Ranking the Bears' undrafted rookies: Safeties Major Burns, Tysheem Johnson lead way

New York Times

09-05-2025

When the 2025 NFL Draft ended, Chicago Bears fans had a few questions.
Where's the safety? What about edge rusher? Was enough done in the backfield?
Rookie free agency can't be counted on as the solution to roster deficiencies. It's usually about depth, filling out the roster with future practice squad players who might be able to contribute on game day. Analyzing this group of undrafted rookies, those three thin positions seemed to be a priority — and might present a path to the roster.
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The Bears have had some success in the undrafted free agent realm under Ryan Poles. It's where they found backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. Key special-teamer Josh Blackwell was an undrafted rookie when they claimed him in 2022. Current Cowboy Jack Sanborn certainly outplayed his status as a rookie free agent.
And linebacker T.J. Edwards, who just signed an extension, is the perfect example for Poles, head coach Ben Johnson and the rest of the staff to show this group when they begin rookie minicamp this weekend.
'When you see a guy like (Edwards) that (goes) from being undrafted and working himself into his first contract, elevating his game again and getting a second contract, I think that's special and I think that motivates all the other guys that come in the door,' Poles said last month.
Using colleague Dane Brugler's draft guide as well as the Bears' depth chart, here's a look at the undrafted rookies who signed with the team this week ranked by intrigue heading into their first NFL practice.
2024 stats: 47 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two pass breakups in 12 games (10 starts).
Measurements: 6 foot 2, 207 pounds with 31 1/2-inch arms.
40 time: 4.52
Brugler's positional rank: 34th
In addition to being a starter for a program such as LSU, Burns is a size-speed prospect, with high marks for his height, 40 time and vertical jump. We know that's something defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and Poles prefer. He compares well physically to Jaquan Brisker.
Major Burns went undrafted as a SS in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 8.23 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 220 out of 1236 SS from 1987 to 2025.
UDFA #Bearshttps://t.co/WNVrDDsodm pic.twitter.com/1HVWrqIwl0
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 27, 2025
In 2023, Burns returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown against Missouri. He won his starting job the fall prior to his redshirt freshman season. He has a lot of experience (39 games). With his size, Burns might project more as an in-the-box safety. Considering the contract situation at safety, the Bears would love it if someone can be counted on as the future at the position.
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Asked on ESPN 1000 about Burns and Tysheem Johnson and their chances, Poles said: 'They were brought in to develop and also see if they can make a roster spot. They'll have to play well on (special) teams to do that.'
2024 stats: 67 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions in 13 games. Honorable mention All-Big Ten.
Measurements: 5-9 5/8, 195 pounds with 30 3/4-inch arms.
40 time: 4.49 — would have tied for eighth among safeties at the combine
Brugler's positional rank: 37th
While Burns has the size, Johnson has a little more speed and the coverage abilities. Poles said on ESPN 1000 that Johnson has nickel corner abilities, and that should play well with Allen, who has already talked about using Kyler Gordon as a chess piece. Can Johnson show off similar capabilities?
That's ✌ for Tysheem#GoDucks
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/QCW4jLHR5B
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) October 28, 2023
Johnson was a freshman All-American at Ole Miss in 2021. He was a four-star prospect in high school and had offers from big-time programs. In the 2023 Pac-12 championship, Johnson had nine tackles, a tackle for loss, two QB hurries and a pass breakup. He's played under the spotlight and will have an opportunity to win over coaches with his ball skills and work on special teams. While Kevin Byard, Brisker and Jonathan Owens are likely locked into their spots, as well as possibly Elijah Hicks with his starting experience, Burns and Johnson can compete with Tarvarius Moore and Alex Cook at the back end of the depth chart.
2024 stats: 76 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, half sack, one interception, three QB hits, six pass breakups in 12 games.
Measurements: 5-11 3/8, 237 pounds with 30 5/8-inch arms. His 37-inch vertical ranked sixth at the combine among linebackers.
