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Since the conclusion of the 2020 NFL draft, the Bears have added a handful of undrafted free agents.
Among the most notable is Buffalo edge rusher Ledarius Mack, and if that name sounds familiar to Bears fans, it’s because Ledarius is the younger brother of Chicago’s All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack.
Mack concluded the 2019 season with 7 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in a reserve role, adding three forced fumbles in the process. Despite not being a full-time starter, he was named an All-MAC Second-Team member and tied for the team lead in tackles for a loss. The year before, he had two sacks and 2.5 tackles for a loss in limited playing time.
The younger Mack transferred to Buffalo prior to the 2017 season, during which he took a redshirt year. He spent his previous two seasons at ASA College, where he actually played in 13 games as a guard on the school’s basketball team during the 2015-16 season.
An athletic defender who has a knack for rushing the passer, Mack flew under the radar due to his lack of starting experience, as well as his 5-foot-11 frame. He played off the edge at Buffalo, but he also played as an off-ball linebacker before that, which is where he might be better suited.
Now that he’s on the Bears, though, it will be interesting to see how he fares in his efforts to make the active roster. For more on Mack, check out my recent Twitter thread:
THREAD: The #Bears signed Buffalo EDGE Ledarius Mack as an undrafted free agent, and while he’s best known for being Khalil’s brother, he‘s a talented player in his own right.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2020
Mack is a very athletic defender off the edge. He ran a 4.66 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, and that speed is apparent through his burst off the snap and his closing speed as a tackler, as shown on this stunt. pic.twitter.com/qakNdXX6kk
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2020
Mack has very good bend and lower-body flexibility in his skill set. He is able to maintain his speed at the top of his arc and keep a sharp angle of pursuit when turning the corner. He had 7 sacks, 11 tackles for a loss and 3 forced fumbles in 2019. pic.twitter.com/qp0oElqKzh
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2020
Mack has also shown some promise in his hand usage. He’s a smaller defender, but he has flashed the ability to hold blocks and eat up gaps against the run, as he does here at the bottom of the screen. pic.twitter.com/xA6NXdIkpt
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2020
He’s small at 5-11 and 234 lbs, which could move him to off-ball LB. He only has one year of real production and can add more strength.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2020
However, Mack is athletic, versatile, flexible and offers ST upside. He could compete for a spot and at least be a good PS guy for the #Bears. pic.twitter.com/2ZTmiaYfHl