Chicago Bears sign CB Al Louis-Jean

Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears had two spots open on their 90-man roster due to the career ending injury to Domenik Hixon and the release of tackle Rogers Gaines, but filled one of them today with the signing of cornerback Al Louis-Jean from Boston College. Louis-Jean participated in the Bears rookie mini-camp but wasn’t signed afterwards. The Bears also used one of their 30 official pre-draft visits on Louis-Jean, so they have been interested for a while. I’m happy with this signing as he was one of the players I predicted the Bears might sign after releasing Gaines.

Here is my scouting report on Louis-Jean:

CB Al Louis-Jean, Boston College (6’1, 187) – A project at corner or maybe free safety with elite potential. Coming out of high-school Louis-Jean was a 4-star prospect being recruited by Florida, Ohio St, Miami, and Oregon but ended up at Boston College after Miami’s coach got fired. ALJ had a promising freshman year, starting a few games and showing lock-down corner potential. He ended up missing his sophomore season with a broken foot and when he came back the next year (2013), BC had a new coaching staff that ALJ feuded with right off the bat. He missed 4 of the first 5 games in 2013 and then the last two games as well. After a total of only 20 games during his college career and with two years of eligibility left, ALJ decided to declare for the draft instead of transferring which probably would have been the better move. That ship has sailed, so now ALJ is a 20-year old corner prospect with almost no college experience as a starter, but great size (6’1, 187), long arms (32 3/4), and excellent speed (4.50). The Bears used one of their 30 official pre-draftvisits on ALJ, so there is legitimate interest and I think he will end up on the practice squad this year. I hope he does because ALJ has starter upside.

Twitter: @MikeFlannery_