Chicago Bears Training Camp: Kevin Toliver stole the show on Day 1
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bears kicked off Day 1 of official practices for 2018 training camp on Friday. One undrafted free agent stole the show.
On Friday, the Chicago Bears held their first official practice of 2018 training camp. Rookies reported earlier in the week, with veterans reporting on Thursday. Fans are ready to rock, and the team is as excited as they have ever been in recent years.
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This spring, the Bears added tons of talent through the 2018 NFL Draft. One of the players the Bears added after the draft was over, though, might be one of the biggest steals of that weekend.
Undrafted free agent cornerback Kevin Toliver out of LSU joined the Bears following the draft, and immediately there was plenty of buzz about him being the best post-draft pickup.
Prior to the draft, Toliver was pegged to go anywhere from the third round all the way to the sixth, depending on whose opinion you were listening to. The bottom line is, the Bears got themselves a football player for the lowest price possible.
While at LSU, Toliver didn’t perform quite up to his expectations as a top recruit coming out of high school. He only came up with a pair of interceptions during his entire career as a Tiger.
Fortunately for the Bears, he’s already hit that number in training camp — and it’s just Day 1.
According to many media members who were in attendance during the first practice, Toliver had at least two picks in the pouring rain. Some sources stated he had two, others stated “several” interceptions.
Nonetheless, the Bears should be excited and fans should have taken notice early on. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Toliver is exactly the type of corner the Bears need. With Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara the surefire starters, the Bears lack anyone intimidating behind them.
Toliver could be one of those guys to come in and explode during camp, landing himself a roster spot. Not only that, but he would certainly have a shot to overtake guys like Cre’von LeBlanc or Marcus Cooper, who have both had some disappointing moments as Bears.
Next: Bears: 5 veterans facing crucial training camp
Toliver is just one of many undrafted free agents to find themselves getting a shot with the Bears this summer. Keep an eye on those guys, because there is always one or two who stand out and become the ultimate steals around the NFL.