7 Day 2 prospects the Chicago Bears should target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears Draft Target: Isaiah Foskey - EDGE, Notre Dame
The 2023 draft class is certainly deep at the edge rusher position, and if the Bears don't address that need in the first round, a player like Notre Dame's Isaiah Foskey could be a great fit in the second or third round. Foskey is a large, physical edge rusher, and ran a sub-4.6 40-yard dash despite measuring in at 6'5" and 265 lbs. In his last three seasons,
Foskey recorded 25 sacks for the Fighting Irish, as well as 116 total tackles. As an aggressive pass rusher, Foskey still holds up very well as a tackler and run defender, and seems to be a great, all-around prospect to anchor the end of a defensive line. As a pro, Foskey will likely need to improve his bend as a pass rusher, as well as continuing to focus on his pad level.
With edge being such a big position of need for the Bears, a player like Foskey could confidently be a Day 1 contributor, or even starter, for a young front seven. Foskey will likely need to transition from a stand-up edge rusher to a hand in the dirt defensive end, but he has all the traits and measurables to make that transition fairly easily. He could realistically lead this team in sacks in his first year.
Pro Comp: Danielle Hunter
A third-round pick himself, Hunter and Foskey share a number of similarities, starting with their size and athleticism. Hunter is a great example of a team getting ahold of an athletic freak and polishing him up as a pro, and a player like Foskey could have a similar development and effect for a defense that lacks talent up front.
Other EDGEs to consider:
If the team focused on adding an edge rusher in the second round instead of the first, names like Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State) and B.J. Ojulari (LSU) are potential first-round picks who could slide in a deep defensive end class. Other players who will likely be available when the Bears get back on the board in the second and third rounds include Tuli Tuipulotu (USC), Zach Harrison (Ohio State), and Derrick Hall (Auburn).