The Canadian Eagle: Theo Benedet’s Rise from Undrafted Free Agent to Bears Left Tackle Candidate

Theo Benedet, a second-year offensive tackle from the University of British Columbia (UBC), has risen from undrafted longshot to a legitimate contender for the Bears’ left tackle position. His rise has been driven by practice performance and preseason execution, not draft pedigree. Team leadership has emphasized that his opportunity was earned. Standing 6’7” and 304 pounds, with major collegiate honors and steady camp growth, he provides both immediate depth and long-term potential on the offensive line. Within the locker room, he has earned the nickname “The Canadian Eagle” on Hard Knocks, symbolizing both his national roots and spirited presence.

Context

• Position Defined: An offensive tackle lines up on the edge of the offensive line. Their role is to protect the quarterback from outside pass rushers and create running lanes for running backs. The left tackle is especially critical because it protects the quarterback’s blind side.
• Player Background: Born in 2001 in Toronto and raised in Vancouver, Benedet played for the UBC Thunderbirds. He twice won the J. P. Metras Trophy, awarded to the top lineman in Canadian university football, and earned All-Canadian honors.
• NFL Entry: Went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft but signed with Chicago as a UDFA (Undrafted Free Agent). Although drafted in the Canadian Football League (CFL), he chose the NFL path. He spent time on the Bears’ practice squad in 2024 before re-signing in January 2025.
• Current Role: Competing in 2025 training camp and preseason for a roster spot, taking snaps at left tackle against both reserve and starting defenders.

Key Findings

• Earned Opportunity: GM Ryan Poles emphasized Benedet’s rise is based on execution, not draft status.
• Elite Frame: At 6’7” and 304 lbs, his length and wingspan provide natural advantages against speed rushers.
• Technical Growth: Demonstrated improved footwork, hand placement, and anchor strength (holding ground against power rushes). Run blocking is still developing.
• Requires Starter-Level Evaluation: Current success has come mostly against reserve defenders. Sustained reps against top-tier pass rushers are needed to validate long-term viability.
• Locker-Room Identity: The “Canadian Eagle” nickname reflects cultural acceptance within the team and underscores his rare status as a Canadian lineman competing for a key NFL role.

Strategic Implications

• Roster Flexibility: If consistent, Benedet offers a cost-effective solution at a premium position without heavy draft investment.
• Depth Security: Adds insurance at left tackle, a position where injuries or weak play can destabilize the offense.
• Cultural Alignment: Reinforces Chicago’s performance-first philosophy that rewards merit over pedigree.
• Scouting Expansion: A successful transition could validate Canadian university football as a pipeline for NFL talent.

Recommendations

• Increase Starter Reps: Prioritize snaps against first-team defenders in practice and preseason.
• Refine Technique: Continue developing pad level, hand timing, and lateral agility to counter elite edge speed.
• Track Performance Metrics: Monitor pressures allowed, penalties, and run-blocking efficiency to establish evaluation benchmarks.
• Shape the Narrative: Position Benedet’s rise and “Canadian Eagle” identity as evidence of performance-driven opportunity and cultural integration.

Conclusion

Theo Benedet has progressed from undrafted prospect to serious competitor for the Bears’ left tackle role. His size, athletic profile, and consistent development under Ben Johnson’s staff provide both immediate depth and long-term upside at one of football’s most critical positions. His “Canadian Eagle” identity adds cultural weight to his story, reinforcing Chicago’s performance-first culture and positioning international scouting pipelines as a future competitive edge.