BEARS UDFA SIGNINGS AND ROOKIE MINICAMP INVITES: DATES, NOTABLE PROSPECTS, AND MORE
The Chicago Bears were far from finished with adding to their rookie class after the 2024 NFL Draft.
After grabbing five draft picks, Chicago then stockpiled on its undrafted signings while also inviting undrafted players to its rookie minicamp. Who’s heading to the Windy City while wearing the UDFA label?
Which UDFAs Did the Bears Sign? Contracts and Notable Names
- Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky
- Ian Wheeler, RB, Howard
- Odieu Hiliare, WR, Bowling Green
- Brenden Bates, TE, Kentucky
- Theo Benedet, OT, British Columbia
- Jamree Kromah, DL, James Madison
- Carl Jones, LB, UCLA
- Reddy Steward, CB, Troy
- Leon Jones, DB, Arkansas State
The Bears lured in nine UDFA prospects following the 2024 NFL Draft. One of the biggest names is Austin Reed of Western Kentucky.
The 6’2″, 220-pound passer racked up 8,086 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions in his two seasons at WKU. He even threw for 4,089 yards with 40 touchdowns during his NCAA Division II National Championship run with West Florida back in 2019.
Reed is coming in with the chance to add depth behind No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
While the Bears reloaded at wide receiver by trading for Keenan Allen and then drafting Rome Odunze, Chicago wasn’t through with adding to the WR corps — signing Odieu Hiliare from Bowling Green. Hiliare snatched 103 career passes for 1,279 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in two seasons with the Falcons.
Defensively, the Bears added four UDFAs. UCLA’s Carl Jones helps address some linebacker depth, although he lined up at all three levels of the defense. Jones was originally a safety commit, then moved to linebacker before settling for an EDGE role in 2023. He tallied 135 total tackles, including 23 for a loss with the Bruins.
Contracts for each UDFA signing were yet to be released. Along with these additions, the Bears extended an invite to these other rookies.
Who Will Be Attending the Bears’ Rookie Minicamp?
- TD Ayo-Durojaiye, RB, Villanova
- Marcus Rogers, WR, Troy
- Hayden Gillum, OL, Kansas State
- David Satkowski, G, Stonehill
- John McCartan, OL, Oregon State
- Travian Blaylock, DB, Wisconsin
Six players total were handed an invite to participate in the Bears’ upcoming rookie minicamp.
TD Ayo-Durojaiye is heading to Chicago fresh off scoring a career-high eight rushing touchdowns for Villanova. He also added one receiving touchdown while completing five seasons with the Wildcats.
Marcus Rogers is getting a chance following an oft-injured CFB career. The 6’3″ wide receiver sustained a season-ending injury in 2022 that limited him to seven games. He also had a wrist injury during his 2021 campaign. Rogers originally began his career with Georgia Southern before landing at Iowa Western Community College.
Chicago is giving three offensive linemen a chance to compete at its rookie minicamp — one of whom is FCS standout David Satkowski who starred for the Stonehill Skyhawks.
Travian Blaylock is the lone minicamp invite representing the defensive side. Blaylock played sparingly for the Badgers but logged 13 games of action in 2021 and 2023.
When Is the Bears’ Rookie Minicamp?
Per the team’s website, the Bears will hold their rookie camp on one of the following weekends: May 3-6 or May 10-13.
“Clubs can hold their three-day rookie minicamps from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft,” the release said.
KEEP READING: Lions UDFA Signings and Rookie Minicamp Invites
May, though, becomes the first official month when Bears coaches will get a feel for their 2024 roster — including watching the rookies compete.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
2024-04-28T17:43:34Z dg43tfdfdgfd