The Chicago Bears have signed Canadian offensive tackle Theo Benedet out of the University of British Columbia as an undrafted free agent per TSN’s Farhan Lalji. Benedet was the 5th highest-ranked prospect eligible for the CFL Draft by CFL Central Scouting.
Theo Benedet started every game for UBC over his 4 seasons with the program. He is the first offensive player to win back-to-back J.P. Metras Trophies which are awarded to the best offensive or defensive lineman in Canadian University football annually. He won the trophy both in 2022 and 2023.
2023 was a banner year for both offensive tackles for UBC as Theo Benedet and Giovani Manu drew a lot of attention from pro scouts. I was impressed with both players in their ability to quickly recognize when quarterback Garrett Rooker would leave the pocket at times unpressured and adapt quickly as the passer used the wider Canadian fields effectively.
Benedet played a key role in helping quarterback Garrett Rooker lead the Canada West conference in passing yards with 283 passing yards per game. Additionally, runningback Isaiah Knight was second in the conference in yards per game with 112.
UBC held a pro day in Mach where 16 NFL teams had representatives in attendance. Benedet ran a 5.14-second 40-yard dash, a 7.69 three-cone drill, and a 4.6-second shuttle. He also performed 23 reps on the bench, a 34.5-inch vertical, and a 9’6” broad jump.
Benedet also attended the College Gridiron Showcase in January and played in the East-West Shrine Bowl where he was the only player from U Sports.
Benedet’s UBC teammate Giovanni Manu was drafted to the Bears’ divisional foe in the 4th round by the Detroit Lions.
It is not the first time the Chicago Bears have signed a player as a UDFA after being a back-to-back J.P. Metras Trophy winner. They signed defensive end Matthiue Betts to a 3-season contract in 2019 although they did not keep him after final roster cuts. Betts signed with the Detroit Lions this past offseason after setting the record for most sacks in a CFL season by a Canadian while playing with the BC Lions last season.
@JonathanClink on Twitter
