Making the final 53-man roster in the NFL after going undrafted is extremely difficult. It involves putting in a ton of behind-the-scenes work to impress the coaching staff and performing when the pressure is on.
Iowa had six players from its 2025 roster sign with teams as undrafted free agents following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. Out of all those guys, it looks like Hayden Large may have the upper hand when it comes to making the final roster.
Large was a tight end/fullback hybrid for the Hawkeyes last season. He excelled as a blocker, while also making the occasional plays as a receiver. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end had just 14 catches in his Iowa career, but really impressed the coaching staff with his commitment to doing the dirty work consistently. It looks like that work may be paying off for him.
He signed with the Chicago Bears after the draft, hoping for an opportunity to show what he can do. Just like he did at Iowa, it appears that Large is already winning over the coaching staff in the Windy City. Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke with the media earlier this week and had great things to say about Large.
“He [Large] was one of the guys we identified well before the draft… he’s a player we really liked,” Johnson said. “I called him before the draft and let him know that we had a vision for him… a walk-on at Iowa, earning playing time and going through with the long, hard road. I really appreciate that. I think we got a good one.”
Ben Johnson was glowing when talking about UDFA Iowa TE, Hayden Large.
“I called him before the draft and let him know that we had a vision for him… I think we got a good one.” pic.twitter.com/PgG8mLwGpy
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) May 8, 2026
While it’s great for Large to hear that Johnson has had a plan for him, it’s going to be an uphill climb to make the final roster. Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet are already entrance contributors in that room. Sam Roush, a third-round pick out of Stanford, seems to have a good shot to make the roster in that room, too.
That means Large will be facing longer odds to achieve his dreams of playing in the NFL. But if there’s anyone who won’t back down from the grind, it’s Large. It wouldn’t be surprising to see his name on the Bears’ 53-man roster when it’s all said and done.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson raves about Iowa UDFA TE Hayden Large