Casual Chicago Bears fans are only interested in the first two rounds of the upcoming NFL draft. That isn’t a surprise. History shows most of the true stars in the league surface in those rounds. However, any self-respecting personnel man will say the best teams are built with quality late-round picks and especially undrafted free agents. If you can regularly find good backups and even a few starters on the undrafted market, you will win more games than you lose.
That is why GM Ryan Poles hasn’t only been doing homework on the bigger names in the draft. If you follow the list of private visits the Bears have had in recent weeks, it’s also obvious they are keeping an eye on players they think might be available after the draft. Looking at the landscape of prospects, here are some names that are almost certain to be on their radar.
Travis Dye (RB, USC)
Size and power aren’t his things. Dye is not a running back every team would like. However, the Bears would see him as a great fit. This is thanks to his outstanding vision and ability to make precise cuts, knifing through lanes right as they form. That is the ideal skillset for an outside-zone running back. He probably would have gotten drafted if not for a leg injury last season. His lack of true explosiveness or power will turn some teams off. Chicago won’t be fooled. They’ll recognize right away what Dye could become in their system. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also a solid player in the passing game.
Ronnie Bell (WR, Michigan)
Wide receivers come in all sorts of varieties. Different types mean something to different teams. Everybody wants a Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase. In the absence of them, it’s best to identify scheme fits. The Bears desire receivers that can obviously catch the ball but also offer something in the run-blocking department. Bell was a central part of Michigan’s excellent rushing attack last year. He isn’t afraid to get after it and has the size to do so. He also had his best season catching the ball, showcasing an ability to fight through contact and make tough catches look routine.
Earl Bostick (OT, Kansas)
Last year showed the Bears tend to target good athletes either late in the draft or on the undrafted market when it comes to offensive linemen. The idea is you can teach guys to be better blockers, not better athletes. Bostick is a perfect example in this case. He flashed lots of pass protection talent at Kansas and has the mobility suited for an outside-zone blocker. His issues stem from raw technique, underdeveloped strength, and a passive demeanor when run-blocking. The coaches would have to work with him through those issues, but the building blocks are definitely there.
Brodric Martin (DT, Western Kentucky)
Eberflus likes his players big, long, and powerful. Martin checks those boxes. He won’t be the coveted interior pass rusher the Bears seek, but he has a possible future as a reliable nose tackle. He’s great at eating space, can command double teams, and plays with a surprising level of intensity for someone his size. Perhaps if he drops a few pounds (he weighs 337) he can improve his quickness. Still, getting a genuine run-plugger as an undrafted free agent is still a big win for any team.
Caleb Murphy (EDGE, Ferris State)
Not quite big enough, long enough, or athletic enough. That’ll be the typical statement about Murphy. There are certain physical traits one wishes he had. Even so, some guys have a natural talent for certain things. His is rushing the passer. Murphy was unblockable during his career in Division II, gobbling up 40 sacks and 60.5 tackles for a loss. The common saying is if a player from that level wants to make it in the NFL, he has to show he can dominate the competition. Murphy did. His savvy rush instincts and relentless motor can make him a quality rotational option on 3rd down. Adding more muscle should be his focus.
