Most college pro days have concluded ahead of the NFL draft. Now, the Chicago Bears are about to conduct their own local pro day. For those who don’t know, a local pro day involves players with roots close to the Chicagoland area. If they live in the region assigned to the Bears, they are eligible to attend the event. It is a great opportunity for several players who don’t usually get the same high-profile media treatment to get eyes from a top organization. GM Ryan Poles loves digging into hometown talent whenever possible.
Local pro days are often a great resource for gathering information on potential undrafted free agents. Some intriguing names have already started popping up as the event draws closer. Here are some worth keeping an eye on.
The Chicago Bears will be looking at some interesting athletes.
Quincy Patterson, QB, Temple
One of the more intriguing “balls of clay” in this incoming class. Patterson never quite found a foothold as a quarterback in college, but nobody can deny his unique range of tools. He is a threat both as a runner and passer with a 6’4, 245-lb frame. The immediate comparison goes to Taysom Hills, the New Orleans Saints’ do-it-all offensive weapon. Hill was a bit more productive in college, but the profiles are similar. Patterson would be a fun project for Shane Waldron to tinker with.
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Luke Skokna, RB, North Dakota
He mostly played a part-time role as a running back during his college career. Where Skokna really shined was on kick return duties, posting 1,035 yards and a touchdown across 35 games. He has the necessary vision and wiggle for such a job. The timing of this is probably not a coincidence after the NFL instituted the new kickoff rule to encourage more returns. The adjustments seem to favor players with a running back history. So bringing in Skokna for a look is hardly a surprise.
Justin Blazek, EDGE, UW-Platteville
He was highly productive over his final two years of college, racking up 17.5 sacks and 29 tackles for a loss in 21 games. They say the first sign that a small school prospect can play at the NFL is if he dominates his level of competition. Blazek has done that. While a bit undersized at 6’3 and 252 lbs, he is a good athlete with an explosive lower body and the ability to bend under blockers. He’s quick off the snap and shows some violence and pop in his hands. Forcing turnovers is also something he seems to excel at.
Jyran Mitchell, RB, Butler
He wallowed in obscurity as a wide receiver at both North Illinois and Eastern Kentucky. Finally, after transferring to Butler, coaches moved him to running back, where he exploded for 1,297 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. While not overly fast, he has good acceleration, vision, and ability to make guys miss. His background as a receiver also makes him a threat in the passing game. The Chicago Bears can always use more of that.
I think it’s a great idea, because you never know! There’s a lot of football being played in this country, a lot of players at all levels. Everyone can’t go to a major college program, even if they are talented. It really is kind of a who you know thing. To believe that those who are in the draft are the best players available is delusional. But, this is the way the system is set up. If one can get past the system, you open up a whole new bucket of skilled players.
I hope they are better than C Kramer.