The Chicago Bears are signing UDFA Mathieu Betts. What does he bring to the table?
The Chicago Bears went the entire 2019 NFL draft without addressing the edge rusher position. However, they did not wait long to find one as a UDFA.
The Chicago Bears reportedly will sign Edge rusher Mathieu Betts from Laval. Yes, Leval. A Canadian University.
Montreal native was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 CFL Draft and compiled 35.5 sacks at Laval. https://t.co/XaVpoiNH9Q
— Scott Krinch (@scottiekrinch) April 27, 2019
Betts dominated Canadian competition in college, which makes it no surprise to see him go Undrafted. However, the Chicago Bears clearly see something worth building upon in Mathieu Betts.
As noted, Betts racked up over 35 sacks in his college career.
Here is a scouting report on him from The Draft Network:
"Mathieu Betts is a fun watch, dominating the Canadian level of competition with a bevy of rush moves and an elite motor. The senior defensive end had offers from Temple, Purdue and Buffalo out of high school, but chose to stay in Canada for college. His production was off the charts, but there are concerns about how his unusual frame and athleticism will translate to the next level. Currently Betts profiles as a situational pass rusher in the NFL, but he’ll need to hit important athletic thresholds to project favorably to the leap in competition. A big week in St. Pete for the Shrine Game could go a long way toward Betts securing a much-needed Combine invitation."
What makes Betts attractive is his athleticism. He is not an elite athlete, and does not have the best size. However, look at his 3-cone. This is what drew Ryan Pace to Kylie Fitts, and is again the key to what Pace is looking for in Betts.
Mathieu Betts' final numbers looked very good for #RAS, just outside elite range, but posting a fantastic cone number that teams are going to really love. pic.twitter.com/urdMvQXYCT
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 14, 2019
The 3-cone is important for edge rushers because it shows that you can bend the edge with speed, balance, and flexibility. Betts passed the test and scored in an elite percentile. When you combine that with high production, and strong pass rushing moves, this is a player worth betting on as a UDFA.
2019 outlook
Betts has a chance to make the 53-man roster. The team re-signed Aaron Lynch, who is the third edge rusher on the roster. Behind him is Isiaih Irving, and Fitts. Are Fitts and Irving the locks for the roster? Not yet. A player in Betts will push the two and try to make the roster.