Chicago Bears: 2019 Undrafted rookies who could make roster

Dax Raymond, Tight End

Dax Raymond might not have been drafted, but he was popular once the draft ended. He had several teams after him but he decided to sign with the Chicago Bears.

Raymond’s decision puts him in a pretty good situation. Yes, the Bears look like they have a good tight end combination in Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen but Burton is dealing with a sports hernia injury and Shaheen has a history of injuries that keeps him from reaching his potential. Also, the only real backup is Ben Braunecker, but he hasn’t played much.

Raymond has a pretty good chance to make the team. At 6-5, 255 pounds he has the proper height for the position but needs to bulk up a little to handle the rigors of the NFL. Like other tight ends like Jimmy Graham, he has experience as a basketball player. That helps him when he uses his body as a shield, allowing him to make the catch. He also has the ability to use his hands to make a catch.

When Raymond makes a catch he doesn’t mess around with it and gets downfield quickly. He provides quarterback Mitchell Trubisky another big target, especially helpful in the red zone.

Raymond sometimes has trouble with technique when blocking. He overcomes that with his high motor, but that will be more difficult at the higher level.

It looks like the Bears will give Raymond as much of an opportunity to make the team. The coaches are high on him and he’s already been spotlighted on the team’s Meet the Rookies program. Davis Williams, a scout who looks at the west coast area, spoke highly about Raymond, per NBC Sports:

"This is an individual who’s smart, he’s competitive and he’s versatile. Guys at Utah State, you want to see them stand out relative to the rest of their Mountain West competition, and he’s a guy who really stood out from a receiving standpoint."

It looks like Raymond will be given every chance to make the team. With his ability, I think he’ll make the team. It’s up to him to determine how long he stays.

This is the biggest class of undrafted rookie free agents the Bears ever signed. These are the five I think have the best shot. There are others who may surprise, though. Some of these players might also end up on the practice squad. At any rate, it’ll be fun to root for these underdogs to make the team and possibly help win games for the Chicago Bears.