The Chicago Bears only have 61 players under contract with April approaching it’s close. They will need 90 before the start of training camp in July. So they still have a ton of work to do before the real work begins. Part of the process is evaluating potential depth options for various positions. To that end, the team decided to add some wrinkles to their opening day of veteran minicamp practices.
Five new names were on the list of participants, categorized as tryout players. That means they’d be going through workouts and drills, hoping to make a strong impression on the coaching staff. Doing so could net them a roster spot moving forward. It would be far from the first time the Bears have added players in the manner. Here are each of the five names involved and what they might offer.
Chicago Bears may add more names to the roster via tryouts
JoJo Natson (WR)
A former undrafted free agent out of Akron. Though undersized at 5’7, Natson became a viable option as a kick and punt returner. His best success came in 2018 and 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams before spending the past two seasons in Cleveland. That is likely the role the Bears envision for him if they end up making a deal.
Everything about this play was insane. Russell Wilson throws another perfect deep ball and David Moore keeps his feet in for a 38-yard TD.#LetRussCook pic.twitter.com/oQ6mqWMD2B
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 21, 2020
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David Moore (WR)
A 7th round pick in 2017, Moore became a serviceable backup receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. His best season came in 2020 when he caught 35 passes for 417 yards and six touchdowns. Unfortunately, he failed to see the field during brief stints with the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers last year.
Christian Uphoff (S)
This might be the most intriguing of the five names involved. Uphoff flashed serious promise in his first forays at safety for Illinois State. Many expected him to take big leaps forward in 2020. Then the pandemic hit and canceled the FCS season. He lost a critical year of development and went undrafted. Experts loved his physical talent. Size, speed, and instincts are all there. He needs refinement. This coaching staff might be perfect for him. At the very least, he should compete for a role on special teams.
UDFA S Christian Uphoff playing like a guy that wants to make a team! Look at him beat these double teams as a punt gunner… @seniorbowl @RedbirdFB pic.twitter.com/Ud4kMzY6rx
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 23, 2021
Ryan Lewis (CB)
Matt Eberflus worked with the veteran cornerback for a few months in Indianapolis during the 2019 season. So there is familiarity. He hasn’t played since 2020, so it’s hard to gauge what he can offer the team aside from depth for training camp.
Greg Stroman (CB)
A classic case of missed opportunities. The former 7th round pick flashed promise as a rookie in 2018 for the Washington Commanders. Then his 2019 and 2020 seasons were torpedoed by injuries. He failed to crack the rosters in Buffalo or Los Angeles. Perhaps he might find a better opportunity with the Chicago Bears.
