After the monumental offseason the Chicago Bears have had, there is really only one major concern going into training camp. Fans wanted to see Chicago add more talent at the defensive end position, but they'll currently live with what they've got in Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and company.
Now, if one particular rookie can pull off a miracle and make this roster, the defense could be in even better shape. In this case, we're talking about undrafted defensive end Xavier Carlton out of California.
If there was a depth chart, right now, Carlton would likely be at the very end of the defensive linemen. However, crazier things have happened. Carlton might seem like he needs a miracle to make the roster and survive camp, but let's break it down a bit further and see if it makes more sense.
Xavier Carlton could prove to be a diamond in the rough for the Bears
He comes into the league as an older rookie, having completed his fifth year in college, but it was his best season yet. Last season with the Golden Bears, Carlton notched 9.0 sacks and 11 total tackles for loss.
His size is what pops off the tape right away. At 6-foot-6, 270 pounds, Carlton could potentially be a nice hybrid type. He's a strong run defender and very underdeveloped as a pass rusher. Maybe Dennis Allen can offer an assist?
Behind Sweat and Odeyingbo, the Bears have Austin Booker, who isn't going anywhere. Then, it's Daniel Hardy and Dominique Robinson. Hardy had a great camp last year and a lot of fans grew to love his grit. I'd assume he sticks.
Robinson, meanwhile, can be shown the door.
From there, Carlton's main competition is 2024 undrafted free agent Jamree Kromah and fellow 2025 undrafted rookie Jereme Robinson.
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Suddenly, it doesn't look impossible for Carlton to not only make some noise but have a shot at making this roster. He'll need to come out swinging in camp, but this might be the underdog story the Bears greatly needed among their pass rush group.