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The 2015 NFL draft is over, but the Bears aren’t done adding players with the priority undrafted free agent stage already under way. Every year there are players that don’t get drafted, but make a team and are productive NFL players. Last year the Bears got contributions from undrafted players like OLB Christian Jones, G Ryan Groy, KR Senorise Perry, T Michael Ola, and CB Al Louis-Jean.
There are plenty of talented players that went undrafted for some reason and hopefully the Bears can add a few quality players over the next few hours. Here is my list of the top undrafted players available that could fill a need on offense for the Bears.
Top Undrafted Free Agents – Offense:
WR Antwan Goodley, Baylor (5’11 | 225 | 4.49)
Goodley is short but powerfully built and excels at catching screen and slant passes then making things happen after the catch. Goodley is strong enough to beat the jam at the line of scrimmage, has the acceleration to get off the line quickly and enough speed to gain big yardage after the catch. In Denver OC Adam Gase ran a lot of short routes that give WRs the ability to run after the catch and Goodley would be a perfect fit for that type of scheme. His route running skills aren’t impressive, but with the ball in his hands Goodley moves like an RB and excels after the catch.
OT La’el Collins, LSU (6’5 | 321 | 5.12)
Is a huge question mark due to his legal issues right now, but is a first round talent and may be worth signing in case he is proven innocent. Collins has good feet, a powerful punch, and strong enough hands to control defenders once he locks on. My favorite trait is his mean streak, he always seems to be looking to knock someone on their ass. Collins is a dominant run blocker, but his pass blocking wavers at times. Inconsistencies in his kick-slide and hand placement have led to troubles with speed rushers. At time Collins shows all the tools to be a dominant left tackle, but his technique was inconsistent this season and he has balance issues that could be exposed against elite NFL pass rushers. His struggles have some scouts predicting he will have to move to right tackle or even guard at the next level. I am in the minority but think Collins could be a good left tackle with some technique improvement. Worst case Collins has Pro Bowl potential as a right tackle or guard.
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
RB Thomas Rawls, Central Michigan (5’9 | 215 | 4.65)
The Bears have struggled in short-yardage situations for the last 3-4 years at least. Rawls is a powerful runner, whose elite strength and low pad level could make him an effective weapon when the Bears need only a yard or two. He has the potential to be much more than a short-yardage back, but Rawls will have to prove he can stay out of trouble before given a chance to be a lead back.
OG Jose Matias, Florida St (6’6 | 325 | 5.32)
Had dominant stretches where he was crushing people in the the run game and stoning defenders in pass pro, but didn’t do it consistently enough to get drafted. The size, talent and potential are there though for Matias to be one of the best guards in this year’s draft class. His technique wavered at times due to stamina or lack of focus maybe, but with some maturity and coaching Matias could be a stud interior lineman at the next level. His lackluster combine and senior bowl hurt his draft stock, but I still had a 3rd-4th round grade on Matias and he could be a steal in the UDFA stage.
OG Aundrey Walker, USC (6’6 | 315 | 5.18)
Struggled early in his college career as a tackle, but has been solid since being moved inside to guard. Walker had ankle surgery in the offseason and started slowly this year as a result, but has played very well in the 2nd half of the season. He moves well for his size, has NFL athleticism and is already a punishing run blocker. His pass pro technique needs work, but it improved this year and he has the natural athleticism and long arms to become a good pass blocker with coaching. Walker is a high upside prospect who could eventually develop into a quality NFL starter.