Now that the 2018 NFL draft is complete, what does the Chicago Bears edge rusher room look like?
The Chicago Bears came into the offseason looking for some help at edge rusher to pair next to Leonard Floyd. While they did not address the position in the manner in which many thought, they did hit the position hard in terms of outside resources. What does the new room look like overall?
Leonard Floyd
Leonard Floyd is set to enter year three, and while that should be the indication of a big season, fans will have to keep in mind, especially early into the season that Floyd is coming off of an ACL injury. This will obviously be an issue if he is not ready to carry the load given the depth behind him.
Aaron Lynch
At his peak, Aaron Lynch is a perfect fit next to Leonard Floyd. The issue we have not seen peak Aaron Lynch since Jim Harbaugh was in the NFL and even then it came in spurts. Lynch is a good edge setting run defender who can help with the occasional sack. However, he is not a player who can be looked at for longterm health and dependability.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
Sam Acho
When things were all said and done, Sam Acho led the Bears in snaps at outside linebacker last season. While it is nice to have his reliability and a strong motor, he is not a high upside pass rusher. If the team can get him as a third or fourth rusher in a rotation, it is a role more suited to him.
Kylie Fitts
Fitts is a high upside rookie who is feeling like a potential year one contributor, health permitting. Of course, health is the reason why we saw Fitts slide all the way down to round six, so to bet on him at this point is not the safest proposition.
Howard Jones
Jones was an Undrafted Free Agent from the Pittsburgh Steelers who had his most NFL success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jones caught on with the Bears by the end of last season and given the injuries and shuffling going on above him in this list, he has a real chance to make the roster.
Isaiah Irving
Irving was an Undrafted Free Agent who got one start last season before being sidelined for the year. He showed some upside in his tape, but is still not a high upside, player, and is a rotational pass rusher at best.
E.J. Norris
Norris is an older prospect who started at UCONN and ended at the small school of Shepherd. He comes in with the technicality to compete for a roster spot next season but does not present much upside in the long term.
Andrew Trumbetti
Trumbetti is a tweener who played 3 and 5 technique at Notre Dame. The Bears will give him a shot on the edge as a player with a high motor and underrated strength.
Cavon Walker
Walker has the highest upside of the three Undrafted Free Agents on the edge. He is an inside backer who moved closer to the line. Walker features strength and athleticism, so while he is raw, there could be more to be found.