Chicago Bears: Is Alex Bars a lock for the 53-man roster?
Is the Chicago Bears UDFA offensive lineman in a good position to make the 53-man roster?
When Alex Bars went undrafted it was somewhat surprising. Sure, Bars was a player recovering from an ACL tear the season prior. However, his talent on the field said a potential late second or third-round pick. What was not surprising was the Chicago Bears signed him.
Bars played at Notre Dame, where Harry Hiestand once coached. Bars best play came with Hiestand the year prior to him tearing his ACL. The relationship was obvious, the Bears met with him pre-draft, and when he was a UDFA, it was all but done.
Of course, knowing a coach does not get on the roster. For a UDFA to make the roster Bars needed to be healthy first. Then, he needed to dominate OTAs, training camp and the preseason.
Bars missed a bit of time early but got back into the swing of things to soak in valuable OTA time. This had the Bears optimistic for the start of training camp.
In camp, Bars showed up healthy and worked second-team guard and tackle. With starters rested, Bars has gotten two extended looks as a starter in the preseason. He has held up well in both areas.
Bars has checked every box for a UDFA to make the roster, and may only play in week 3 if his status can cement before week 4.
On top of Bars living up to his pre-draft hype, the Bears offensive line depth is questionable. Ted Larsen is the teams sixth offensive lineman, but it truly can be argued the rookie UDFA coming off of a torn ACL has been better.
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Rashaad Coward struggled and has dealt with injuries. T.J. Clemmings and Cornelius Lucas cannot separate from each other as a depth tackle.
The Bears need depth offensive lineman at tackle and guard. They have interest in Bars, who does not need to start until things go wrong next season. However, he does need to make the roster. Alex Bars is a lock.