The Chicago Bears did not draft a kicker but they did bring in another name as a UDFA
One of the more interesting storylines of the 2019 NFL draft was a few punters and kickers going higher than expected. The top two kickers did not get to the Bears sixth-round picks. So, despite being committed to getting the kicker position right, the Chicago Bears were not able to draft their man.
However, they hope to find their next kicker in UDFA and signed John Baron from San Diego State to fill the void.
Barron is an interesting pick who has some deep ball qualities, which is something Ryan Pace noted he would look for. Barron was 5 for 5 when kicking from 50 yards or further. That is going to translate to the NFL.
UDFA kicker John Barron II from San Diego St. has signed with Bears. 83.3% of FG made in college. 17 of 22 last year including 5 of 5 from 50+ yards.
— Brad Bingel (@BradBingel) April 27, 2019
Barron has the big kicks that could cut into the Chicago wind and also has the clutch ability to make game-winning kicks. In overtime last season he drilled a game-winner to send everybody home happy. This would have come in handy last season for the Chicago Bears.
https://twitter.com/MattJ_Sports/status/1043743139960246275
Barron is clutch, he made long kicks and he is a rookie. He has the chance to be as valuable as any pick in this draft.
Of course, the team does have three other options at kicker on the roster. This is not going to be handed to Baron, but at the same time the job is not going to be handed to anyone. The Bears are going to force these kickers to compete with each other and hope that the top players will rise to the top. Here is hoping that with four options, one can break the curse of Robbie Gould.