The newest member of the Chicago Bears is an offensive lineman who has recent history with an NFC North rival:
#Bears roster update:
We have signed OL Willie Beavers to the practice squad.— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) November 5, 2018
The Bears’ filled their last remaining practice squad opening by signing free agent guard Willie Beavers, who joins Dejon Allen and James Stone as the group’s only offensive linemen. Chicago’s practice squad had an opening when the team promoted running back Taquan Mizzell Sr. after placing starting right guard Kyle Long on injured reserve, so bringing in Beavers makes sense as it brings a healthy body into the mix.
Beavers played his college ball at Western Michigan and was a fourth-round pick (121st overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft. You can check out Beavers’ draft profile here, in which Lance Zierlein gives him a Round 3 projection, highlights fluid athleticism, quick hands, and encouraging traits that suggest he could be a strong among his strengths. On the other hand, the same profile underscores impatience, excessive movements, and technique/positioning as weaknesses. All things considered, Beavers – a guard by trade – is a nice depth piece to stash on the practice squad while Long is on the mend.
It’s been quite a ride for Beavers to get where he is today. Beavers was waived by the Vikings on Sept. 2, 2017, but joined the New England Patriots’ practice squad two days later. It was a short-lived stint in New England for Beavers, who was released 12 days after being signed. Beavers would return to Minnesota’s practice squad on Nov. 7, 2017, but he was released a week later. The Seattle Seahawks would scoop Beavers off the scrap heap on Nov. 28, 2017 and signed a reserve/future contract with the team in January. Beavers’ time in Seattle came in September when he was waived at the end of the preseason. Now, his time in Chicago can begin.