One thing the Chicago Bears, under this regime, have always noted is that they always give opportunities to players regardless of their background. It doesn’t matter if they’re a pricey free agent, a high draft pick, or an undrafted free agent. If they perform well in practice, they will get opportunities to play. Braxton Jones and Jack Sanborn proved it in 2022. Terell Smith and Tyson Bagent proved it last year. Now Matt Eberflus indicated another name is making an unexpected push for attention. The fact he mentioned it unprompted during his latest presser at training camp says a lot about how strong an impression the guy has made.
“Bill Murray has had a really good camp so far. Just naming one guy but he has done a really nice job. Done a nice job in pass pro. He’s learning it. He’s got the athletic ability to get it done. Never put a ceiling on any player. We’re excited to see him play too.”
The 27-year-old is a fascinating story. He came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent from William & Mary. He was a defensive tackle there, racking up 19 sacks in his college career. However, he couldn’t find a place with the New England Patriots defense. Rather than simply cut him loose, the team opted to see if he could make the switch to offensive guard. While he never made the active roster, he played well enough to survive two years with the team before leaving last August. It appears he hasn’t given up his dream. Murray gave up five pressures in 60 preseason snaps with New England. His best work came as a run blocker, as shown above. If Matt Eberflus is correct, it appears the man has honed his protection techniques. With how uncertain the Bears’ interior offensive line is, this might be Murray’s best shot to make a roster.
