Are the Bears Considering Northwestern DL Adetomiwa Adebawore in the First Round?

Don’t get me wrong. I like what GM Ryan Poles has done to build out the depth along the defensive line lately. Free agent signings DeMarcus Walker and Andrew Billings look like they can be solid contributors to the group. Considering the pounding D-linemen take weekly, the ability to attack in waves from that position group isn’t something we should overlook. But with that said, it’d be nice to have a butt-kicking defender … someone who commands respect in the trenches and wrecks the opposition.

Perhaps that player is defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore.

The Northwestern prospect is rising up draft boards. And he reportedly has caught the eye of the Chicago Bears. The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler reports Chicago hosted Adebawore for a top 30 visit ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft:

NFL teams are allowed to host 30 visits of draft-eligible prospects who are from a school outside of a 50-mile radius of team headquarters. These facility visits tend to include campus tours, meetings with team doctors, chopping it up with coaches, and things of that nature. In other words, it is a deeper and more personal dive into a prospect your team might have an interest in taking in the upcoming draft. And when it comes to the Bears, the Adebawore visit is one that piques my interest. After all, they must LOVE him if they’re using a top 30 visit on a local prospect.

Adebawore was a solid defensive lineman for Northwestern. A third-team All-Big Ten performer last year, Adebawore set career highs with 5 sacks, 9 tackles-for-loss, and 38 total tackles. He also picked up 31 pressures and 27 run stops for good measure. It’s not as if Adebawore is a one-year wonder either. As a junior in 2021, Adebawore earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition, leading NU with 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles-for-loss. Perhaps his best football is yet to come. And maybe it could be with the Bears.

For what it’s worth, Chicago seems to know where Adebawore fits in the Matt Eberflus-Alan Williams scheme:

So not only did the Bears use a top-30 visit on Adebawore, they also spoke with him at Northwestern’s pro day. More specifically, they have already discussed what his role could be in their defense. That Adebawore understands the importance of the position Chicago envisions him filling is important, too. Those are pretty big conversations to have at any stage, let alone in the info-gathering pre-draft process. With that in mind, Adebawore’s name is one to keep an eye on in connection with the Bears.

But here’s the hangup for me: I feel as if taking Adebawore ninth would be a reach. With all due respect, there are better (and potentially, more impactful) fits who figure to be available at No. 9. Especially if there is a run on quarterbacks at some point throughout the first eight picks. But with that said, trading back from No. 9 could better position them to take Adebawore. Imagine the Bears moving back, collecting more picks, and snagging Adebawore later in Round 1. Nothing like executing the perfect trade back and taking the player you want. It’s a win-win.

We’ve got 31 days until the NFL Draft plays out. However, we’re very aware of this possibility shaking out down the line. So stay tuned.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

Latest News

Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Miami Marlins (0-1) are favorites (-132) on the moneyline when they square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSFL.Miami's Andrew Jacob Puk and Pittsburgh's Martin Perez have been named the starters for...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) and Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) meet Friday at Tropicana Field, starting at 6:50 PM ET on SNET. The Rays are -122 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Blue Jays are favored against the spread...

Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The New York Yankees (1-0) visit the Houston Astros (0-1) for a road game on Friday at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will look to Cristian Javier versus the Yankees and Carlos Rodon.Astros vs. Yankees Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

Bet $5 with FanDuel Promo Code, Win $200 Bonus Including NCAA Tournament

This weekend is packed with great sports action including the NCAA Tournament, MLB, and NBA for bettors. Check out the FanDuel promo code to score a $200 bonus if your first $5 bet wins! If you live in NC, you...

DraftKings Promo Code: Get $150 for $5 Bet on College Basketball and More Sports

This time of the year on the sports calendar is truly special with the MLB season starting, college basketball in full swing, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to grab a bonus by using the latest DraftKings...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) play on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at Tropicana Field. The game is set to start at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will call on Aaron Civale versus the Blue Jays...

Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday in Miami against the Miami Marlins (0-1). First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will call on Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and Game...

Duke vs Houston Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

We have a couple of number-one seeds in March Madness action tonight including Houston (32-4) as the Cougars take on Duke (26-8). Check out the odds and more for Duke vs Houston which tips off tonight at 9:39 pm ET...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

Fanatics NC Promo Code Scores Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Over 10 Days: Dive into North Carolina Sports Betting

After a long wait, legal sports betting has finally arrived in the Tar Heel State. Fanatics NC, along with host of other sports books are up and operating in North Carolina. This exciting development opens doors for fans to wager...

more bears news