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40 time: 4.73
Brugler's positional rank: 32nd
Brugler's take: 'He is quick to read the play and flow, and he isn't afraid to stick his nose in the blender to pull down the running back. He reaches landmarks in coverage and has shown improved recognition, although he will struggle to man up with NFL tight ends and backs. Overall, Echols is durable and trusts his instincts (for better or worse) to go get the football, although inconsistent take-on and leverage angles need to be addressed.'
Echols is the only one of the undrafted rookies to earn a scouting report in 'The Beast.' He got a draft grade of priority free agent. Like Johnson, Echols was highly sought-after in high school when he was a four-star recruit with offers from Clemson, Penn State and Tennessee.
Power Echols, are you kidding me? 🔥
Heels lead 24-10 pic.twitter.com/FXoTrv4Pom
— UNC Zone (@ZoneUnc) November 17, 2024
Nearly the exact same size as Ruben Hyppolite II, the Bears' fourth-round pick, Echols is considered undersized at the position but doesn't have Hyppolite's speed. The vertical is notable, as are Echols' instincts. He had 100 tackles in 2022 and '23, when he was third-team All-ACC. He also had a pick six last season. Echols played in 52 games in college and could be a factor on special teams while competing at the back end of the linebacker depth chart. Noah Sewell would likely have the first shot at the No. 5 spot, competing with last year's undrafted rookie Carl Jones and winter addition Swayze Bozeman.
2024 stats: 47 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, nine sacks in 13 games. Also had one pass defensed.
Measurements: 6-5 3/4, 273 pounds with 34 5/8-inch arms.
40 time: 5.08
Brugler's positional rank: 56th
How can you not be intrigued by Carlton's size? He's got the length we know Allen covets on the edge, though he didn't necessarily run at the speed the coordinator prefers. However, the production in college was undeniable. Carlton's football career began at Utah in 2020. The sacks came at Cal, where he had 4.5 in each of his first two seasons, finishing his career with 18.
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Edge rusher was the spot the Bears didn't address in the draft — keeping in mind that Shemar Turner could get some reps there — which means Carlton and Jereme Robinson, whom we'll get to shortly, could have a path to the 53. Pending free-agent additions, it's Dominique Robinson, Daniel Hardy and Jamree Kromah competing behind the team's top three.
2024 stats: Made 19 of 21 field goals with a long of 55 yards. Had 30 touchbacks on 52 kickoffs. Broke Paul Edinger's school record for field goal percentage (82.1). Second-team All-Big Ten.
Brugler's positional rank: 10th
The potential of a summer kicking battle is intriguing in itself. Kim had a stellar two seasons in East Lansing, setting records held by former Bears. At North Carolina in 2020, he led FBS in touchbacks (76 on 89 kickoffs).
Cairo Santos has been incredibly reliable at a difficult place to kick, Soldier Field. Though some might prefer a kicker who has a bigger leg, it's worth noting that Santos is 19-of-22 from 50 yards or longer the past three seasons. Financially, it might not make sense to move off Santos just yet, $3.1 million of his 2025 salary is already guaranteed. Kim would have to have quite the offseason to push the veteran, but it's also good to have a familiar backup kicker in case of emergency. Kim could be that guy, with the possibility of taking over in 2026.
The new program record holder with six field goals tonight: Jonathan Kimpic.twitter.com/anpw1fjZVR
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) October 20, 2024
2024 stats: 57 catches for 733 yards (12.9 yards per catch) with two touchdowns. Returned 23 punts for 252 yards and an 89-yard score. Played in all 13 games.
Measurements: 5-11 1/2, 192 pounds with 30-inch arms. His 6.84-second three-cone time would've tied for eighth among receivers at the combine.
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40 time: 4.53
Brugler's positional rank: 68th
In four seasons in the Big 12 (two with Oklahoma State, two with TCU), Richardson finished with 1,940 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He was honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2023 as a receiver and '24 for special teams.
Richardson's pro day times reflect someone with good short-area quickness, and the return experience should help him show the Bears some versatility. Early prediction: Richardson leads the team in preseason receptions.
