The Chicago Bears always seem to operate with constant action when it comes to churning the bottom of their roster. They never stop looking for potential talent that might be able to help them. This includes updating their books on players they could add, not necessarily right away but at a later date in case of emergencies. It is also getting to that time of year where teams start signing players to futures contracts for 2022.
Whatever the reasoning, it appears the Bears were heavy on the fact-finding this week as they had no fewer than nine players in for either a tryout or a visit. Most of them weren’t all that notable in terms of name recognition, but one or two did stand out.
Bears visits/tryouts:
- QB Taylor Cornelius, Ok. St.
- WR Devonte Dedmon, William & Mary
- WR Bailey Gaither, San Jose St.
- WR Malik Henry, W. Georgia
- TE Brayden Dickey, New Mexico
- TE Bucky Hodges, Va Tech
- OG Chad Slade, Auburn
- OG Willie Wright, Tulsa
- OT Shon Coleman, Auburn
Cornelius started one season in college in 2018. He threw for 3,978 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. At 6’6 he also has plenty of size in his favor. He latched on with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2019 but was cut before the season. After that he’s had stints in the XFL and CFL, throwing a combined 13 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Most analysts described him as somebody with the makings of a solid backup in the NFL.
Dedmon is another notable name. The 26-year old receiver was an All-Star in the CFL this past season, doing his greatest damage on special teams with three combined touchdowns and just shy of 2,000 yards on kickoff and punt returns. Gaither is another fascinating story. He broke records as a receiver at San Jose State, building a reputation as a deep threat with added value as a special teams ace. Then he abruptly retired as a rookie back in August. Now it seems he’s had a change of heart.
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Coleman is the most notable name Chicago Bears met with
Talk about another odd story. The big right tackle was a star at Auburn. He eventually became a 3rd round pick for the Cleveland Browns in 2016. By his second season, he was their starting right tackle. A year later he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. There he served as a backup in 2018 before a dislocated ankle and broken leg ended his 2019 season before it began. After initially resigning with the 49ers in 2020, he ended up opting out due to COVID-19 concerns.
It’s interesting to wonder how different things might’ve been for Coleman had he landed in a better spot. The Browns were a mess in 2016-17. The trade to San Francisco should’ve been a godsend but the tackle had some hard luck. He has never lacked talent. At 6’6 with 35-inch arms, the physical stature is impressive. Most would agree he is a gifted run blocker. The problem is his bad technique and limited athleticism have made him a liability too often in pass protection.
Perhaps the Chicago Bears want to see if he has anything to offer.
Based on the array of names mentioned, it appears the team wants to get a look at possible special teams help along with some much-needed depth on the offensive side of the ball. Not a bad decision considering the COVID outbreak lately.
