John Jackson III, a close associate of Caleb Williams, has secured an undrafted rookie deal with the Chicago Bears following a successful tryout during the team’s recent two-day minicamp. The Bears announced the signing of six players, including Jackson, to their 90-man offseason roster after evaluating over two dozen rookies and veterans during the minicamp.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 215 pounds, Jackson, a wide receiver, previously played alongside Williams at USC in 2022. However, he had limited opportunities behind other notable receivers such as Jordan Addison, Tahj Washington, Brenden Rice, and Mario Williams, only managing to catch one pass for three yards. Jackson’s fortunes improved after he transferred to Nevada in 2023, where he emerged as a key player with 35 receptions, the highest on the team.
Williams expressed his excitement for Jackson’s tryout with the Bears on May 10, highlighting their collaborative effort in preparing for the opportunity. Jackson’s familiarity with Williams and their shared commitment to studying the Bears’ playbook aimed to showcase their chemistry and enhance his chances of securing a roster spot.
Jackson’s association with Williams adds intrigue to the Bears’ post-minicamp signings, but he is not the sole rookie addition to the team’s roster. The Bears also welcomed cornerback Leon Jones from Arkansas State, defensive tackle Dashaun Mallory from Arizona State, and linebacker Paul Moala from Notre Dame.
Of particular note is Mallory, given the Bears’ ongoing need to bolster their defensive line. With his ability to play both interior and exterior positions and his upbringing near Chicago in Bolingbrook, Illinois, Mallory brings local ties and versatility to the team.
Additionally, the Bears added two veteran pass-catchers: wide receiver Freddie Swain and tight end Tommy Sweeney. Swain, primarily known for his stint with the Seattle Seahawks, brings experience and depth to the receiving corps, while Sweeney aims to revive his NFL career after a medical setback in 2023.
Looking ahead, while the Bears won’t solely target players connected to Williams, they may consider adding more of his former USC teammates depending on training camp outcomes. Washington and Rice, Williams’ preferred targets at USC in 2023, are currently pursuing roster spots with other NFL teams. Depending on their availability later in the summer, they could become potential additions to the Bears’ receiving depth, particularly if the team seeks further reinforcement behind established players like DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze.
