3 Bears Undrafted Rookies That Could Make Final Roster

Chicago Bears training camp is quickly upon us. Every season, you have undrafted free agents battling to make the 53-man roster. Training camp and preseason are the perfect time for long-shot players to make the roster and turn heads. The Bears' undrafted class has many intriguing prospects, but here are three who could make the roster.

3 Undrafted Bears Rookies Who Could Earn a Spot on the 53-Man Roster

KC Eziomume, Cornerback (Tulane)

The NFL is a passing league, so many teams are always searching for cornerback depth. The Bears have their starters established with Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson on the outside, while Kyler Gordon is slated to handle the nickel role.

At 6-foot-1, Eziomume has the size, athleticism, and physical style that defensive coordinators covet. The former Tulane standout possesses strong ball skills, competes at the catch point, and has the traits to develop into a press corner. He also brings special teams experience, which could significantly boost his chances of making the roster.

To earn a spot on the 53-man roster, Eziomume will need to beat out players such as Terell Smith, Jaylon Jones, and Josh Blackwell. Jones and Blackwell have been valuable contributors on special teams, while Smith previously competed with Stevenson for a starting role. The path won't be easy, but if Eziomume flashes his upside in coverage and proves he can contribute on special teams, he has a legitimate opportunity to force his way into the conversation.

Hayden Large, Tight End (Iowa)

Hayden Large is more of a blocking tight end; he caught eight passes last year at Iowa. Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet are slated to be the top two tight ends, leaving Large to battle for the third tight end spot.

Iowa has developed a reputation as one of college football's premier tight end factories, producing NFL players who excel as blockers while steadily developing as receivers. Large is an outstanding run blocker who could fit seamlessly into the Bears' rushing attack. The former Hawkeye could be a valuable fourth tight end on goal-line and in short-yardage situations as a blocker.

The 6-foot-5 tight end possesses a high football IQ and has experience making protection calls. His physicality and willingness to do the dirty work align well with Chicago's offensive philosophy. Large could develop into the primary blocking reserve as a rookie, giving the Bears another dependable option in multiple-tight-end formations.

Ben Johnson's offense relies on players who can move in space, communicate pre-snap, and quickly adjust to defensive looks, traits that could help Large carve out a role on the 53-man roster.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson has consistently used multiple-tight-end formations throughout his coaching career. Having a dependable blocking tight end creates additional flexibility in both the run and play-action passing game. If Large proves reliable in pass protection and special teams, he could earn the final tight end spot on the roster.

Jaren Kump, Offensive Line (Utah)

Over the last couple of years, the Bears have invested heavily in their offensive line. During a 17-game season, injuries can pile up; that's where offensive line depth can come in handy. Jaren Kump is versatile and could provide depth at many positions.

During his college career at Utah, he started games at center, guard, and tackle, demonstrating the ability to play every position along the offensive line. That versatility becomes even more valuable on game days when teams typically dress only seven or eight offensive linemen.

Kump has plenty of competition for a backup offensive line spot. That group includes Luke Newman, Jordan McFadden, Theo Benedet, and fellow undrafted rookie Caden Barnett. McFadden even received the starting nod in last year's playoff game after Ozzy Trapilo went down, forcing the Bears to move Joe Thuney to left tackle.

Still, versatility is one of the most valued traits for reserve offensive linemen, and Kump possesses plenty of it. If he proves dependable during training camp and preseason games, Chicago could keep him instead of carrying an extra specialist at one position.

Outlook

Among Chicago's 2026 rookie free agents, Kump appears to have the strongest chance because of his versatility along the offensive line. Eziomume could force his way onto the roster through special-teams and defensive upside, while Large offers the blocking and toughness that offensive coaches appreciate.

If all three perform well during training camp and the preseason, don't be surprised if at least one—and possibly two—hear their names when the Bears announce their initial 53-man roster. Under Ryan Poles, Chicago has consistently shown a willingness to reward undrafted players who earn their opportunity, regardless of where they started after the draft.