There are no restrictions when it comes to finding talent who can help your team. GM Ryan Poles knows this. He is always on the lookout for players who can help the Chicago Bears. He’s explored the international program, the Canadian college circuit, and other avenues. One that should get at least some attention is the newly formed United Football League, which was created by the merger of the XFL and USFL. It may not have the same level of talent as the NFL, but it can serve as a great way for overlooked players to get noticed.
These are guys who could end up being great rotational or special teams players. One thing we know about the Bears coming out of the draft is they still have questions surrounding their defensive line. One of them is the depth of their defensive tackle spot. Justin Jones left in free agency, leaving Gervon Dexter, Andrew Billings, and Zacch Pickens as the only notable names. Byron Cowart and undrafted rookie Keith Randolph are the only other backup options worth mentioning.
For this reason, the Bears should seriously consider Carlos Davis of the Birmingham Stallions, one of the UFL’s new breakout stars this 2024 season.
The Chicago Bears need another interior rusher.
Davis leads the UFL in sacks with six in six games. It is a wonderful turn of events for him. Davis was a 7th round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. He didn’t see much playing time over three seasons. He bounced between Birmingham and the Atlanta Falcons between last year and this year. Once he finally got his opportunity to play, he made the most of it. This isn’t a surprise to those who knew him in college. There were always flashes. He had four sacks in his final year at Nebraska and was an outstanding athlete. He posted a 4.82 in the 40-yard dash at 313 lbs.
The problem teams had was his lack of leverage, limited ability to stop the run, and a small inventory of pass rush moves. One could argue he never landed in the right situation. Pittsburgh ran a 3-4 scheme, which never fit his talents. Birmingham runs a more conventional 4-3 alignment, allowing Davis to focus on attacking singular gaps. It has undoubtedly helped him blossom. The Chicago Bears run a similar scheme. If they are looking for more interior pass rush juice, this is a phone call they should make.
Details. The details tell a story. How can the Bears know how their inside pass rush is with two drafted players from last year, if they haven’t both played them extensively, and coached them extensively? Billings was extended mid-season, but Dexter and Pickens are only “notable names?” And then Lambert wants them to look at another guy with a high motor, limited technique as a rotational player? They really need to coach (and play) the people they have, instead of simply acquiring (and discarding) bodies. One reassuring thing for me is that this year, the Bears appear to have 21… Read more »
I remember Carlos Davis when he was playing at Nebraska. I thought he would have been drafted in the 5th round. He has much potential as a rotating piece. You probably could have seen him practice at the top of Old Father Hall.