7 Day 2 prospects the Chicago Bears should target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears Draft Target: Adetomiwa Adebawore - DT, Northwestern
The only problem with Adetomiwa Adebawore joining the Bears is that he might be off the board by the time the Bears are on the clock in the second round, but he would instantly improve a defensive line that struggled greatly in 2022. Likely a defensive tackle as a pro, Adebawore is more of a "chess piece" type of player and could break down the traditional 3-technique role by also providing some edge-rushing help on passing downs.
Few players in this year's class are as highly touted from an athletic standpoint as Northwestern's Adetomiwa Adebawore. At 6'2" and 280 lbs, Adebawore recorded a sub 4.5 40-yard dash and plays with that level of speed and quickness from the defensive line. More of an edge player in college, Adebawore profiles as a 3-technique in the NFL, but could still generate a great amount of pressure from inside the defensive line.
With 9.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss over just his final two seasons in college, Adebawore is a proven pass rusher who wins with explosion and power. In the NFL, Adebawore will likely need to improve his pass rush moves and his ability as a run stopper, especially considering that his height and length might be more of a problem in the NFL than it was in college, but he is still an intriguing option for most teams.
Pro Comp: Aaron Donald
It is unfair for any prospect, let alone a likely Day 2 selection, to be compared to one of the best NFL players of all time, but few players in the NFL exhibit Adebawore's size, speed, and strength like Donald. The two players excel as pass rushers despite being undersized for their position, and both offer versatility as interior and edge pass rushers. Adebawore likely won't be a multi-time DPOY winner in his career but is an interesting option to add along a defensive line and add another level of depth and complexity.
Other DLs to consider:
Keanu Benton (Wisconsin), Keion White (Georgia Tech), and Kobie Turner (Wake Forest) are all interesting defensive tackle prospects, with White having some additional versatility as a potential base edge rusher in certain defensive sets.