The Bears kicked off the 2024 draft, and the team also owned the No. 9 pick. Chicago only made three other selections during the weekend, though, leaving room for a number of undrafted players to take part in rookie minicamp. Here are the Bears’ UDFA additions:
- Brenden Bates, TE (Kentucky)
- Theo Benedet, T (British Columbia)
- Carl Jones Jr., LB (UCLA)
- Jamree Kromah, DL (James Madison)
- Peter LeBlanc, WR (Louisiana)
- Keith Randolph Jr., DT (Illinois)
- Austin Reed, QB (Western Kentucky)
- Reddy Steward, DB (Troy)
- Ian Wheeler, RB (Howard)
Randolph did not enter the draft with nearly as much acclaim as fellow Illinois D-lineman Jer’Zhan Newton, but he received a notable financial commitment from the Bears. Randolph secured $200K in guaranteed salary along with a $20K signing bonus, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. The 6-5, 270-pounder amassed 10 sacks over the past three seasons and he will aim to provide depth along the defensive interior this year.
Chicago’s other lucrative financial investment was made in Benedet. Just like college teammate Giovanni Manu, Benedet put himself on the NFL radar during his time with the Thunderbirds. The latter received $100K in total guarantees, per Wilson. Benedet earned first-team All-Canadian honors in each of the past two seasons, and he was selected by his hometown BC Lions in this year’s CFL draft. If he does not make the Bears’ initial roster, therefore, he will have a path to playing time north of the border.
Reed began his college career at Southern Illinois, redshirting with the team in 2018. That was followed by a transfer to West Florida, with whom he won the Division II championship. Reed sat out the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign before ultimately finishing his college tenure at Western Kentucky. Over two seasons with the Hilltoppers, he amassed 8,086 passing yards while throwing 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. Reed added 12 rushing scores over that span, and he will aim to parlay that dual-threat skillset into at least a practice squad spot in 2024.
Hopefully Wheeler can catch kickoffs so we can release Velus, he doesn’t even need to return them, just literally catch them and it’s a drastic improvement
Only 9? i thought there were supposed to be like 15. Poles must have more work to do.
There’s a lot more rookie camp invites that don’t have guaranteed money attached to them.
Really pleased with this quality Bears’ UDFA class! Their 53-man roster already close to set, with only about 6-8 spots open. A few of these guys could definitely make the roster.
DT Randolph certainly held his own at Illinois, could replace Justin Jones spot, although matching that production might not be realistic. From what I’ve read, Austin Reed had a ton of production and already has a relationship with Caleb…seems like an obvious candidate as QB #2b with Bagent. CB/S Reddy Steward is a turnover machine & pick 6 threat that could take that last DB spot over Hicks or Jaylon Jones.
I’m most excited by Canadian OT Theo Benedet, whose highlights show a line prospect that plays with the physical tenacity of Teven Jenkins. Bears need more of them, please let that guy impress & make the team!
Forgot about Brenden Bates, a blocking TE with surprising quickness and hands! A very good shot at a roster spot with a good showing this summer. All of them actually seem to have a shot this year. I’d love to see the churn of the last 10 spots.
Also, Poles need to sign WR Ben Skowronek!
Randolph is a rotation piece at best this year. Not saying he can’t get better. Bagent will be #2, Kid is solid and Reed is fighting Rypien for 3. Practice squad this year. Your turnover machine weighs 178 pounds. NFL receivers will eat him up unless he can put on muscle without losing speed. Tackle from Canada is just that. A Tackle from Canada. lesser competition but again, Not saying these guys can’t make it but most are practice squad material. Like the enthusiasm though. It’s going to take a lot of DB injuries to make this team as the Bears are 7 deep at CB.
Only a week late on the post. Old news
A lot of them were known. But the Bears didn’t ACTUALLY SIGN them until yesterday before the Rookie camp started today. So you can’t report on something that didn’t happen yet.
At this point, I’m dreaming of the Bears announcing signing Connor Williams to a multi-year deal. Ultimately, significantly upgrading at C, however they get there, would be the chef’s kiss for an outstanding off-season on the offensive side of the ball. Plus, It’s Williams’ birthday on Sunday, perfect time to jump the rest of the league.