Bears’ 6’4″ ‘Savvy’ Surprise Predicted to Make 53-Man Roster

Every summer, NFL training camps feature a handful of surprise players who emerge out of nowhere and earn a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster. This season, that unexpected name buzzing out of Halas Hall is tight end Joel Wilson.

A former Central Michigan standout, Wilson’s journey from undrafted free agent to practice squad member to potential option in one of the most interesting offenses in the NFL has largely gone unnoticed. But in a short span of time, he’s gone from an unknown to a player that insiders now project to make the final roster.

Wilson’s stock has risen thanks to standout performances throughout OTAs, where he’s consistently made plays as a receiving option. His crisp route-running and soft hands have drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike, placing him firmly in the conversation for the final tight end spot behind Cole Kmet, rookie Colston Loveland, and veteran Durham Smythe.

Joel Wilson: A Rising Star in Ben Johnson’s Offense

First off, a quick reminder that Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has a history as a tight ends coach for Boston College, Miami Dolphins, and the Detroit Lions. So if anyone is going to know how to develop a hidden gem at TE, it’s him.

Now, it’s hard to ignore just how vocal Johnson has been about Wilson’s development. During a press conference, he singled out Wilson as one of four players who stood out the most during the offseason.

“You saw him today with a big catch,” Johnson said. “He’s kind of had one or two of those almost every OTA [practice]. He’s got a little savvy in how he moves…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 route running section of tight end play, he’s stood out in a positive light.”

That type of recognition from a coach who knows all the ins and outs at tight end is rare, especially for an undrafted player. Johnson sees something special in the 6’4″ and 250-pound pass catcher.

The Numbers Game and the Path to the 53-Man Roster

The path for Wilson to make the Bears’ 53-man roster is no longer a long shot. According to The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns, Wilson is one of four tight ends expected to make the roster.

“If Matt Eberflus were still the Bears’ coach, maybe we’re discussing the team having one more defensive back on the roster. But Johnson is in charge. He’s calling the offense, and Wilson earned his attention and praise with his route-running during the offseason program. If Johnson — a former tight ends coach — wants another young tight end with potential, then so be it,” Jahns wrote.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and Wilson will need to back up his offseason performance with consistency in training camp and preseason action. He’ll need to prove he has more than just pass-catching abilities to make the team. But if early signs are any indication, Wilson well on his way to making the roster.