Baylor Football: Rookie & Pro Bears in the NFL Rundown
Following free agency, the draft, and yes, undrafted free agency, it appears the dust is settling for Baylor’s latest round of pro hopefuls ahead of rookie minicamps, which begin this weekend for some of the league’s teams.
Here’s where things stand for former Bears in the fallout of the NFL Draft and other offseason transactions.
DRAFTED
Siaki Ika, DT, Browns
The 98th overall pick started acclimating to his new home this week, including an introductory press conference where Ika predicted the following about new teammate and mega-star Myles Garrett: “He doesn’t know this, but he’s going to be my best friend.”
As a late-third-rounder, Ika will earn a healthy contract and opportunity. However, It’ll be a drop in the bucket compared to what could be had down the line if he reaches maximum potential. Sky’s the limit, especially if he can follow closely in the footsteps of inspiration like Vita Vea.
UDFA
- Ben Sims, TE, Vikings
- Christian Morgan, S, Packers
- Grant Miller, OL, Rams
- Mark Milton, CB, Panthers
These players signed undrafted free-agent deals. That means they inked actual contracts and were priority acquisitions for their respective teams and potentially others. Each player will make some money, although the amount and any potential signing bonus are case-by-case. In addition, as UDFA, there’s a golden opportunity to hang around awhile and maybe make the roster or practice squad, but nothing is guaranteed.
MINICAMP INVITES
- Gavin Holmes, WR, Eagles
- Issac Power, P, Broncos
- Jacob Gall, OL, Falcons & Colts
- Khalil Keith, OL, Giants
Minicamp invites are tryouts with opportunity serving as the only guarantee. Make the right impression, and you could eventually sign with the team. However, the odds aren’t in your favor at this stage. Not impossible, though. Based on the dates, Gall could attend both the Indy and Atlanta minicamps, but I don’t know his plans.
RETURNING + ROOKIES (as of 5/5/23)
This lineup is subject to change from here through the end of the year, but it’s a swell beginner’s guide. Note this only includes players under contract.
- Andrew Billings, DT, Bears
- Ben Sims, TE, Vikings
- Blake Lynch, LB, Cardinals
- Bravvion Roy, DT, Panthers
- Christian Morgan, S, Packers
- Denzel Mims, WR, Jets
- Grant Miller, OL, Rams
- Grayland Arnold, CB, Texans
- Henry Black, S, Colts
- Jalen Pitre, S, Texans
- James Lynch, DL, Vikings
- JaMycal Hasty, RB, Jaguars
- Jon Weeks, LS, Texans
- JT Woods, S, Chargers
- Kalon Barnes, CB, Vikings
- Kyle Fuller, C, Broncos
- Mark Milton, CB, Panthers
- Ross Matiscik, LS, Jaguars
- Sam Tecklenburg, C, Panthers
- Siaki Ika, DL, Browns
- Terrel Bernard, LB, Bills
- Trestan Ebner, RB, Bears
- Tyquan Thornton, WR, Patriots
- Will Bradley-King, DE, Commanders
- Xavien Howard, CB, Dolphins
- Xavier Newman, C, Titans
BONUS CATEGORY: QUESTION MARKS
LB Clay Johnston - Most recently with the Bengals, Johnston is currently an exclusive rights free agent or ERFA, defined by NFL.com as the following:
“Any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.”
So, time will tell there.
WR Drew Estrada - The Texans released him this week as an injury waiver. There were no specifics; however, Estrada is trying to return from a torn Achilles, initially suffered in late October.