The Chicago Bears signed 11 undrafted free agents this year. For those who know the reality of this life, most undrafted players don’t end up being more than roster depth in their careers. Guys who make their names on special teams or as backups at various positions. Only a select few end up becoming starters and even fewer actually forge productive NFL careers.
The last Bears player to break through that barrier was Bryce Callahan back in 2015. He became a solid nickel corner on defense for them. Sadly injuries ended his time in Chicago before he reached his true potential. So that begs the question. Do any of the 11 new faces the team added this offseason have that sort of run in them? Maybe even better?
Like anything, it depends on who you ask. However, there is one name that seems to come up the most often. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report was the latest to reference it.
“While Duke isn’t exactly known as an NFL factory, former Blue Devils defensive tackle Trevon McSwain has the goods to make an impact at the next level. The 6’6”, 285-pound prospect racked up 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks last season.
Possessing both good length and agility, McSwain should find a home as a versatile 3-technique or defensive end, depending on the alignment.
McSwain may have a tricky time cracking the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster. The Bears are loaded up front with Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, Brent Urban and fifth-round pick Trevis Gipson.”
Chicago Bears have had great luck with defensive linemen
Watch the highlights for a couple of minutes and it’s easy to see the allure of McSwain. When he has it in his mind he’s going to dominate somebody, he does it. The guy has the length and power to literally pancake offensive linemen onto their backs. His issues are the typical ones. He is raw in terms of his fundamentals and can run hot and cold in terms of his motor. It’s a roll of the dice for any young player as to whether he fixes those issues.
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The great news is he couldn’t have asked for a better situation to help him. McSwain will be mentored by Akiem Hicks, one of the best in the business. He’ll also have Jay Rodgers as his position coach. He’s widely respected as one of the best at what he does as well. If this kid is willing to put in the work and listens to them, then he absolutely had a bright future in the NFL.
