Chicago Bears Draft Debate: Jalen Carter or Will Anderson?

The Verdict: Who Would I Pick?

I would pick Will Anderson based on the super high floor and the idea that he could adapt to a 4-3 EDGE by adding some pounds. Anderson is already very good against the run so his getting attacked as the slimmer of the two 4-3 EDGEs on the Bears is not a concern of mine. Even at his smaller frame, I think he can do it and fill the shoes of a true 4-3 EDGE.

You also don’t need ridiculous bend to be a great NFL EDGE, Anderson offers enough from a speed and power perspective so his pass-rushing ability will never be a question at the next level. Many pass rushers can get the job done without the bend of Robert Quinn or Myles Garrett.

It’s not that Jalen Carter is worse than Will Anderson as a prospect, it’s just that I think the Bears would be wise to address some holes on the interior in free agency through either Da’Ron Payne or Javon Hargrave because both are great pass rushers from the interior like Carter. I think Carter’s ability to rush the passer is very rare from the interior and his ceiling from his position is like nothing I have ever seen.

In simpler terms, if you want the ceiling play, you go Jalen Carter, and if you want a guy you know is going to be good at the bare minimum, you go Will Anderson. Both are phenomenal prospects and the Bears should be stoked to get either.