It was felt the Chicago Bears undrafted free agent class may have been one of their best in a long time. Based on recent returns, this is proving true. Offensive lineman Alex Bars looks like a lock to make the roster as a backup at both guard and offensive tackle. He’s looked really good. However, the fourth and final game of the preseason belonged to two other names. They were tight end Jesper Horsted and wide receiver Thomas Ives.
These two young men weren’t the big names to watch when the summer began, but over time it became clear they should’ve been. Ives is a big 6’5 receiver out of Colgate with surprising route running skill. Horsted was an athletic pass target at Princeton where he set all kinds of records. It took a bit of time before they showed up in the preseason, but they’ve made up for it with an outstanding finish down the stretch.
In just the first half against Tennessee, Ives had 64 yards on three catches a conversion on 3rd and 20 and on 4th and 4. Horsted though was the highlight reel guy. He made a nice backshoulder catch for a touchdown to open the scoring, then had a ridiculous bobbling grab late in the half that should’ve set up a field goal attempt.
Chicago Bears undrafted haul could be potentially huge
Bars is almost certain to make the team in 2019 thanks to the Bears’ needs on the offensive line. Ives and Horsted though? Anything is possible but it feels like their chances for this year are remote. Ian Bunting and Bradley Sowell likely have the edge over Horsted while Ives hasn’t done enough on special teams to warrant unseating anybody at wide receiver. That said, both now look like definite locks to make the Bears practice squad.
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That may not be what they were hoping for, but it is a step in a positive direction. They would not be the first players to start their careers on the practice squad and work their way up. Bryce Callahan did it back in 2015. If they’re as good as they’ve looked at times, then it is only a matter of time before they start to get opportunities in the future.
