The Chicago Bears weren’t able to hold joint practices in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as restrictions have begun to ease, teams are once again taking the opportunity to conduct these events again. After some negotiations, it was revealed that the Bears would host the Miami Dolphins for a couple of joint practices at Halas Hall. This in advance of their preseason matchup later that week.

While getting a chance to work against different NFL players and coaches is the primary reason for this, there is a side benefit where the Bears are concerned. It gives their scouts and personnel people a chance to view the entire Dolphins roster up close in a practice setting. A priceless opportunity because certain names they might end up liking could end up cut just weeks later.

That would allow Chicago the chance to swoop in and add them their own roster. It is something they’ve done in the past. So who are some names to keep in mind that the team might end up eyeing?

Dolphins have some overlooked players the Chicago Bears might like

Allen Hurns (WR)

The Bears have made a concerted effort this offseason to bolster their wide receiving corps. They’ve put a considerable focus on speed, which is not a bad thing. However, there is a significant value in bigger possession receivers too. There is also a value in finding ways to make Allen Robinson happy. Both boxes could be checked were the Bears to grab Hurns.  The former 1,000-yard receiver sits on a crowded depth chart behind names like DeAndre Parker, Jaylen Waddle, Will Fuller, and Jakeem Grant. It is no guarantee he makes the cut. If Hurns looks sharp in practices, he might find himself reunited with his old buddy Robinson. Something they’ve wanted since being separated in Jacksonville.

Robert Jones (OL)

While not a huge name coming out of Middle Tennessee, Jones had the Bears’ attention as far back as the Senior Bowl. They, along with the Dolphins and Raiders showed the most interest in him. It isn’t hard to understand why. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo has put a greater emphasis on adding maulers up front for Chicago. Jones fits that description. He loves to get after it in the ground game and is functional enough in pass protection. If the undrafted rookie fails to make the final cut, perhaps the Bears might look to try landing him a second time. He’d add even further versatility to their reserves.

Duke Riley (LB)

Two factors should be taken into consideration with a good backup linebacker. Is he serviceable enough on defense and can he play special teams? For Riley, the answer is yes to both. He’s started 24 games since 2017. Last year he had 55 tackles, a half sack, and an interception in Philadelphia. On top of that, he added nine tackles on special teams. The same number he had in 2019 as well. This guy embraces whatever role a team gives him. If the Chicago Bears coaches aren’t feeling comfortable about their reserve situation at inside linebacker, he would make a credible alternative.

Javaris Davis (CB)

One thing is for sure. Football runs in the family for this kid. He is the cousin of both Vernon Davis and Vontae Davis after all. He’s also a pretty damn good athlete with 4.39 speed. He recorded two interceptions in each of his four years at Auburn. He has his flaws. At 5’8 his size is a concern and he’s never known for being the most physical player in the world. That said, he’s stood out in coverage several times and has the look of somebody who can thrive at the nickel corner spot, With Miami stacked at the position, it might be tough for Davis to make the final roster. The Bears had similar success grabbing an undersized corner in Cre’Von LeBlanc five years ago. Maybe lightning strikes twice.