Ranking 3 best edge rushers Chicago Bears must sign in free agency

2. Is Shaq Lawson a former first rounder for Chicago Bears to bet on?

Shaq Lawson was a former first round pick back in 2016, but he still only going to be 29 this season. He has churned out a nice career as an edge rusher, mainly because he can set the edge, and gets a hustle sack here and there.

Fans are going to be looking for Yannick Ngakoue, but with Matt Eberflus that sounds so unlikely. He is a player who sells out for sacks and does not defend the run. He does not fit the HITS principles. Lawson does, and that is why he was getting work in the playoffs for the Bills.

For comparison, Ngakoue had a 43.7 run defense grade, per PFF last year, and his career high in this area was 59. Last season Lawson was at 64.1, and his career high is 81.1. There is a much better run defender here, and right now, that is what the team needs. He did add four sacks, and 23 pressures last season as well.

They can find upside as a pass rusher in the draft. Lawson is a better locker room fit, a run defender, and a player who buys into the coaching scheme. This fit would make sense, and the Chicago Bears should have an interest in Shaq Lawson.