Chicago Bears: 3 UDFAs who could make an immediate impact

By Dan Schmelzer | May 4, 2019

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Alex Bars Chicago Bears

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Alex Bars, OL, Notre Dame

I would not call offensive line a major area of concern for the Chicago Bears. Their starting group of Charles Leno, James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, Kyle Long and Bobby Massie is solid. However, they severely lack depth up front and would be in a world of trouble if they were to lose one of their starters to injury. With this in mind, there is certainly an opportunity for a rookie offensive lineman to make his mark in camp and find himself on the roster for depth purposes.

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The Bears did not select an offensive lineman in the 2019 NFL Draft but did not sign five of them as unrestricted free agents. Alex Bars out of Notre Dame stands out as the player of the bunch who could make the roster.

Bars was a rock-solid offensive lineman at Notre Dame, playing right tackle early in his career and shining as a starting guard his last two seasons. He is a hard-nosed offensive guard who displays quickness off of the ball, a powerful punch and enough strength to consistently handle power.

He is also a smart player who understands protections and angles well and has enough quickness to make blocks at the second level. Bars is a tough and physical player who can excel in pass protection and as a run blocker, but he does struggle against speed rushers in certain situations.

Bears offensive line coach Harry Hiestand coached Bars at Notre Dame and likely had a say in the team signing him. Hiestand is one of the best offensive line coaches in the business and undoubtedly knows Bars’ game well. Having Hiestand vouch for Bars is undoubtedly a good sign.

Bars is a talented offensive guard prospect who certainly has the ability to be a solid interior depth piece for many years. However, a torn ACL suffered last season may hurt his chances of making the roster. Bars’ injury happened last September, so it is certainly possible that he will be ready to compete soon. As long as the injury does not hold him back, I like his chances of making the roster, perhaps over an aging veteran like Ted Larsen.