While defense isn’t the overwhelming concern for the Bears this offseason, there are still position groups that need to be addressed, among them edge rusher.
Khalil Mack remains a force, despite a statistical dropoff in 2019, but the Bears need to find an edge rusher opposite Mack to really breathe life back into the pass rush. While Leonard Floyd remains on the roster — he’s due to make $13.2 million in 2020 — can the Bears justify retaining Floyd with his lack of production?
With that said, here are five edge rusher prospects the Bears should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine next week:
1. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
The Bears need someone opposite Khalil Mack that can take advantage of one-on-one opportunities, and perhaps Penn State edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos is the guy for the job. Gross-Matos has a reputation for getting after the football and making plays, especially in pursuit. In the last two years at Penn State, he had 34.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks.
2. Bradlee Anae, Utah
If the Bears are looking to bring in a high-motor playmaker with great strength and physicality, then Utah’s Bradlee Anae should be a prospect to watch. Anae has great quickness off the ball and always seems to be in the right place at the right time, as evidenced by his Senior Bowl performance. Although he needs to improve his coverage skills and tackling in space.
3. Josh Uche, Michigan
The Bears would serve well bringing in an explosive pass rusher like Michigan’s Josh Uche. Uche has a knack for getting after the quarterback, where he can create havoc coming off the edge or in coverage. In his senior season at Michigan, Uche totaled 23 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and even had two passes defensed.
4. Kenny Willekes, Michigan State
If the Bears are looking for a high-motor player with a penchant for getting after the quarterback and stopping the run, Michigan State edge rusher Kenny Willekes could be their guy. Willekes is coming off back-to-back standout seasons with the Spartans, including 78 tackles, including 16 for a loss, and 10.5 sacks in 2019. He’s someone the Bears could surely look to pair with Khalil Mack coming off the edge.
5. Zack Baun, Wisconsin
In a talented group of pass rushers, the Bears could find a valuable one during the middle rounds in Wisconsin outside linebacker Zack Baun. Baun had 76 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception with the Badgers in 2019. Baun is a quick and explosive outside rusher that the Bears could look to add on Day 2.
