The Bears have added nine undrafted free agents ahead of the rookie minicamp starting Thursday. Get acquainted with each player below:
1. **Brenden Bates** (TE)
– Height: 6-5
– Weight: 255 lbs
– College: Kentucky
– Notable stats: 58 games played, 25 starts, 26 receptions for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns.
– Background: Attended Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati. Graduated with degrees in consumer economics and communication.
2. **Theo Benedet** (OL)
– Height: 6-7
– Weight: 305 lbs
– College: University of British Columbia
– Notable achievements: Two-time winner of the J.P. Metras Trophy for Canada’s top lineman.
– Background: Born in Toronto, grew up in Vancouver. Selected by BC Lions in the CFL Draft.
3. **Carl Jones Jr.** (#50 LB)
– Height: 6-2
– Weight: 230 lbs
– College: UCLA
– Notable stats: 135 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 23.0 tackles-for-loss in 57 games.
– Background: Transitioned from safety to linebacker during college. Also excelled in basketball and track in high school.
4. **Jamree Kromah** (DL)
– Height: 6-4
– Weight: 275 lbs
– College: James Madison
– Notable stats: 98 tackles, 14.0 sacks, 28.0 tackles-for-loss in 46 games.
– Background: Recognized as a top performer in spirit and determination. Pursuing postgraduate studies in cyber intelligence.
5. **Peter LeBlanc** (WR)
– Height: 6-2
– Weight: 189 lbs
– College: Louisiana
– Notable stats: 140 receptions, 1,737 yards, 11 touchdowns in 63 games.
– Background: Two-time All-District receiver in high school, contributing to a state championship win.
6. **Keith Randolph Jr.** (DL)
– Height: 6-3
– Weight: 296 lbs
– College: Illinois
– Notable stats: 159 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 23 tackles-for-loss in 42 games.
– Background: Led his high school basketball team to two state championships before focusing on football.
7. **Austin Reed** (QB)
– Height: 6-1
– Weight: 223 lbs
– College: Western Kentucky
– Notable stats: 14,488 passing yards, 138 touchdowns over four seasons.
– Background: Led his college team to a Division II national championship. Recognized as Conference USA Newcomer of the Year.
8. **Reddy Steward** (DB)
– Height: 5-11
– Weight: 178 lbs
– College: Troy
– Notable stats: 181 tackles, 9 interceptions, 42 pass breakups in 60 games.
– Background: Two-time All-State selection in high school. Holds a high Pro Football Focus grade among cornerback prospects.
9. **Ian Wheeler** (RB)
– Height: 5-11
– Weight: 205 lbs
– College: Howard
– Notable stats: Rushed for 1,154 yards, 14 touchdowns over five seasons.
– Background: Standout special teams player with multiple kickoff return touchdowns. Rushed for over 1,300 yards in high school.
