If you’ve watched HBO’s Hard Knocks, you’ll know it’s as much about the people and their stories as it is about the football, and each season, there’s a narrative built around an unlikely longshot. That may be an undrafted free agent, a young veteran trying to hang onto a roster spot, or an aging veteran grasping for another year.
We asked our team to give their prediction on one such player on the Chicago Bears, and here’s what we had to say…
Bill Zimmerman: I’ll go with Keith Randolph Jr., the UDFA defensive tackle from Illinois. I think Randolph has the best chance to make the squad from a UDFA standpoint, and the producers will use that knowledge to focus on a guy who will truly be on the bubble and add to the drama of the show as it builds throughout August.
Editor: Bill spoke with someone close to the Hard Knocks situation, and we’ll have more details on that tomorrow morning.
Josh Sunderbruch: I mean, normally with Chicago it would be a UDFA receiver who fans gravitated to, but this feels like it’s going to be an offensive lineman trying to hang on in the face of an infusion of new talent. I’m going with Ja’Tyre Carter.
Jacob Infante: UDFA offensive lineman Theo Benedet from British Columbia should be a fun story. He was a star at the U Sports level, winning their Lineman of the Year award each of the last two seasons. As he makes the unique jump from Canadian college football to the NFL, I’ll be interested in monitoring his progress, as he’s someone with impressive physical attributes and dominant tape.
Jeff Berckes: I’m sticking with the o-line and agreeing with Jacob’s pick, Canadian Theo Benedet.
Editor: Jeff and a rotating series of guest hosts will be live each night after Hard Knocks airs on our 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel for a recap and reaction show. We hope to see you on August 6!
Mason West: I am biased, but give me Ian Wheeler. He has a legit shot at making this roster due to his character, intelligence, and contributions on special teams.
Editor: In case you missed it, check out Mason’s interview with Wheeler in podcast or video form on our 2nd City Gridiron channels.
Ryan Droste: UDFA QB Austin Reed is the natural answer. With so much of this series’ focus destined to be Caleb Williams, Reed is destined to get a good amount of air time. They’ll focus on Caleb and Austin’s history of working out together, as well as the fact that they shared the same quarterback trainer. I’d predict a narrative of whether the new superstar QB can help the young longshot along and get him signed with the team, too. Plus, they will probably focus on some of the same challenges that each of them faces during their first training camp despite coming from such different backgrounds.
Taylor Doll: I could see Tyson Bagent being this guy. He certainly has the personality that would draw people to him, and as QB2 behind Caleb Williams, you know we will still have people who say to start Bagent. But another that sticks out is UDFA receiver John Jackson, one of Caleb’s former USC teammates and good friend, and I feel like this could be a fun storyline with the connection of the two but the already heavy WR room.
Sam Householder: Might be a bit of a cop out, but I could see Tyson Bagent fans finding more to love about the No. 2 QB. Granted, he isn’t a long shot per se, but we know he will be relegated to a backup role. But with a lot of spotlight on Caleb, I bet Bagent gets some shine.
Ken Mitchell: Peter LeBanc, WR, out of Louisiana University. Because why not?
Jack Salo: I could see it being a defensive end. They traded a future pick to draft Austin Booker, so he should be safe come Cut Day. There’s still a starting spot up for grabs, but if they re-sign Yannick Ngakoue, then Dominique Robinson and DeMarcus Walker will be pushed down the depth chart. I could see Robinson as somebody really fighting for a spot and a series focus.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.: Randolph seems like the obvious choice, given his UDFA status and the Bear’s need for a young defensive tackle to step up. However, I could also see the gravity of the revamped receiver room putting some focus on Velus Jones Jr. as he fights for a spot on the team.
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