The Chicago Bears plan for the NFL draft is still taking shape. They still have 28 roster spots open. With only five picks at their disposal, it’s obvious they aren’t done making moves in free agency. That said, GM Ryan Pace has to do his homework regarding prospects. Perhaps more than ever before because the team doesn’t have the luxury of 1st or 2nd round picks.
So they need to know everything possible about players they might have a shot at. One position they’re almost certain to focus on? Pass rusher. Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd may be set in place, but beyond them, it gets a little concerning. Sam Acho was cut. Aaron Lynch is gone to free agency. All they have left are Isaiah Irving and Kylie Fitts who combined for just eight pressures and one sack in 2018.
Considering both Mack and Floyd dealt with injury problems last year, it might be a good idea to find more help at that position. So it might be welcome news to hear that the team has met with Eastern Michigan defensive end Maxx Crosby.
EMU DE Maxx Crosby tells me that he met formally with the #Bears while at the combine. Emphasized that the meeting went really well and he met with every coach on staff. "I would love to play for Chicago."
— Christian Shanafelt (@ChrisShanafelt) March 13, 2019
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Chicago Bears Maxx Crosby meeting is encouraging for several reasons
Being from a smaller program, Crosby was never really tested against top competition. Yet when one watches him on tape, he flashes a lot. He goes 100% on every single snap with a non-stop motor, violent hands, deceptive athleticism for his size. NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein sees a player who has clear upside but may not be a great fit for the type of defense he’s played in.
“Developmental, long-limbed defensive end who needs a year or two of bulking up before he’s ready to see the field. He’s long and flexible and will flash on tape as both a rusher and run defender and those traits could outweigh his poor contact balance and play strength for some teams. If he grows into his gangly frame, Crosby offers a higher ceiling than some Day 3 prospects he could be lumped in with.”
The good news is outside linebacker doesn’t demand as much strength from the player as a defensive end would. Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is no stranger to these types of athletes. His aggressive coaching style would fit how Crosby plays well. Both of them like to wreak havoc. Crosby had 20 sacks and 41 tackles for a loss over three years as a starter.
He gets results. If the Bears could score him in the 4th round, that could end up becoming a nice part of their rotation moving forward. Perhaps even more if he reaches his maximum potential.
