Where does the stock stand on the Chicago Bears UDFA entering year two?
John Franklin is a known UDFA. He was from the show “Last Chance U.” While he played quarterback in college, the Chicago Bears gave him a chance at cornerback. Due to his speed and raw physical skill, he was worth a shot.
Franklin did not move the needle much in the preseason, but it was enough to spend an entire year on the practice squad. Now, one year later Franklin is ready to compete for a job. However, the climb is even tougher.
We know Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara are locked into jobs. From there, the team signed Buster Skrine to man the slot. They drafted Duke Shelley to compete in the slot, and have Stephen Denmark to compete on the outside. That does not factor in Kevin Toliver, who was a UDFA who did shine last season and made the roster. Toliver is a lock over Franklin with firm roster status that Franklin wishes to acquire.
The Bears continued to add UDFAs who will compete for cornerback reps. Essentially, it would not shock anyone if Franklin did not make the roster again.
The Bears are not giving up on Franklin. However, they are not waiting for him either. If he wants to make the roster he will have to beat out capable names in front of him and earn it the hard way.
Franklin may have been a surprise to make the practice squad last year. Once again, it seems as though that could be his ceiling.