Chicago Bears: Is Isaiah Irving sleeper on the edge?
The Chicago Bears are looking for an answer on the edge in 2018. Could that be UDFA Isaiah Irving?
Many forget Isaiah Irving is even on the roster at this point. It is tough to blame them. Irving was a UDFA in 2017. He played 41 defensive snaps before his season ended in week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
36 of his 41 snaps came in that week 11 against the Eagles. In a film room post, we broke down how Irving fared and came away optimistic given the circumstances.
While the Chicago Bears inability to upgrade at the edge is not a testament at all to Irving and his minimal performance (they did sign Aaron Lynch and draft Kylie Fitts after all), it is worth noting that Irving is firmly in the mix to be a potential helper next year.
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In fact, the team is already talking him up in the media, trying to build his confidence. Outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune
"“He had an outstanding offseason,” outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley said. “His body is at a great spot right now and his understanding of what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to do it has come a long way.”"
Staley went on to say that the team was excited about where Irving was before the Eagles game, and like us, came away optimistic with what they saw in that tape.
The Chicago Bears need someone, anyone, to step up and take snaps at the outside linebacker spot across from Leonard Floyd. Even if it means that the team is getting 5-10 rotational snaps per game from Isaiah Irving, if those snaps are of quality, he is providing the team a huge service. Especially considering his value relative to expectations.
Sam Acho has played through injuries and has a defined ceiling. Lynch has an injury history to go with a questionable work ethic. Kylie Fitts fell to round six almost solely best on injuries. The fact of the matter is that we may not be far from looking to Isaiah Irving once again.
If the report is true, and his offseason has been huge, maybe that is not the scare that some think it could be.