Here is the full roster for the Bears rookie mini-camp. Below are a few notable players that I missed on my first two lists, here & here.
RB Senorise Perry, Louisville (6’0, 206, 4.35) – I had ranked Perry right on the cusp of being drafted and as the 49th best available player after the draft. I’m surprised he didn’t get signed during the priority UFA round, but that’s good news for the Bears. Perry is an NFL athlete; He ran a 4.35 40 at his pro day which was faster than any RB at the combine except Dri Archer, has a 37″ vertical leap (6th) and ran the 3-cone in 6.89 (6th). He’s also a smooth receiver out of the backfield, a willing blocker, and a solid gunner on coverage teams. As a runner he has an explosive burst, elusiveness in the open field, and the long speed to break one. On the downside, he’s doesn’t have the strength to break tackles and is injury prone. Perry is move explosive than any running back currently on the Bears roster and with his special teams experience I think he has a chance as the Bears 3rd RB or on the practice squad.
CB Ciante Evans, Nebraska (5’10, 193) – Another guy who just missed a draftable grade in my rankings. I had him as the 48th overall corner and 51st available player after the draft. Evans was named 1st team All-Big10 by the coaches, was a two-year starter, team captain and had a productive senior year (4 INTs, 11.5 TFLs, 3 sacks). Evans doesn’t have ideal size, strength or speed, but has good coverage technique, ball skills and is a willing tackler. He is a much better fit in a zone scheme which improves his chances with the Bears and I could see Evans competing for the 5th corner slot before ultimately ending up on the practice squad.
WR/CB/KR Rashard Smith, NC State (5’9, 177) – Do it all player for the Wolfpack, who played wide receiver, cornerback, running back, returned kicks and punts and even threw a touchdown pass. Smith’s best shot at the next level is as a return specialist, he ran back 3 punts for TDs over the last two seasons. He’s undersized and not a burner (4.56) but is a versatile football player who should be in the mix for the kick / punt return duties.
WR Torrance Hunt, Georgia Southern (5’7, 180) – Might be the best athlete on the Bears roster. Hunt ran a wind-aided 4.24 40 at his pro day, has a 43″ vertical and an 11.1″ broad jump. That would have been the best overall performance at the combine had he been invited. Hunt missed most of his senior season due to a violation of team rules, but was productive in the 3 games he did play. He had 16 carries for 156 yards (9.8 ypc), 1 catch for 56 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Hunt is a long-shot but with his blazing speed he has a chance as a return specialist, special teams coverage guy and maybe a slot-receiver.