Chicago Bears: 3 Undrafted free agents to watch in 2018

Which undrafted free agents have a chance to contribute to the Chicago Bears in 2018?

The Chicago Bears are just one of 32 NFL teams who are trying to hit a home run with their undrafted free agents currently on the roster. While these rookies are relatively unknown now, there’s always that glimmer of hope that they could turn into the next great undrafted story.

Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, John Randle, Tony Romo and Antonio Gates are just some of the undrafted players who have gone on to have Hall of Fame-level careers.

With that being said, here are three undrafted rookies currently on the Bears 90-man roster that may not be future Hall of Famers, but could be solid contributors in 2018:

Kevin Toliver, CB

Toliver has the size (6-2) that Vic Fangio covets from his defensive backs and comes from a well-respected collegiate program in LSU. Toliver had a fourth-round grade by many scouts, but went undrafted due to his injury history and questionable work ethic. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and broke up 16 passes in his three years at LSU.

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While his ball skills and instincts are questionable, Toliver has the physical tools to even make a move to safety (where the Bears could use some solid depth). He’s a project, but maybe Fangio is able to get the most out of Toliver.

Ryan Winslow, P

Pat O’Donnell was solid but not spectacular in 2017 and only re-signed with the Bears on a one-year deal. It appears that the fifth-year veteran is treading on shaky ground. Winslow, the former Pitt Panther, has a real shot at winning the punter job if he has a strong training camp and preseason.

Winslow has solid power and accuracy and should benefit from special teams coordinator Chris Tabor’s tutelage. Winslow steadily improved in each of his four years in college, averaging 40.1 yards per punt as a freshman to 44.5 yards per punt as a senior (best in the ACC, 11th in the nation). His hang-time also increased from 3.92 seconds to 4.36 seconds.

Jonathan Mincy, CB

Mincy signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 as an undrafted free agent, but was released during the preseason. Mincy spent the past two seasons in the Canadian Football League playing for the Montreal Alouettes. The 5-10 cornerback racked-up 108 tackles, three interceptions, and 13 passes defended in his 32 appearances. He was regarded as one of the CFL’s best defensive players and was heavily scouted by NFL teams. The Bears eventually signed him in January.

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Mincy, technically still an NFL rookie, faces an uphill climb to make the Bears opening-day roster but he could be a candidate for the practice-squad. However, if he has a strong training camp, maybe Mincy could sneak onto the roster.