Take a look at the Bears' depth chart at receiver. The top four are set, five if Devin Duvernay is the returner, and then it's Tyler Scott, Miles Boykin, John Jackson, Samori Toure and Maurice Alexander. An undrafted rookie could find his way onto the roster if the Bears keep six, or if Richardson shows something as a punt returner.
2024 stats: 22 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 12 games. Had six passes defensed in 2023.
Measurements: 6-2 1/4, 264 pounds with 34 5/8-inch arms. His 37.5-inch vertical jump would've ranked fifth among defensive ends at the combine.
40 time: 4.83
Brugler's positional rank: 63rd
Ranked a few spots behind Carlton in 'The Beast,' Robinson has long arms, had impressive jumps at the combine and was honorable mention All-Big 12 last season, starting every game for the Jayhawks. The production was there for Kansas — in a rivalry game against Kansas State, he had a tackle for loss, sack and forced fumble. He played in 48 games in his career in Lawrence.
Clutch sack from Jereme 😤
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/1K1EGPclSP
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) September 14, 2024
Robinson doesn't boast Carlton's size, but he plays a premium position that lacks depth on the Bears' roster. It'll be a host of younger players battling for the 53 or practice squad, and Robinson might have to find a role on special teams, too.
2024 stats: 62 rushes for 272 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Was second-team All-Conference USA in 2022-23 while at UTEP — had 812 yards with five scores in 2023.
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Measurements: 5-10 5/8, 222 pounds with 9 3/4-inch arms.
40 time: 4.53
Brugler's positional rank: 105th
Any skill player is going to garner a little more intrigue, especially at a position such as running back where there could be room for an undrafted rookie. On his ESPN 1000 segment, Poles talked up seeing Roschon Johnson in a new offense and that they liked what they saw from last year's undrafted rookie, Ian Wheeler, before his ACL injury. Travis Homer is a special-teams stalwart, too.
Hankins' size stands out as a battering ram of a running back. He was very productive at UTEP, and he had a 16-carry, 117-yard performance last year against Louisiana-Monroe, including a 47-yard run.
Deion Hankins ➡️ 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚 😤
—
Need season 🎟️🎟️ to watch Hankins and the Miners in 2021? 👇
📞 (915) 747-UTEP💻 https://t.co/wLH7AJ2TgO pic.twitter.com/icDAjZT2L5
— UTEP Football (@UTEPFB) June 14, 2021
Most likely, Hankins has to prove himself on special teams to get any attention, but if you're of the belief that the Bears need more in that room, you'll be watching Hankins compete with Wheeler this summer.
2024 stats: 29 catches for 345 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Also had three carries for 12 yards.
Measurements: 6-2 7/8, 199 pounds with 33 1/2-inch arms and 9 7/8-inch hands. His 6.71-second three-cone time would have ranked second among receivers at the combine.
40 time: 4.45
Brugler's positional rank: 110th
Walker's ranking in 'The Beast' put him toward the bottom of this list, but he's got long- and short-area speed, as evidenced by his 40 time and three-cone drill. He's also big, with the size to be an outside receiver. As mentioned with Richardson, there could be room for a surprise receiver to make the roster if someone overtakes the returning vets. Walker had three 100-yard receiving games in 2023 and averaged 16.9 yards per catch. He put up more than 20 yards per reception at Grand Valley State, so he's got big-play abilities.
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2024 stats: First-team AFCA All-American, second-team All-Big Ten. Team captain. Played in all 13 games.
Brugler's positional rank: 6th
Look, I'm all for a potential long snapper battle in camp. Imagine the beat reporters taking out their stopwatches to time the snaps. And Elkin has the accolades! He has the rapport with punter Tory Taylor. He excelled on a special-teams unit that is known around the country as being one of the best. Still, he has to compete with veteran Scott Daly and might be around more so to allow the Bears to work two kickers together. Either way, Elkin will have a chance, and that's fun, but I'm not sure it'll garner as many eyeballs this summer as the players above him.
(Photo of Major Burns: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)