Chicago Bears NFL Draft: Ka’dar Hollman a fit on a number of levels

For the Chicago Bears, culture fit is almost as important as scheme fit, and Ka’dar Hollman fits both.

For the Chicago Bears, finding the most talented player (best player available) with each of their five draft picks is obviously paramount. However, a close second consideration is just how that player fits not only their scheme but their culture as well.

The Bears — specifically Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy — have made tremendous strides in overhauling the roster, and in doing so, revamping the culture.

If the team can get both, that’s a home run. If they can get both late in the draft, that would be a grand slam. One such option is Ka’dar Hollman, cornerback out of the University of Toledo.

Coming in at 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, the physical Hollman’s journey to the NFL has been as unconventional as it is remarkable. After high school, his parents insisted he find a job, so he took a series of them, including one where he mainly worked with individuals fresh out of prison.

All the while, he was pounding the virtual pavement, sending countless emails to schools, just asking for a chance. Eventually, Toledo reached out with an offer to join the team as a preferred walk-on. He took the opportunity and made the most out of it, working his way from a spot-special teamer to a soon-to-be NFL Draft pick.

But Hollman is more than just a great story. He’s also an outstanding player, with terrific measurables. During his Pro Day, he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash with a 39 inch vertical. Last season he recorded 12 passes defended, one interception, one fumble recovery and 42 tackles. What’s also appealing is that he has shown marked improvement each season.

One thing is for certain — teams should not bet against or count out Ka’dar Hollman. He has already demonstrated he has the ability to persevere through almost anything. His willingness to pursue his dream as a walk-on despite it seeming like a longshot at the time shows not only his love for the game but his belief in his own abilities.

I don’t know about you, but that all sounds like a Ryan Pace type player to me. Oh, and he’s already met with the team.