The local pro days are probably one of the most overlooked events before an NFL draft. This is when teams are permitted to bring in players born in and grew up close to an organization’s city. The Chicago Bears happen to sit in a region that has produced plenty of good players at the pro level. They can take full advantage of this by bringing in names on the down low without having to use up one of their top 30 visits. It also enables GM Ryan Poles to get a better look at potential depth options.
As the day draws closer, names have begun leaking as to who will be in attendance. Here is a list to help you keep track, and it will be updated along the way.
The Chicago Bears will have plenty to watch at the event.
Jeremy Cooper (OL, Cincinnati)
A big part of the offensive line that helped Desmond Ridder become a star for the Bearcats. Cooper is a solid pass protector with a good athletic foundation. He’s not much of a run-blocker, but such issues can be worked around.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Donny Navarro (WR, Northwestern)
The college equivalent of a journeyman. Navarro started out at small Valparaiso University. He did enough to earn a scholarship from Lovie Smith at Illinois but eventually transferred to Northwestern. Seems to have some suddenness to him and can work after the catch.
Taishan Holmes (DT, Northwestern)
Overshadowed by his talented teammates, Holmes was content to do the dirty work as a run-plugger for the Wildcats. He’ll never be an interior pass rusher, but he could make a roster by clogging lanes.
Michael Kennedy (EDGE, Northern Illinois)
An undersized hybrid edge player that had his best season in 2022 with 5.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss. May have enough athleticism for a switch to linebacker.
Shemar Thornton (WR, Northern Illinois)
Seemed on the cusp of a breakout at Florida International in 2019 with 668 yards and five touchdowns. He only played two games after that, having to transfer to NIU last year, where he had an okay season.
Cole Tucker (WR, Northern Illinois)
Good-sized receiver that has topped 500 yards in three of the past four seasons for the Huskies. Has solid field vision, strong hands, and isn’t afraid to take the hit.
Tyler Hoosman (RB, North Dakota)
A big, sturdy back that can run through arm tackles and has solid contact balance. He lacks speed but seems to have the vision necessary to find the running lanes as they develop.
Destin Talbert (CB, North Dakota State)
A tough, reliable corner that came on as a starter over the past two years with four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 15 passes defended. He was a big part of the Bison’s national title win in 2021.
Notable players eligible but not announced:
- Northwestern LT Peter Skoronski
- Iowa DE Lukas Van Ness
- Michigan State WR Jayden Reed
Some of these guys could be late draft sleepers. We know Poles loves local players. In any case, I wish these guys luck, hopefully they go on to have decent careers.
I kinda feel for Lambert he has to come up with a couple of articles everyday to help keep us fan’s interest in the draft
You sure you didn’t want to mention anything about Jalen Carter or a possible trade down too?