One of the Chicago Bears' obvious needs entering the 2025 NFL draft is edge rusher. They may take one at pick 10, but if they do not it will be an almost certain lock that the team will take one with one of their two second-round picks.
We know that Dennis Allen prefers edge rushers with more size, run-defense ability, and power over speed. Meanwhile, we know that Ryn Poles is all about athletes with high upsides. With that in mind, who are the best fits for the Bears?
JT Tuimoloau
Tuimoloau was expected to be the next Bosa brother or Chase Young, and while he did not quite live up to that, this is still a prospect with a high floor and a relatively high ceiling. If he fell to the Bears in round two it would be hard to see them passing up a player with his college resume and ability.
Nic Scourton
Scourton posted 10 sacks with Purdue before transferring to Texas A&M, where he shaded inside more often. This hurt his draft stock but it should make him more of a fit in the Dennis Allen defense, as that is often how he asks his defensive ends to take on blocks against the run as well. If they pass on his college teammate at pick ten, Scourton could be a round-two fit.
Jack Sawyer
Sawyer may lack the arm length that Dennis Allen is typically looking for, but he does have the motor to rush non-stop. Beyond that, he could be used as a designated pass rusher early on, which would fit into what the Bears need right now.
Landon Jackson
Jackson is another ideal fit with Dennis Allen, between his size and how he played the run in the Arkansas defense. It hurt his sack numbers, but it shows that he can take on blocks inside the tackle's shoulders. For Ryan Poles, Jackson posted a 40’ vertical.
Jordan Burch
Burch is so big that some teams will consider him an undersized defensive tackle. Still, he is smaller than Cameron Jordan, and Dennis Allen knew just how to get the most out of that body type. Burch could provide a similar ceiling if the untapped potential is found.