NFL Preseason: These Bears had the highest grades on offense vs. Colts

The Chicago Bears’ second preseason game of 2023 didn’t end with a victory, but several Bears players made their mark on offense and took a big step toward making the final roster.

Key starters didn’t play Saturday, including Justin Fields, the starting offensive line, Khalil Herbert, or the top three wide receivers. It allowed Chicago’s reserves to have more reps and provided the coaching staff with a thorough evaluation of where some of the younger players are in their development in the preseason.

Here are the five Chicago Bears who received the highest Pro Football Focus grade on offense against the Indianapolis Colts.

Larry Borom, OT (91.1)

Borom’s rise and fall during his time with the Bears has been remarkable. At one time, the former fifth-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft looked like he was a steal, a potential long-term right tackle. But when GM Ryan Poles was hired, he made it clear he had a type of offensive lineman he preferred. Borom’s style of play isn’t it, but there’s no denying he’s had a fantastic preseason and is a lock to be Chicago’s primary swing tackle in 2023.

Tyson Bagent (QB, 86.3)

Bagent is this year’s Chicago Bears training camp star. And he deserves it. He was fantastic against the Colts. The undrafted Division II product looks more comfortable than many quarterbacks drafted from bigger schools in 2023. He’s earned the right to be considered for Chicago’s backup quarterback job. Bagent has outplayed PJ Walker and should make the final roster. He finished Saturday’s game completing 9-of-10 passes for 76 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Kellen Diesch (OT, 82.5)

Diesch spent the 2022 season on the Bears’ practice squad and had an admirable showing during his 36 snaps against the Colts. He’s still a long shot to make the final roster, but quality backup linemen are hard to find. He’s certainly made Pole’s decision more challenging.

Daurice Fountain (WR, 76.1)

Fountain was the star of the wide receiver group against the Colts, finishing with a team-best five catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Fountain is fighting for one of the Bears’ final receiver spots with Velus Jones Jr., Dante Pettis, and Equanimeous St. Brown. He’s looked better than all of them this summer.

Robert Haskins (OT, 73.5)

Haskins joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft and had a solid outing against the Colts with increased reps. He’s a legitimate practice squad candidate.