Two young pass rushers have had a good couple of days to start their 2018 campaign
There is no doubt about, the edge rusher spot across from Leonard Floyd is the biggest question mark on the Chicago Bears roster. Things got murkier with Aaron Lynch missing time throughout the summer with hamstring issues.
However, the Chicago Bears have had some good news with the emergence of two young names, Isaiah Irving, and Kylie Fitts.
Irving set the tone with a strong Monday session.
Isiah Irving impressing in pass rush drills. Now 3-0.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 23, 2018
Kylie Fitts followed it up with a performance on Tuesday that had the head coach calling him out.
Today, #Bears coach Matt Nagy named rookie OLB Kylie Fitts as a player who has stood to him on defense. He has been very noticeable in all drills. Coverage responsibilities might take time, but he can get low and get around the edge.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) July 24, 2018
These are the two players we have been connecting to making a jump this season on the roster. Fitts is going to be cut and dry. If he is healthy, he can contribute to some degree next season. We have seen that has that pass rushing upside.
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While he rounds out his overall game, is Isaiah Irving a player he gets into a rotation with. Irving put on weight this offseason. He is also more secure off of the ball in space and against the run than Fitts. If the combination of the two could equal an average level starter, it could be a huge swing in the teams fortune.
Of course, it is far too early to think about that. The asterisks around Fitts will always be “when healthy” as those issues followed him from UCLA to Utah in college. Irving was place on the IR last season after one start as well.
Neither can be trusted until we see them in real action. However, the arrow pointing up on both names is huge. These are the younger players with the most upside of the group. These are the two who need to step up at the edge position. So far, so good.