People need to start appreciating GM Ryan Pace. It’s been a long time since somebody in his position has had so much success at finding talent in low places. His work in the late rounds of the NFL draft is already building its own legend. Adrian Amos (5th round), Jordan Howard (5th round), Eddie Jackson (4th round), and Tarik Cohen (4th round) are already major contributors. Yet his most impressive work may be happening on the Bears defense.
One of the most difficult jobs as a personnel evaluator is finding talent in undrafted free agency. Amidst hundreds of players who weren’t lucky enough to hear their names called, there’s typically a handful that probably should’ve been. They have the talent to play at a high level in the NFL. Finding them is the biggest challenge.
This is something the franchise hasn’t been overly successful at for decades. The only notable exceptions include seven-time Pro Bowl center Jay Hilgenberg, Pro Bowl right tackle James “Big Cat” Williams, longtime kicker Robbie Gould, and special teams ace Brendan Ayanbadejo. There are smaller successes like Rashied Davis, Tom Waddle, and Nick Roach.
Yet they haven’t had any sort of consistency at this method over the years. That may be changing.
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Chicago Bears defense enjoying the fruits of undrafted success
Pace showed almost right away that he has a certain touch in undrafted free agency. His first year on the job in 2015, he secured an undersized cornerback out of Rice named Bryce Callahan. He quickly became a starter in the slot and has developed into one of the most underrated defensive backs in football.
A year later they secured a big defensive end from UTEP named Roy Robertson-Harris. After missing his rookie year with illness, he has six sacks since starting to get more action in 2017, developing into one of their best rotational pass rushers. Now those two may have more company based on the ascending play of young Kevin Toliver.
I was waiting on these coverage numbers from @PFF for #Bears UDFA Kevin Toliver II. The Buccaneers targeted him 10 times and he allowed 5 receptions for 71 yards. The Bucs only had 2 yards after the catch against him, and he didn't miss a tackle. He was credited with 7 of them.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) October 1, 2018
Kevin Toliver vs O.J. Howard pic.twitter.com/DL6iUFIxRH
— rph (@parkerhurleyNFL) October 3, 2018
Toliver was considered the crown jewel of the Bears 2018 undrafted class. A cornerback out of LSU, many in the scouting and media community were surprised he wasn’t drafted. Some predicted he’d go as high as the 3rd or 4th round. Yet for whatever reason, he fell through the cracks. The Bears scooped him up and he made the final roster after a decent preseason.
So far the results are encouraging. He’s been targeted 15 times so far this year, allowing nine catches for 125 yards and no touchdowns. Just 10 of those yards came after the catch. He also has four tackles for no gain or a loss, demonstrating he’s not just a one-dimensional corner.
To think he’s doing this with so little experience is a testament to his talent and the work he’s put in. Given he’s considerably more gifted than Callahan, it’s exciting to think how much better he could get moving forward, adding yet another quality piece to a good defense. At a bargain price no less.
