The Chicago Bears select 5th overall edge rusher Laiatu Latu UCLA
With the Bears trading for Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, they now have a number 1 edge rusher, but everyone after Sweat isn't something to jump the needle, and adding the best edge rusher in the draft opposite of Sweat could really take this defense to the next level.
Latu has been a fun player to watch this season, generating 13 sacks and two force fumbles for the Bruins. With his impressive burst off the line, he can quickly get around tackles, but he can also use power to go through tackles.
The biggest red flag for Latu is going to be his injury history where he had to medically retire due to a neck injury in 2020 but since returning in 2022 he hasn't had an issue.
The Chicago Bears select 18th overall D-Tackle Jer'Zhan Newton Illinois
With the other first-round pick the Bears got in the deal with the Cardinals they go after another explosive player on the D-line. Turning what has been a glaring weakness into something that other teams are going to fear.
Newton is looked at as the top D-linemen in the draft and he just happens to be in the Bears backyard. Adding him to the already young D-tackle group the Bears have there will be a lot of rotation.
Newton is an explosive player off the line and his nose for the QB is what gets people so excited about him. He is a little undersized for a D-tackle standing at 6'2 295 which has affected his ability against the run.