There are plenty of talented players who won’t hear their name called during the NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears have seen many of their undrafted free agents go on to become franchise legends. It’s not an easy task finding a diamond in the rough, but adding a key contributor post-draft is a crucial roster building tool.
It’s also a testament to that franchise’s scouting department. There is certainly a reason as to why a player goes undrafted. But to be able to still identify talent is a key skill. At the same time though, the UDFA must prove they deserve the opportunity before making the final roster is discussed. They’re starting their NFL career at the bottom of the totem pole. Training camp will give each rookie a prime opportunity to prove why they deserve to make the first iteration of Ben Johnson’s Bears.
Chicago has already added a number of intriguing names, and there are still more available. But of the undrafted free agents that the Bears have agreed to terms with, North Carolina linebacker Power Echols has the most likely opportunity to make the team.
Former North Carolina LB Power Echols is signing with the #Bears, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2025
Chicago Bears linebacker corps
The Bears already have Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards in place. Chicago is hoping both continue functioning as leaders of the new-look defense. However, beyond them, the Bears have question marks in place such as Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite II and Amen Ogbongbemiga.
Sewell was a fifth-round pick for Chicago back in 2023. He has appeared in 22 games for the team, but he has yet to make a true impact, registering 13 tackles and two forced fumbles. The Bears still have high hopes for the linebacker, but he needs to prove himself on the gridiron sooner rather than later.
Ogbongbemiga registered his first sack since 2021 in 2024. However, as a primary special teamer, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen isn’t counting on him to be a major contributor to the defense.
Then there is Hyppolite, who Chicago selected in the fourth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His stats look pedestrian over his five years with Maryland, recording 236 tackles, 13 for a loss and three sacks. However, Hyppolite ran an insane 4.39 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. He may need some extra refining, but that athleticism can’t be taught.
Pro Day Highlights
ILB Ruben Hyppolite II @rubenknows1 @TerpsFootball pic.twitter.com/y6b47AbtzL
— Precision Sports (@PSportsMG) April 24, 2025
Still, all of this is to say is that there Bears still have a need at linebacker. Perhaps Hyppolite develops quicker than imagined. But Chicago will still need extra help behind Edmunds and Edwards. In terms of an UDFA making the roster, it’s easy to see how a linebacker fits the mix. Furthermore, it’s important to note Jack Sanborn’s – who was an undrafted free agent – contributions during his time with the Bears from 2022-2024.
Power Echols joins the mix
Echols did go undrafted, so there’s reason to pump the brakes a bit before getting too hyped. However, he is a strong pickup for a Bears defense looking for a complete configuration entering the 2025 campaign.
The linebacker spent four years at North Carolina, appearing in 52 games. He racked up 307 tackles, 14 for a loss, four interceptions and 2.5 sacks. Echols recorded a pick in all four of his seasons, returning one for a touchdown in 2024. He eclipsed 100 tackles twice, including 2023 when Echols set a new career-high in TFLs (six). He was named Third-team All-ACC.
Echols’ biggest flaw was that he wasn’t a consistent playmaker. He didn’t flash enough on tape and his 5-foot-11 stature certainly draws some questions. But like most UDFAs, Chicago isn’t expecting Echols to make an immediate impact. Instead, they’re looking for someone than can mold into a future contributor.
The linebacker was a three-year starter at North Carolina, coming to Chicago with plenty of experience. Furthermore, he is a smart football player who understands how to read the defense. Echols would predominantly play special teams in 2025, but if he is a fit in Allen’s system, there will be a role carved out for him behind Edwards and Edmunds.
Echols has a mountain to climb as he begins his NFL journey. But the Bears didn’t wait long to sign him once the 2025 draft came to a close. That’s a testament to how they feel about the linebacker and about his chances of actually making the 2025 roster.
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