Going into training camp, one of the fan favorite talking points is which undrafted Chicago Bears free agent is most likely to make the roster. Everyone loves an outsider story. People can’t wait to see if someone can be the next wealth star. Someone like a Bryce Callahan. He was not drafted in 2015 by Rice, grabbed the starting cornerback position and turned it into a lucrative Denver Broncos salary.
It’s no different in 2020. Nine undrafted rookies are currently in training camp. When you ask around who is most likely to stand out, the most popular names stay consistent. Yale goalie Dieter Eiselen looks like a mauler if he can learn to handle the speed of the NFL. Defensive tackle Trevon McSwain is showing signs of dominance but hasn’t learned to keep the engine warm.
Most consider running back Artavis Pierce the most likely to break the roster due to his promising production in Oregon State. However, a name that hasn’t made a lot of noise and probably should? It’s linebacker Rashad Smith. Chris Roling of Bleacher Report singled out Florida Atlantic as someone who would turn heads once camp started.
“Linebacker isn’t exactly the Chicago Bears’ biggest need to get into training camp.
But Rashad Smith isn’t exactly the typical college free agent.
Smith spent his four seasons at Florida Atlantic putting on a show, recording 302 total tackles, 31 for loss with 11.5 sacks, six interceptions and seven defensive assists.
A smaller (6’1 ″) hybrid type of ‘backer’ that fits the game today, Smith should have no problems standing out if the coaching staff move him around and play to their strengths.
Smith could take advantage of Chicago Bears situation
One thing to remember here is that the Bears’ depth to inside linebacker took a big hit. Nick Kwiatkoski left for Las Vegas in free agency and Kevin Pierre-Louis left for Washington. They carried six inside linebackers last season on their depth chart. Right now, they are only expected to carry four. Smith is said to be the fifth, which would seem to indicate that the team loves him more than they suggest.
It’s not hard to see why. Despite his height restrictions, the child is athletic and instinctive. He seems to be constantly finding football and comes across as a fiery player who adopts a frontline leader mentality. If he can gain a few pounds without losing speed and quickness? He could have a future in the bear uniform.
