Deciphering the Success Story of the Undrafted Rookie Catching the Chicago Bears’ Eye…
Typically, undrafted free agents joining a team struggle to make an impact, as there’s usually a reason they weren’t drafted in the first place. However, every so often, a team discovers a hidden gem among them.
Recent examples include players like Roy Robertson-Harris, Sam Mustipher, and Jack Sanborn. After the 2024 draft, GM Ryan Poles wasted no time, securing nine promising prospects, including Illinois defensive tackle Keith Joseph. While Joseph is a favorite for a spot on the main roster, there’s another name stirring interest: Jamree Kromah.
Kromah’s rise to attention began in 2023 when, after spending much of his college career relatively unknown at Rutgers, he transferred to James Madison and delivered an impressive performance with ten sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss against reputable teams like Virginia and Utah State. Despite his limited experience, Kromah’s impact was undeniable, showcasing his size, explosiveness, and strength.
His potential position in the pros remains a puzzle. While he excelled as a defensive end in college, his lack of flexibility suggests a shift to an interior position might be more suitable, where his length and lower body strength could thrive.
However, he’ll need to bulk up from his current weight of 271 lbs to meet the demands of a defensive tackle in Matt Eberflus’ system, typically around 290 lbs. Thus, Kromah might spend time refining his physique on the practice squad, akin to Robertson-Harris’ successful journey.
Eberflus has a history of adapting players with ‘tweener’ builds, appreciating their versatility inside and out. Kromah, though slightly smaller, possesses similar attributes, making him a potentially valuable asset.
His performance in training camp and preseason will ultimately dictate his trajectory, but the statistics speak volumes: the Chicago Bears have a promising talent in Kromah, who, if from a more prominent college, would likely have been drafted.”
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