As reported first here in this space on Tuesday, the Bears signed rookie linebacker Nick Roach to the 53-man roster today.
Roach was signed off the practice squad of the San Diego Chargers as cornerback Ade Jimoh was finally placed on injured reserve with a fractured collarbone.
That wasn’t the only move the team made. Safety Brandon Sharp was signed to fill out the practice squad. Sharp, an undrafted free agent from Louisville, spent time with tthe Tennessee Titans. The Jacksonville, Fla., native made 25 starts at Louisville.
The Chargers had hoped to stash Roach on their practice squad for the entire season and take a closer look at him in the offseason and next summer. San Diego stepped up and raised his pay on the practice squad in recent weeks to help ensure that before the Bears came calling. Now, he can achieve an accrued season toward free agency with six games on the 53-man roster.
Roach projects best as a weak-side linebacker. A scouting report put together through analysis from multiple league sources is that he is an intelligent player who has a good feel for dropping in coverage and reading routes. He breaks well on the ball and has good hands, and plays downhill in the run game and uses his hands well to shed blocks. He has a knack for being in the right position. Roach should have the chance to compete on special teams soon.
If that report proves true, Roach could be in the mix come spring with the longterm future of Lance Briggs very up in the air.
