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The Chicago Bears are just days away from selecting their new franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams at the 2024 NFL Draft.
There isn’t any debate about what general manager Ryan Poles will do with the first overall pick, but Bears fans are still having fun and interesting discussions about what the team will do with the No. 9 selection.
Right now, the biggest need on the roster is an edge rusher to play opposite of Montez Sweat. Outside of Sweat the Bears have DeMarcus Walker, Jacob Martin and Dominique Robinson. Clearly the position could use another talented player to get after the quarterback.
Using our “Bears 100” Draft Board, here are the top five edge rushers who should be in play for the Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Verse’s ability as a pass rusher combined with how he plays the run makes him the top prospect to fit in the Bears’ 4-3 scheme. Verse uses a quick get-off and power through his hips to knock back opposing offensive linemen. The other attribute that stands out is his motor. Verse tracks down ball carriers regardless of where they are on the football field.
Verse does have a tendency to work up field, which allows runs to happen to his side. It’s not a huge concern and is something Verse can get coached up in the NFL. The 6-foot-3, 254-pound defensive end out of Florida State would be the missing piece that the Bears need at the defensive end position.
Turner is a springy, athletic edge defender that finished with 53 total tackles and 10 sacks for the Crimson Tide last season. He was able to get double-digit sacks due to his quick first step and ability to bend around the corner. As a run defender, he uses strong hands to engage with offensive linemen and will stack and shed to beat blocks. Turner was also asked to drop back in coverage and looked comfortable when asked to be in space.
Turner is a great athlete, who can rush the quarterback and play the run. At 6-foot-2, 247 pounds, he doesn’t have the frame that would typically be used as a 4-3 defensive end, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be successful if he were drafted by Chicago.
Latu is the best pass rusher in this draft class. If you need someone to get after the quarterback, the 6-foot-4, 259-pound defensive lineman from UCLA is the guy. He consistently wins with his hands and always has a plan of attack against opposing offensive linemen. He led the Pac-12 with his 13 sacks, and led the FBS in tackles for loss with 21.5.
The biggest question surrounding Latu is the neck injury he sustained in 2020 that forced him to medically retire in 2021. It’s a valid concern for every single NFL team, but if he clears the medicals, then whoever drafts him is getting an impactful player from Day 1. Latu opposite of Sweat is a dual threat at the defensive end position that will give opposing offenses problems.
What makes Robinson special is his get-off. His explosion at the snap allows him to quickly get into an offensive linemen’s space and then use a move to get by the block. The defensive end out of Penn State also shows good bend to stay on his rush course, which makes his get-off even more effective. Robinson also uses his hands effectively to set the edge against the run.
At the next level, Robinson would need to continue adding to his pass rush took kit. Also, at just 6-foot-2, 254-pounds, Robinson has a smaller frame than what coach Matt Eberflus would like at the defensive end position. If the Bears were to target Robinson, it would ideally be in a trade back scenario from the No. 9 pick to somewhere in the teens.
At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Robinson has the prototypical body type that would fit with in the Bears’ 4-3 scheme. He rushes with power and creates a good pop when he engages with offensive linemen. Robinson also has a really good motor and isn’t someone who will give up on plays.
Robinson resorts to his bullrush and does need to work on counter moves when he gets to the next level. Even though he would fit what the Bears are looking for in a defensive end, Robinson wouldn’t be the pick at No. 9. He would be a potential target in a trade back in the first round.
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