Bears Officially Agree to Terms with 9 Undrafted Rookies

Bates has a lot of playing experience from his time in college. Over appearances in 58 games (25 starts), Bates recorded just 26 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Bates spent six seasons at Kentucky thanks to the COVID years, primarily serving as a depth option at tight end.

However, his 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame provides enough intrigue for the Bears to extend an invitation to rookie minicamp via a contract.

OL Theo Benedet, University of British Columbia

Benedet is one of two players from the University of British Columbia to come to the NFL. Although Benedet isn't a guarantee to make the roster, his teammate Giovanni Manu was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

Benedet started every game in four seasons at UBC. With Manu coming off the board mid-draft, it appears Canada is starting to produce legitimate options on the offensive line. Benedet was a second-round pick in the CFL Draft but will get his shot with the Bears as an undrafted free agent.

 LB Carl Jones Jr., UCLA

Jones Jr. appeared in a UCLA-record 57 games in college and recorded 135 tackles, including 23 tackles for loss. A former safety, Jones Jr. converted to linebacker as a freshman at UCLA. In the Bears' linebacking room, possessing coverage skills is an important requirement. It appears the Bears added a player who fits the skill set needed to potentially make the roster.

DE Jamree Kromah, James Madison

Kromah spent three seasons at Rutgers before transferring to James Madison for the final two years of his collegiate career. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive end was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2023 after recording 60 tackles, 11 sacks, and 20.5 tackles for loss.

Although many still consider James Madison an FCS school, it made the leap to FBS and had zero issues competing with Sun Belt talent. Kromah's numbers suggest he could be a nice addition to a group that can always use depth on the defensive side of the ball in Chicago.

WR Peter LeBlanc, Louisiana-Lafayette

LeBlanc didn't post eye-popping numbers in college, but he appeared in 63 games over five years with the Ragin' Cajuns. The receiver hauled in 140 passes for 1,737 yards and 11 touchdowns throughout his career.

At 6-foot-2 and 189 pounds LeBlanc provides good size and might be the type of competition the receiving room needs after the big three of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze.

DT Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois

Randolph Jr. was half of the two-headed monster on the interior of the Illinois defensive line. His running mate, Jer'Zhan Newton, was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. Randolph Jr. has a chance to compete as a depth option, likely as a one-technique in the Matt Eberflus defense.

Randolph Jr. spent five seasons at Illinois and appeared in 42 games. He registered 159 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 23 tackles for loss.

QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

Reed spent two seasons at the University of West Florida (D2) and two seasons at Western Kentucky. Without a season in 2020, Reed posted a 38-15 record as a starter. He logged 14,488 career yards throughout his collegiate career as well.

With 138 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns, and a D2 national championship, Reed has one of the best resumes exiting college. Additionally, he worked out with Caleb Williams in Florida before the draft, so there's likely some familiarity there for the organization.

DB Reddy Steward, Troy

Steward played 60 games over five seasons at Troy. He posted solid stats with 181 tackles, nine interceptions (including three for touchdowns), and 42 pass breakups.

Steward has good size. The 5-foot-11, 178-pound corner is another name to keep an eye on from a depth perspective in the defensive back room. The Bears are always looking for quality depth at corner.

RB Ian Wheeler, Howard

Wheeler notched respectable numbers at Howard, but they don't jump off the page. In 42 games over five seasons, Wheeler ran for 1,154 yards and 14 touchdowns on 177 carries. However, he possesses a skill set that's intriguing for next season.

During college, Wheeler averaged 25.4 yards per kick return on 52 attempts. He also scored three touchdowns. With the league's new kickoff rules favoring players with a running back style of play, Wheeler could have an outside chance of making the roster if he proves he can return kicks in the NFL.

What's On Tap Next?

The Bears will host their 2024 rookie minicamp on May 10 and 11. The team's five draft picks and the nine players outlined above will participate in the camp.

After rookie minicamp, OTAs will take place at the end of the month. From there, mandatory minicamp takes place in early June and training camp will begin sometime in mid-July.