Everybody is focused on the quarterbacks whenever the Chicago Bears come up. That is hardly a surprise. It is evident they are planning something at the position, and it likely involves their #1 overall pick. However, there are other positions GM Ryan Poles must shore up before a pivotal third season in charge. It appears the Bears have placed a heavy focus on one in particular at the start of the scouting combine. While their meetings with the quarterbacks are already happening, the team is also making a strong push on the pass rusher front.
All three of the top prospects at the position revealed during their combine pressers that they’ve already met with the Bears. They are Jared Verse (Florida State), Laiatu Latu (UCLA), and Dallas Turner (Alabama). While none of these guys are in player for #1 overall, they could be prime options for the Bears’ #9 pick. With Yannick Ngakoue becoming a free agent, Matt Eberflus has a void opening at the edge position opposite Montez Sweat. Filling it with a dynamic youngster feels like the ideal solution.
The Chicago Bears have every reason to think pass rusher.
It looks like 2024 is a great year to have needs at the position. All three of those players have been highly productive in their respective programs. Verse had 18 sacks over the past seasons. Latu had 23.5 and Turner had 14. Each boasts the desired blend of size, length, and athleticism. It comes down to which of them the Bears feel fits their identity best. Poles and Eberflus have demonstrated a preference for players with big bodies, long arms, and a high motor. Going off those traits, Latu might be the favorite. Unfortunately for him, he has a concern injury history from early in his college career.
Truth be told, it feels like pass rusher might be the backup plan at #9. The Chicago Bears might be hoping they can land one of the top three wide receivers in the class, looking to pair them with whichever quarterback they select. A lot may depend on what they do in free agency as well. Drafting Verse, Latu, or Turner would be a strong decision by the Bears. Any one of them would be an immediate asset on an already talented defense. Whether they made a good impression in those interviews could go a long way.
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