NFL Draft 2011: 10 Undrafted Free Agents the Chicago Bears Must Target

Undrafted free agents are often much more than just training camp filler. Last year alone, 51 undrafted players made opening day rosters.

By the end of the season, that number had increased to 140, including the top two rookie running backs in 2010—LeGarrette Blount of the Bucs and Chris Ivory of the Saints.

NFL teams are currently forbidden from contacting these free agents due to the lockout, although a report in Pro Football Weekly suggests that some teams may have been guilty of tampering.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have needs that the draft didn't fill, so it would be wise to try and sign the following 10 players. They may not contribute immediately, but they can offer some depth in case of injury and perhaps help out on special teams if they do make the squad.

Several of the players I am recommending will be heavily sought after by other teams too, so if the Bears are serious, they need to get moving as soon as the lockout is lifted.

Or, if the report is accurate, maybe even sooner.

Jeff Maehl, WR (Oregon)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Jeff Maehl #23 of the Oregon Ducks catches a two-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth quarter against Zac Etheridge #4 of the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoe

This is a guy who isn't very tall or fast, but he just catches whatever is thrown to him. His height is still better than the average Bears receiver, and he is willing to do the dirty work over the middle of the field.

Maehl displays focus and toughness to make catches in traffic. With the Bears' current receiving corps, it makes sense to bring in a guy like this and see if he can be used in case of injury.

Mark Herzlich, LB (Boston College)

Elsa/Getty Images

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Mark Herzlich #94 of the Boston College Eagles carries the ball after he intercepted a pass from Tyrod Taylor of the Virginia Tech Hokies on September 25, 2010 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Virginia

Very surprising that this guy wasn't drafted, and several teams are said to be interested in signing him. Herzlich was ranked as the 10th best linebacker in the ESPN Scout Inc. rankings, but wasn't taken by any team.

His durability has to be questioned, as he has been beset with injuries ever since he was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, which is a tumor most often found in bone or soft tissue, in his left leg during May 2009.

But the Bears need linebacking depth and special teams help, and Herzlich may eventually be more than that. He is a team leader with an excellent work ethic and above average upper body strength.

Tim Barnes, C (Missouri)

Photo courtesy of www.columbiamissourian.com.

The Bears failed to draft a potential replacement for Olin Kreutz, and while Barnes may not be that guy, it would be good to get some depth and competition into camp (if and when there is a camp, that is).

Most expect the Bears to re-sign Kreutz, but he probably has just one year left. Barnes appears to have natural football instincts and possesses more awareness in pass protection than as a run-blocker at this point.

He could use more of a mean streak, but perhaps not getting drafted will give him an edge.

Terrence Toliver, WR (LSU)

Photo courtesy of www.nola.com.

Toliver just may be that tall receiver the Bears would be smart to bring in and see if he can make the team. If nothing else, he could provide depth at the position.

The Bears' current wideouts average about 5'10", and Toliver stands almost 6'4". He uses his long strides, which give him deceiving top-end speed, to get behind coverage and is shifty when reaching the open field.

He needs to work on securing the ball in traffic, as he has a tendency to take his eye off the ball, especially when he knows he's about to get hit.

But hey, that's why he went undrafted. 

Mario Harvey, ILB (Marshall)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 2: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stiff arms Mario Harvey #30 of the Marshall Thundering Herd at Ohio Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Harvey is short for the position (5'10"), but his nickname is "thumper" for his hard hitting. He seems to have solid instincts and tackling skills.

This is a guy right out of the London Fletcher, Sam Mills-mode and will help some team eventually. For now, he would help provide depth at a position where the Bears currently have only two players signed (Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs) and could be a great addition to special teams. 

Darren Evans, RB (Virginia Tech)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Darren Evans #32 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs the ball against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Get

Darren Evans is a mature kid who is already married with a kid. He is a hard and physical runner. The biggest knock against him is his trouble changing directions, but that's why we're talking about an undrafted player here.

In addition to providing depth for the Bears, Evans can play on special teams. Heck, he played for Frank Beamer. Plus, he blocks well; Mike Martz ought to like that.

Ryan Jones, CB (Northwest Missouri State)

Photo courtesy of www.nodaway.countyonline.us.

The Bears failed to draft a true corner and instead took Christopher Conte, a converted corner now playing safety.

With only Charles Tillman as a sure thing at corner, why not take a look at this guy? Jones has decent size (almost 6'0") and brings value on special teams.

He is more of an athlete at this point, but he will have time to develop. Jones has produced interceptions by using his top-end speed to get behind receivers.

Ryan Donahue, P (Iowa)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Punter Ryan Donahue #5 of the Iowa Hawkeyes has a first-quarter punt blocked by the diving David Roberts #81 of the Arizona Wildcats during the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona.

Donahue was the highest rated punter, yet Atlanta instead drafted a kid from Miami.

With the Bears seemingly willing to let Brad Maynard go, why not bring in some competition?

A four-year starter, Donahue averaged 44.6 yards on 54 punts, with 15 kicks for more than 50 yards in 2010. He's also been good at sticking opponents inside their own 20-yard line, something Maynard was always good at.

Bring him in, Jerry Angelo.

Zach Hurd, OG (Connecticut)

Photo courtesy of www.thesignalcaller.com.

The Bears need as much help as they can get on the offensive line. Though I'd love to see them add a free agent to go along with Gabe Carimi, that may not happen.

With that in mind, let's bring in a guy who has long arms, big hands and a massive frame.

Hurd plays too high, but Mike Tice will work with him. He has a mean streak, always playing with intensity and toughness.

The Bears need more help, so why not take a chance?

Will Hill, S (Florida)

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Will Hill #10 of the Florida Gators holds up the ball after an interception during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Angelo likes drafting players from Florida, and he also loves picking safeties. Naturally, he should sign Hill and give him a look to see if he can contribute on special teams.

Hill has good size and speed for the position, but he has some character issues, namely tweeting about marijuana.

But as an undrafted free agent, you get a guy who possesses a quick closing burst and takes good angles to the point.

Sounds worthy of a seventh-round pick to me, and since the Bears didn't have one, consider Hill that guy.