pass-catcher and sturdy blocker in pass protection.

Xazavian Valladay (RB, Arizona State)

Not the strongest runner in the world, making him average between the tackles. However, he has the vision, quickness, and speed to be dangerous when attacking outside—great fit for the Chicago Bears scheme.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State)

Not the fastest guy on the field, but he boasts good body composition, elite quickness, and precise route-running skill. He would be an instant weapon in the slot with a chance to be really good.

Jayden Reed (WR, Michigan State)

One of the big winners of Senior Bowl week. Reed showcased his excellent route-running and strong hands, reminding people why he was productive despite QB question marks his entire time with the Spartans.

Tyler Scott (WR, Cincinnati)

A former competitive sprinter in track, Scott boasts legitimate deep speed. As a former running back, he also has the ability to make plays after the catch. However, his route-running needs a lot of work.

Jonathan Mingo (WR, Ole Miss)

He’s not going to win footraces in the NFL. However, Mingo makes up for it with good size, strong hands, and a certain savviness when it comes to creating separation. Very detail-oriented approach to the game.

Dontayvion Wicks (WR, Virginia)

Not a speedster by any means, but he still manages to create big plays down the field. Wick is very good after the catch. At the same time, he struggles to consistently make the catch due to drop issues.

Paris Johnson (OT, Ohio State)

A big, long, and athletic tackle that often dominated his competition down the stretch of last season. He’s not elite in any category but has few weaknesses. Can play on either side of the line.

Jaelyn Duncan (OT, Maryland)

Probably one of the best athletes at the left tackle position in this class. His mobility is effortless and has the necessary size and length. His average power and seemingly passive personality are concerns, though.

Jeremy Cooper (OG, Cincinnati)

Nothing special in terms of size or athleticism. Cooper made his name as a dependable pass protector for the Bearcats and has the mobility to fit in an outside-zone scheme.

Jordan McFadden (G, Clemson)

Somewhat undersized at 6’2 but boasts good length with 34-inch arms. He was a reliable pass protector at tackle and shows the necessary footwork and mobility to be a solid guard in the right scheme.

Ricky Stromberg (C, Arkansas)

Don’t be fooled by his uninspiring appearance. Stromberg is tough, smart, strong, and has enough athleticism to fit any scheme. He’s one of those guys that finds a way to get it done.

Juice Scruggs (C, Penn State)

The best description for Scruggs might be a more talented Sam Mustipher. He’s scrappy, resilient, has good technique, and is surprisingly sturdy against the bull rush. Teams will have to live with his average mobility.

Ilm Manning (OT, Hawaii)

Highly-experienced left tackle that steadily improved throughout college. He plays with a nasty disposition that coaches will love. Size and athleticism are average. Likely a developmental undrafted free agent.

Payne Durham (TE, Purdue)

Most believe he was likely a big, long blocking tight end. However, he showed at the Senior Bowl that he has way more promise as a pass-catcher despite his average speed.

Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)

Probably the most talented player in the draft. He has all the ability to be a game-wrecking interior pass rusher. He also has numerous concerns about his conditioning and maturity.

Gervon Dexter (DT, Florida)

His size and power show up on tape frequently. The athleticism is there too. Given how bad his sack production was in college, it’s hard to determine his upside. His floor should be a quality nose tackle.

Adetomiwa Adebawore (DL, Northwestern)

Probably the biggest riser of the pre-draft process. Adebawore wasn’t overly productive in college, but part of that was inexperience. He’s explosive, long, athletic, and only requires polish to get good.

Deslin Alexander (EDGE, Pitt)

He’s a decent athlete with the size and power the Bears tend to prefer. His motor is red-hot at all times. However, his explosiveness and arsenal of pass rush moves both need work.

Dylan Horton (EDGE, TCU)

Really came on as a pass rusher down the stretch of last season. Good size, length, and ability to squeeze the pocket. However, he’s a liability as a run defender, getting driven off the ball way too often.

Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami)

Matt Eberflus wants bigger corners with length. Stevenson checks that box. He’s also fast enough to hang with receivers down the field. He needs to work on route recognition and zone coverage instincts.