One of the most fun parts about preparing for the NFL Draft is trying to find diamonds in the rough in the way of small-school sleepers.
In looking at just this year’s group of Pro Bowlers, such schools like CSU Pueblo, Eastern Washington, Hobart, Grand Valley State, Valdosta State and South Carolina State boasted alumni. Though there are Power 5 schools who stand out as more reliable NFL feeder programs, the point is that top talent can come from just about anywhere.
The Bears weren’t afraid to take shots on small-school talent under their previous regime, though that came with mixed results.