They say the scouting combine is where most of the magic happens for an NFL off-season. It’s where draft prospects can make or break their 1st round aspirations and where free agency conversations begin. No doubt, the Chicago Bears will be a hot topic at the end of February when the event starts down in Indianapolis. Still, the primary goals for the combine are player evaluation. There is a strong possibility the Bears will keep the #1 pick. That means they must determine which of the top prospects on their board are worth it.
That is where the data collection comes in. Every name remotely considered possible for that spot has at least one question mark. Here are specific details the Bears will be searching for with each of them that could decide their chances to be the top pick.
The Chicago Bears will be watching for these numbers.
Will Anderson Jr. – Weight
Nobody denies that Anderson is the most accomplished and pro-ready pass rusher in this draft. He dominated the SEC for two years. However, his fit in Chicago is difficult. While he has the length and athleticism necessary, there are concerns about his bulk. He is only listed at 243 lbs. Most 4-3 defensive ends hover around 260 lbs. Being that light means he could get pushed around in the run game. It will be interesting to see if he managed to put on any weight while preparing for the draft.
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Jalen Carter – Interview
There isn’t much to hate about Carter from a physical perspective. He’s big enough with great strength and outstanding quickness. When he unleashes his full arsenal, there isn’t anybody that can block him. The problems are reported concerns of maturity and conditioning issues. That speaks to a player with a questionable work ethic. That is why the interview room will be decisive in helping the Chicago Bears brass determine where his head is at. How committed is he to being great?
Peter Skoronski – Length
Skoronski has the tools to be an excellent offensive lineman in the NFL from size to power, technique, and mobility. The big concern scouts have with him are his arms. Most NFL tackles typically need length to be around 33 inches, preferably 34 and above. Reports are Skoronski may max out at 32. That makes projecting him to tackle difficult. Teams might be willing to give him a chance on the outside if he somehow exceeds those expectations. There is no question he has every other tool necessary to excel.
Tyree Wilson – Vertical leap
Eberflus said size and length were two big things for him when scouting players for his roster. Wilson has both. He’s 6’6 with 36-inch arms (reportedly). That is outstanding for a 4-3 defensive end. He has plenty of power to go with it. The questions with him center on his explosiveness. He doesn’t always show the preferred burst in the lower body that elite pass rushers often have. That is why the vertical leap will be big for him. If he can post a number around 36 inches or higher, that should offer optimism that he’ll be fine. Anything lower and it’ll be concerning.
Broderick Jones – Bench press
People have seen Paris Johnson of Ohio State as the #2 tackle in the draft for weeks. That might be changing. Jones has quietly risen up boards after his standout 2022 campaign with Georgia. He’s athletic, big, and long. There aren’t many holes in his game. What people aren’t sure about is his power base. He doesn’t always play up to his size, leading some to wonder if he lacks strength. While not a perfect drill, the bench press could help determine how strong Jones is in the upper body.
Really?
Who is the #1 prospect on the board again?
@scott brs
I was at the Georgia Mizzou game, Carter did nothing throughout the game and Georgia should have lost the game. Georgia got lucky that Mizzou couldn’t convert simple easy first downs on their final two drives, because of their QB and not Georgia’s defense.
In the college playoffs Carter was consistently outplayed by the freshman lineman number 99. If Ohio State’s QB doesn’t get injured, they lose that game. He is a lump of crap, and I hope the bears sign a three technique in free agency and they draft Anderson!
Your pick (Carter) is trash.
A little more on Anderson and his “weight problem”. First of all, Fan Nation’s Bama Central (part of SI), The Athletic, and On3, all were reporting him at 250 back in July. Morover,the following lists NFL players who effectively played DE at least some part of their career and ther combine weight: Micah Parsons – 245 Khalil Mack – 251 Von Miller – 246 DeMarcus Lawrence – 251 Cameron Wake – 236 Jerry Hughes – 255 (Richard Dent was about 225 at the Combine but that was a different era/situation) I’d be a lot more concerned about Carter’s physical results… Read more »
Discussing Anderson’s weight: As a pass rusher, his intent and hope is to get to QB untouched. An objective is to avoid contact and get rid of it quickly. Anderson will excel at that. Run defense? How has he done prior?
@Tonkaman….absolutely correct. This guy is a bona fide beast. Hes young so he will naturally gain some weight too. Plus we are not just talking next year on how he will fit. He could be here the next 8-10 years. With talents and production like his you just find ways to make it work like Dallas did with Parsons. Besides the lazy ass from Georgia the other “concerns” are laughable in this article. Verticle jump, bench press….give me a break lol