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Why Chicago Bears UDFA Jayden Loving is a Sleeper to Watch
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- Why Chicago Bears UDFA Jayden Loving is a Sleeper to Watch
Why Chicago Bears UDFA Jayden Loving is a Sleeper to Watch
(© Zachary Taft-Imagn Images)
Even though the Chicago Bears finished the 2026 NFL Draft by adding seven new players to their roster, the transactions didn't end there.
NFL teams have already started adding undrafted free agents to round out their respective rosters. Despite these players not hearing their names over the last three days in the draft, that doesn't mean their fate is sealed on what they can accomplish in the pros.
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Three recent undrafted free agents who made an impact on the Bears are backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, linebacker Jack Sanborn and wide receiver Jahdae Walker. So, there is a possibility that someone the Bears sign can find a role on the team.
A player who may have a shot of doing just that is Wake Forest interior defensive lineman Jayden Loving. The 6-foot-1, 309-pound defensive tackle has the athletic profile that fits with what the Bears are looking for in the position.
Using Loving's results from the graphic above, here is how he would have compared to the defensive tackles who competed at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
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40-yard dash: 4.82 would have tied for third-fastest with Oklahoma's Gracen Halton
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3-cone drill: 7.15 would have finished as the fastest time at the combine. Texas A&M's Albert Regis finished with a 7.77
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Vertical jump: 35.00" would have been the second-highest
Loving, 23, is explosive and his Pro Day numbers highlight that type of athlete the Bears signed on the defensive line.
Before finishing his college career at Wake Forest, Loving spent two years at Brthune-Cookman and played in the FCS for two seasons. He then transferred to Western Kentucky in 2023, and finished that season with 36 total tackle, two sacks and two passes defensed in 13 games played. He only played one game during his junior season because of a meniscus injury in his left knee, according to the Athletic's the BEAST.
Loving then transferred to Wake Forest for the 2025 season. He played in 13 games and set new career highs with his 44 total tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. He also added 2.5 sacks and one pass defensed.
Here is what the Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote about Loving in his takeaway portion in the BEAST.
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"Loving needs to mature his block recognition and leverage to take the next step in his development, but his movement ability is rare for his size (his pro-day performance created a buzz among NFL scouts). He is a practice-squad candidate."
The Chicago Bears have added four new players on the interior of their defensive line through free agency and the draft , so it will be an uphill battle for Loving. However, it's important position group on this Bears defense, and coach Ben Johnson has publicly stated that every player will have to compete on this Bears roster.
As an undrafted free agent, nothing is guaranteed for Loving, but he does have opportunity to continue his football career and find a roll with this Bears team.
