1 edge rusher for Bears in every round of the 2025 NFL draft

USA Today

20-04-2025

1 edge rusher for Bears in every round of the 2025 NFL draft
The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears could look to add another pass rusher to bring in and work opposite Montez Sweat and free agent addition Dayo Odeyingbo.
With four picks in the Top 75 selections of the draft, Chicago has an opportunity to bring in the highest talent with a best player available strategy. There's been plenty of additions to the offensive line this offseason, and you can never have enough bodies in the trenches, on either offense or defense.
We're examining an edge rusher Chicago can target in each round of the draft. These players share a combination of athleticism, length, and the potential to develop into disruptive pass rushers in Dennis Allen's defense. They all have high ceilings and can become valuable contributors to the Bears' 4-3 defensive scheme.
Round 1: Mike Green, Marshall
No edge rusher has seen their stock skyrocket in the pre-draft process like Mike Green, and it's for good reason. He impressed at the Senior Bowl and then showed out even more at the NFL Scouting Combine, and Green could be the second edge rusher taken off the board behind the undoubted leader, Abdul Carter. Green totaled 17 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in the 2024 season while playing for Marshall.
Round 2: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
A versatile edge rusher, Nic Scourton may take some time adjusting at the next level, but there couldn't be a better landing spot for him than Chicago. Getting a chance to learn behind Sweat and Odeyingbo, while being taught by new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Scourton didn't have high production in college, but that's exactly what could see him fall in the second round.
Round 3: Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Playing for the National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes, Jack Sawyer is a great fit as a second day selection, and would make any team lucky to have him. He's relentless but may project as only a pass rusher with room to grow in run defense, but if he falls to the third round, he'd be a great fit in Chicago for passing defense.
Round 4: Sai'vion Jones, LSU
Sai'vion Jones will have to improve as a pass rusher, but at 6'6" and 280 pounds he's built like a force who has great size and a fantastic motor. The LSU product totaled 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss last year, putting up a total of 40 tackles on the season, with eight QB hurries, and two forced fumbles. Jones has a knack for the football and would be a fun addition in the later stages.
Round 5: David Walker, Central Arkansas
One of the most productive collegiate edge rushers in recent history, David Walker put up 55 pressures, 41 QB hurries, 23 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. Walker has a knack for getting after the opposing quarterbacks and lives in the opponent's backfield. He's a pure bull rusher who makes countless plays, and as a small school standout, Walker could be a high reward pick at the later stages of the draft.
Round 6: Tyler Baron, Miami (FL)
There's a well-roundness to Tyler Baron's game, but power (very important) is a big key that's missing in his game. He projects to be nothing more than a backup at this current point, but that could change if he finds a way to elevate his power and ability to finish tackles at the NFL level.
Round 7: Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Fadil Diggs benefitted in a big way when he transferred to Syracuse from Texas A&M, putting together a career-best grade as a pass rusher in 2024. There's going to need to be an improvement in his ability to get past offensive linemen at the next level, but once he breaks through, Diggs could show out. He'll have a battle on his hands to make a NFL roster, but the talent is there.
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