The Chicago Bears will be paying close attention to the East-West Shrine Bowl, as it is a last chance to evaluate prospects in game action. While there are weeks of evaluations ahead, this is a chance to get a look at lesser names that could still prove to be surprise contributors. For the Bears, it is more important than ever to find surprise depth as the team looks to make the most of its window.
With this in mind, let's look at three names, in particular, that stand out as potential fits for the Bears. Beginning with an underrated pass rusher who would have zero problem stepping into Chicago's pass rush rotation and contributing from day one.
1. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE-UCF
If there is one clear area of improvement in Chicago's 2026 defense, it is more pass-rushing depth. Lawrence is arguably the most exciting edge rusher taking part in the Shrine Bowl and perfectly fits the type of contributor the franchise should be looking to add. Lawrence isn't one of the top prospects at the position and should be well within Chicago's comfort zone in terms of adding pieces later in the draft. This is despite Lawrence producing 7.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in his final season with UCF.
It is fun to imagine what the pass rusher might develop into at the next level with a more capable cast around him. The Bears shouldn't hesitate to take the swing, viewing Lawrence as an underrated piece with a chance to have an immediate impact. The only real concern would be his lack of ability to play the run, something that will have to be worked on and developed at the next level.
2. Jeff Caldwell, WR- Cincinnati
The Bears clearly don't need a top receiver with Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and DJ Moore all under contract for the 2026 season. However, what the franchise does need is depth, with Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay both scheduled to hit free agency at the start of the new league year. This makes Caldwell an interesting name to watch in the Shrine Bowl as a potential fit with the Bears. The receiver's 6'5 frame is going to generate interest due to the walking mismatch that the pass catcher obviously is.
Adding to the potential fit is the fact that Caldwell is a willing blocker who has a size advantage over most corners and safeties he will attack in the second level. Considering Chicago's talented backfield and the need to maintain running lanes, this skill set makes the potential fit all the more enticing and headlines Caldwell as a name to keep a close eye on.
3. Dillon Bell, WR- Georgia
Another option the Bears could consider to bolster their receiver depth is Bell. The pass catcher was consistently used as a gadget option during his time at Georgia and has impressive speed that can help stretch the field and set up teammates. The Bulldogs didn't utilize Bell as much in the 2025 season, giving the receiver a combined 44 touches in an offense that focused on the run game and getting its tight ends involved.
For Bell, it will take an impressive showing at the Shrine Bowl and throughout draft evaluations for the pass catcher to have a real chance at moving up draft boards. For now, Bell is an underrated piece that would slot in nicely at the bottom of Chicago's depth chart and give the franchise a chance to find a surprise producer.