Ryan Pace has a somewhat checkered history as Chicago Bears GM when it comes to the draft. He’s had some outstanding picks like Eddie Jackson, Cody Whitehair, and Eddie Goldman. Then he’s had some cringe-worthy ones like Kevin White and Adam Shaheen. In many ways, he is a man defined by positions. When it comes to running backs, defensive linemen, and safeties? He’s been tremendous. However, Pace has persistently struggled at others. Few more so than edge rusher.
Since 2015, he has selected a total of two pass rushers. Both have proven disappointments. First round pick from 2016 Leonard Floyd has just 18.5 sacks in four seasons with the team. Sixth round pick from 2018 Kylie Fitts failed to even stick with the team for a second year after his rookie season. This is one of the reasons why the Bears had to spend wildly to go get Khalil Mack. He’s been keeping their pass rush afloat.
It feels like the time is at hand for Pace to make yet another attempt to exorcise these draft demons. The question is who can help him do it? One name that is surging up draft boards is Bradlee Anae who dominated the Senior Bowl with two sacks. Dane Brugler of The Athletic views him as a solid 2nd round guy with some of the best pass rush artistry in the class.
The most fitting part? He comes from the same school as Fitts did.
“Utah’s all-time leading sack artist, Anae put together a productive college career, but the opinions on his draft stock among NFL teams are all over the place. Some believe he has second-round ability, while others don’t think he deserves a spot in the top 100. But after his Senior Bowl week, Anae likely converted a few doubters with his handwork and relentless energy to the quarterback. He gets on top of blockers very quickly with his first step and incorporates a variety of power moves without slowing his momentum to the pocket.”
Ryan Pace would love everything about Anae
People talk about the need for elite athleticism to be a great pass rusher in football. Anae proves yet again this is a false narrative. He’s not a bad athlete but he has certain limitations. He just overcomes them with a relentless motor and violent hands. In three seasons as a starter, he had 27.5 sacks and 38 tackles for a loss for Utah. This included some dominant performances against top programs like Stanford, Washington, and USC.
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Energy? Love of football? Work ethic? Production? It feels like Anae would check every box the Bears look for in a good football player. Imagine how fitting it would be for him to come out of Utah and basically erase the stain of Fitts’ failure. This kid has the classic look of an ideal #2 pass rusher. A guy who can take full advantage of the presence of a superstar like Mack to rack up one-on-one opportunities and exploit them to the fullest.
