Pre-NFL Combine 2024 Chicago Bears 7-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 9 Overall Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State 

In this specific mock draft, the top three wide receivers have been selected. If that is the case, this decision gets a lot easier. While some fans will want the team to take one of the top tackles, the need for an edge rusher and wide receiver seems so much stronger at this point in the offseason. With that in mind, the team has to look for an edge rusher if the top three receivers fall off of the board this quickly. 

The top edge rusher available should be Jared Verse. Verse has a strong combination of a high upside and the potential to reach double-digit sack potential. He has the bend needed to beat the athletic tackles but also has the ability to generate real power. 

Beyond being a talented at rushing the passer, Verse does a strong job of setting the edge as a run-defender. That is what could push him over someone like Dallas Turner, and it is definitely what had the Chicago Bears trading for Montez Sweat and not Chase Young. 

With Verse, Sweat, and DeMarcus Walker in the mix, the team would just need to sign one depth edge rusher this offseason and have a much-improved foursome.