The Chicago Bears have signed four rookie draft picks — wide receiver Zavion Thomas, cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg — ahead of rookie minicamp this weekend at Halas Hall.
Thomas, selected in the third round, is another speedy weapon for Ben Johnson’s offense, having run a 4.28 40-yard dash, and he projects to serve as a return specialist and gadget player for the Bears. With Kalif Raymond under contract for just one season, Thomas could be his successor, especially as it pertains to the return game.
Muhammad, a fourth-round pick, is the latest speedy addition to Dennis Allen’s defense, having run a 4.42 40-yard dash, and brings physicality to the secondary. With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon returning from injury, the Bears will have a starting job up for grabs opposite Johnson, with Tyrique Stevenson being the favorite. But Muhammad has an opportunity to win the starting job as a rookie.
Elliott, selected in the fifth round, joins a Bears linebacker room that lacked depth, and he’ll have a chance to develop into a potential starter down the line. Elliott has good instincts and is a tackling machine, but coverage is certainly his weakness. As far as immediate impact, he projects to be an elite special teams contributor for Richard Hightower’s unit.
Van den Berg, a sixth-round selection, has the potential to factor into the interior defensive line rotation as a rookie. Van den Berg, who hails from Johannesburg, South Africa, is an explosive athlete who is a great fit for Dennis Allen’s defense.
First-round safety Dillon Thieneman, second-round center Logan Jones and third-round tight end Sam Roush remain the only Bears rookies unsigned.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears announce signings of four rookie draft picks
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
