The Chicago Bears defense has a pass rush problem. Leonard Floyd is coming off a knee injury. Pernell McPhee and Willie Young were both cuts. Lamarr Houston is a free agent. Right now the only healthy and viable player they have in that edge rusher position is Aaron Lynch and he had one sack a season ago. The Bears can’t expect their defense to function as a top 10 unit unless they solve this problem.
So it shouldn’t be the biggest surprise that they’re heavily engaged in searching for possible solutions in the draft. Reports came in they’ve already met with top draft rusher Bradley Chubb. Joining him is athlete Ole Miss outside linebacker Marquis Haynes, whom they talked to at the Senior Bowl.
Of course, these names are among the most well-known. Likely top picks. Part of scoring big in the draft is being able to find hidden gems who can develop into something more. The Bears have employed this style to good effect under Ryan Pace at safety (Eddie Jackson, Adrian Amos) and running back (Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen). Could they add pass rusher to that list?
Pace eyeing a Yale standout to possibly bolster Chicago Bears defense
The Ivy League is known more for its education than its athletics. However, from time to time it has produced a fine football player or two. Teams are wondering if Yale outside linebacker Matt Oplinger might be the next man to break through into the NFL. Several went down to his pro day to find out and didn’t come away disappointed.
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“Seven teams including the #49ers, #Giants, #Packers, #Colts, #Falcons, #Bears, & #Lions made their way to New Haven, this morning, and Oplinger did not disappoint.”
ICYMI: Our #Yale Pro Day Report: https://t.co/qFhxhpK4E7 https://t.co/QnIK0248RH
— Draft Analyst (@DraftAnalyst1) March 31, 2018
“Yale linebacker Matt Oplinger was not rated by scouts entering the season, but after a campaign which included 42 tackles and 11.5 sacks, he’s now on their radar…
…Oplinger measured 6022 and 250 pounds, completed 25 reps on the bench press and touched 32 inches in the vertical jump as well as an impressive 10-foot-5 in the broad jump.
He timed 4.75 in the 40, 4.49 in the short shuttle and 7.38 in the three-cone and looked really good in drills.”
The 2017-18 season was a breakout one for Oplinger. He was already a tough run defender who was good at making tackles for loss. What he hadn’t quite figured out was how to finish as a pass rusher. He had just nine sacks through his first three seasons on the field. That changed as a senior when he delivered 11.5, showcasing a good mix of power, hand fighting, and awareness.
He’s hardly what one would call a flashy athlete
He’s a worker bee who gets his pressure through strength, technique, and effort. Also, the Bears are no doubt watching him for his potential as a special teams contributor which he showed in the above video. It’s worth noting the Bears historically have had great success plucking from Ivy League schools before.
Sid Luckman (Columbia) remains their only Hall of Fame QB. Gary Fencik (Yale) was the leader of the secondary in the 1980s. Maybe Oplinger will bring more of that good fortune their way. If nothing else he’d be an intriguing late round option who can provide depth at a needed position.
