The Bears signed undrafted free agent Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr.
Charles Rex Arbogast/AP
The Bears signed nine undrafted free agents Thursday in advance of the start of rookie minicamp practices Friday.
They are:
Western Kentucky quarterback Austin ReedHoward running back Ian WheelerTroy defensive back Reddy StewartUCLA linebacker Carl JonesJames Madison defensive end Jamree KromahBritish Columbia tackle Theo BenedetIllinois defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr.Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Peter LeBlancKentucky tight end Brendan Bates
In order to have enough players to run two camp practices this week, the Bears will also bring in 24 rookies for tryouts. Among them are Eastern Illinois defensive back Russell Dandy, Wisconsin defensive back Travian Blaylock and Arizona State defensive tackle DeShaun Mallory, who is a Bolingbrook native.
Veterans who will be trying out include defensive back Parry Nickerson, tight end Tommy Sweeney and receiver Freddie Swain.
Quarterback Caleb WIlliams, the No. 1 overall pick, and receiver Rome Odunze, who was chosen ninth, highlight the draft picks in attendance at Halas Hall this week.