NEWSLETTER
It’s time for the next step of the Chicago Bears’ offseason of talent acquisition: The 2020 NFL Draft. We’re going to look at some of the best prospects at various positions of interest leading up to the draft in search of fits for the Bears’ needs.
Previous: Quarterbacks, Safeties, Wide receivers, Cornerbacks, Tight ends, Offensive line
Today’s position: Edge defender
Need: Medium-low
Currently on the Roster (2019 Pro Football Focus Grade):
• Khalil Mack (86.2)
• Robert Quinn (68.5)
• Isaiah Irving (61.1)
• James Vaughters (60.0)
• Barkevious Mingo (48.0)
• Devante Bond (41.7)
BN’s Composite Ranking
Ranking prospects is difficult, in part, because no one publication has the same set of fundamentals or preferences. In an attempt to work through that noise, we’re using a composite ranking based on opinions from PFF, ESPN, CBS Sports, and Walter Football and adapting them to a points scale. The best of the top-10 prospects gets 10 points, the 10th ranked prospect gets 1, and prospects outside the top-10 get 0. From there, the prospects are ranked by total points.
Here’s how the edge rushers stack up (points in parenthesis):
1) Chase Young, Ohio State (40)
2) K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU (33)
3) A.J. Epenesa, Iowa (32)
4) Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State (25)
5) Julian Okwara, Notre Dame (19)
6) Terrell Lewis, Alabama (18)
7) Josh Uche, Michigan (17)
8) Curtis Weaver, Boise State (15)
9) Jonathan Greenard, Florida (8)
10) Darrell Taylor, Tennessee (6)
Best of the rest: Bradlee Anae (Utah), Travis Gipson (Tulsa), Anfernee Jennings (Alabama), Kenny Willekes (Michigan State), D.J. Wonnum (South Carolina)
Team Fit
Even though the Bears signed Barkevious Mingo to help fill out the depth at the position, part of me saw that signing as a move to bulk up the special teams unit. This isn’t to say Mingo can’t fill that role, but it would be nice to have a young player who can take on that No. 3 EDGE role in the way Aaron Lynch did when he first arrived in 2018.
Most Likely to be Available When the Bears Are on the Clock:
There are numerous defensive prospects who could make sense for the Bears in Round 2. And while there is an obvious focus on defensive backs, Chicago could pull a surprise and bulk up the pass rush. Prospects such as Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State), Terrell Lewis (Alabama), Curtis Weaver (Boise State), Kenny Willekes (Michigan State), and Bradlee Anae (Utah) have been mocked to the Bears in the second round at one point or another during the pre-draft build-up.
The Bears Have Reportedly Met With…
• Bradlee Anae, Utah (Video, Scouting Combine)
• K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU (Scouting Combine)
• Jonathan Greenard, Florida (Scouting Combine)
• Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State (Scouting Combine)
• Michael Pinckney, Miami (East-West Shrine Game)
• Davion Taylor, Colorado (Video)
• Curtis Weaver, Boise State (Workout)
• Kenny Willekes, Michigan State (Senior Bowl)
• Jabari Zuniga, Florida (Scouting Combine)
If I Had to Pick One:
Jabari Zuniga isn’t my pick because NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein listed new Bears pass-rusher Robert Quinn as the Florida prospect’s NFL comparison. But I guess that doesn’t hurt his cause, especially since he didn’t crack the top-10 of our Composite Rankings,
Zuniga caught my eye at the Scouting Combine. He tested well (4.64 40-yard dash), 33-inch vertical jump, and 127-inch broad jump. To do so was important for Zuniga, who is still a bit raw as a football player. Zuniga’s displays athleticism reminded me of the type of player the Baltimore Ravens would draft as a developing pass-rusher in that he has the tools, but needs instruction on how to use them in-game. With Quinn and Khalil Mack entrenched in starting roles, Zuniga could fit the mold of a prospect who plays in spurts as part of nickel pass-rush packages as he gets his feet wet at the pro level.
Considering the Bears’ needs elsewhere, I probably wouldn’t jump at taking a pass-rusher in the second round. But there is never a bad time to add to your team’s pass-rush depth. So if it is possible to add to this group in the latter portion of the draft, the Bears should look into doing so.
