Joel Wilson Could Be the Bears' Hidden Gem at Tight End
Joel Wilson Could Be the Bears' Hidden Gem at Tight End originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Bears have wrapped up their offseason organized team activities (OTAs), giving coaches time to review everything that unfolded on the practice field. While many eyes were on rookies and familiar names, a surprising standout emerged—one who wasn't even drafted. A tight end from the 2023 class made a strong impression, and he's now a name generating serious buzz heading into training camp.
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Joel Wilson, a former Central Michigan standout, has turned heads in recent weeks. After going undrafted in 2023, Wilson bounced between the Saints, Bills, Packers, and Giants before landing on the Bears' practice squad.
Ben Johnson Getty Images
Despite the winding road, he's made the most of his reps. During a press conference posted to ChicagoBears.com, head coach Ben Johnson had high praise for Wilson's progress.
'You saw him today with a big catch. He's kind of had one or two of those almost every OTA [practice]. He's got a little savvy in how he moves. He's got a nice route feel about him. The test will really be when we get going in camp how he holds up in the run game and the pass pro game. But so far in the running route section of tight end play, he's stood out in a positive light.'
Wilson's performance didn't just resonate with the coaching staff. Former NFL tight end and current analyst Clay Harbor shared glowing praise during a CHSN segment.
'Durham Smythe might need to be on notice here. I know he's signed to a deal and has history with Ben Johnson, but Joel Wilson can straight up play as far as receiver—he's a weapon catching 50/50 balls, smart player, very smooth, great hands, solid routes. From the first day I'm like, who is this guy?'
For a player who's been waived, shuffled, and stashed on practice squads, Wilson's resilience is now paying off in a big way. With Cole Kmet locked in as TE1 and rookie Colston Loveland expected to contribute early, the competition for depth roles is heating up. Smythe brings veteran experience, but Wilson could very well challenge him for a final roster spot.
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Whether the Bears carry three or four tight ends remains to be seen—but if they go with four, Wilson is firmly in the mix to earn that job. What makes his surge even more notable is that Ben Johnson publicly named him as one of just four players who stood out this offseason—a rare and meaningful recognition from a head coach still early in evaluating his roster.
Every year, one player rises from the shadows and forces the conversation. In 2025, that player might just be Joel Wilson. The buzz is real—and the opportunity is his to seize.
Related: Bears' Coveted Rookie O-Lineman Drawing Early Praise for 'Football Intelligence'
Related: Backfield Shake-Up Brewing in Chicago as Emerging Talent Draws Buzz
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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