Bears Make Roster Moves After Preseason Opener Against Texans**
One day after their preseason victory over the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame game, the Chicago Bears adjusted their roster. According to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears signed undrafted rookie cornerback Ro Torrence, waiving long snapper Cameron Lyons to make space.
This leaves veteran Patrick Scales as the sole long snapper on the 90-player roster. Torrence enters a competitive cornerback room with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson established as starters.
Lead draft analyst Jacob Infante from Windy City Gridiron highlighted Torrence’s impressive physical attributes, describing him as a “massive cornerback at 6’3” and 208 lbs with insane length,” known for his physical play and body control in press coverage.
**Background on Ro Torrence**
Torrence played his last two collegiate seasons at Arizona State after a stint with Auburn in 2021. In his final season at Arizona State, he recorded 37 tackles, 2.0 sacks, an interception, and four pass breakups in 12 games. He allowed just 20 receptions in coverage, the fewest by any Pac-12 cornerback with over 300 regular season snaps, and only four plays over 15 yards.
Initially signed by the Seattle Seahawks post-draft, Torrence participated in their OTAs and minicamp before being waived in June. Now, he gets another shot in Chicago.
**Versatility and Potential**
Though primarily a cornerback, Torrence has the versatility to play safety. Before the draft, he mentioned that some NFL teams discussed the possibility of him playing safety. “I can play both positions,” Torrence told Justin Melo of The Draft Network in April 2024. “I’m a football player at the end of the day. I’ll go out there and play any position. I love playing cornerback.”
Torrence’s physical style and size are assets in Matt Eberflus’s defense. “I use my hands in press-man coverage to be physical at the line of scrimmage,” Torrence said to TDN. “If I get slightly beat in coverage, I have the length to recover and compete at the catch point.”
Competing against Greg Stroman Jr., Josh Blackwell, Jaylon Jones, Terell Smith, and Leon Jones for a backup CB spot, Torrence aims to secure a role on the practice squad. “You’re going to get a physical defensive back that loves to dominate,” Torrence described his play style. “I always give 110% effort. I’m a relentless player that loves football.”
