The draft is the most critical team-building tool in the NFL. Nobody disputes that. However, any self-respecting GM will tell you the best teams often find success on the undrafted market. If you can find a quality starter among those ranks, it’s a huge success. The Chicago Bears have been inconsistent in this regard over the years. They’ve had some major hits like Bryce Callahan and Roy Robertson-Harris. They’ve also gone long stretches with zero notable names. GM Ryan Poles hopes to change that.
He landed two quality players on the undrafted market last year in linebacker Jack Sanborn and cornerback Josh Blackwell. Both made solid contributions to the team, both on defense and special teams. Currently, the Bears have added more than a dozen undrafted rookies to their ranks. Here are the ones that stand out as quality additions that can make an impact.
Chicago Bears got some interesting additions in undrafted free agency.
Tyson Bagent, QB, Shepherd
The Bears didn’t draft a quarterback for obvious reasons. They’re committed to Justin Fields. However, they have every reason to find some competition for Nathan Peterman. It is a safe bet they landed the best undrafted quarterback on the market. Bagent was a dominant force on the Division II level, throwing for 12,454 yards, 118 touchdowns, and completing 68% of his passes. He’s got size, decent mobility, a good arm, and is highly accurate when not under pressure. His fundamentals are surprisingly sharp for somebody at that level. He needs obvious development as a pocket passer, but the building blocks are there.
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Thyrick Pitts, WR, Delaware
Poles likes his athletes, and Pitts is no exception. He’s 6’2, 200 lbs, and has good vertical speed. He tracks the ball in the air really well and has a pair of reliable hands. He usually does when his quarterback gives him opportunities to make a play. The one thing holding him back is common for college receivers: his route running. To say it’s rudimentary would be an understatement. Pitts needs lots of work on expanding his tree. Tyke Tolbert is one of the best coaches in the business. He can get the kid pointed in the right direction.
Damien Caffrey, TE, Stony Brook
Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan appear situated as the pass-catching options at tight end for the Bears. However, one should never dismiss the value of blocking at that position. This is especially true in a wide-zone offense. That is why Caffrey is such an interesting addition. While an average receiver, the 6’6, 260 lbs kid is an imposing blocker. He loves to get after it in the ground game. Power, length, and attitude. He has them.
D’Anthony Jones, DL, Houston
The Chicago Bears have made it a point to load up on defensive linemen this year. That includes three defensive tackles in the draft. Amazingly, Jones is more productive than them. He racked up 14 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss over the past two years. He’s undersized with questionable length, but he’s quick, has a non-stop motor, and has an impressive closing burst. His power and pad level give him significant advantages, and he has violent hands as a pass rusher. Watch his game against Rice for an idea of how dominant he could be at times.
Micah Baskerville, LB, LSU
One thing the Chicago Bears coaching staff seems to prioritize with linebackers is instincts. They must be able to read and react quickly to plays. It’s why they pushed hard to sign Jack Sanborn last year. Baskerville is that type of player as well. Offenses rarely catch him off guard. He can tackle well and played multiple positions. He’s not overly fast and is small, but he gets things done. Baskerville feels like a quality backup who will thrive on special teams.
Callahan O’Reilly, LB, Montana State
Coming from a small school makes it easy to get overlooked. However, O’Reilly is something to behold. He’s 6’3, which is tall for a linebacker. He tackles well, has good instincts as an outside linebacker, and is athletic enough to play coverage. His production speaks for itself: 284 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. The guy was constantly around the ball. He will need to adjust to NFL speed, but there is enough talent to believe he can make the leap.
De’Jahn Warren, CB, Jackson State
When you’re a cornerback and get a vote of confidence from Deion Sanders, it’s noteworthy. Warren was a star at the JUCO level before transferring to Jackson State. While his production never quite popped, he became a reliable defender for them. He has size, athleticism and plays with the physicality and swagger the Bears prefer from that position. His ball skills are also better than the numbers suggest. It won’t be a surprise if he knocks somebody established off the bottom of the roster to gain a spot.
