The fifth draft pick for the Bears will be sidelined this season due to “personal” reasons.
General Manager Ryan Poles announced on Tuesday that cornerback Zarafrazier has been placed on the reserve/football injury (NFI) list after missing the entirety of training camp. This was reported by ESPN.
“It’s a bit complicated because he’s going to NFI,” Poles explained. “There was a situation that came up in the category I would describe personally, and when we looked deeper to assist him, he brought up something that occurred before he joined us.”
Frazier was selected by the Bears as the 169th overall pick from UTSA, but he did not participate during the team’s Rookie Mini Camp.
At 24 years old, Frazier was seen on a golf cart with Bears personnel during training camp on August 20.
“It’s quite unfortunate, similar to the early stages,” Poles commented.
Despite being perceived as an experienced prospect, the Bears have decided to move forward without Frazier.
According to his ESPN Draft Profile, Frazier possesses a rare combination of length, speed, and size, having ranked second in the FBS with six interceptions.
ESPN’s Steve Muench noted, “He can reach for the ball and redirect receivers with his long arms. He has the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time for a corner at the combine (4.36), effectively staying with receivers on film. He anticipates routes and breaks on passes well. His length and awareness are assets in zone coverage, although he does miss some tackles; still, he shows promise as a run defender and continues to improve in size.”
With Frazier unavailable, the Bears have reinvigorated plans to focus on Star Corner Jayron Johnson as they prepare for their opening match against the Vikings on “Monday Night Football.”
Chicago is aiming to compete under their new coach, Ben Johnson, who is looking to elevate quarterback Caleb Williams after a shaky rookie season with the 2024 pick.
