It will be interesting to see how and when the Chicago Bears address the edge rusher position in the 2023 NFL draft. They have four names right now with Rasheem Green, DeMarcus Walker, Trevis Gipson, and Dominique Robinson, but they surely could add some more.
While they may not be able to add a big name, they can continue to add pieces to a rotation and wear teams down with depth. So, who are some sleeper names that may be helpful in the idea of a rotation? These are guys who may be in that round four or five range, and are not the bigger names, but are players who could make an impact in the NFL.
6. Chicago Bears could draft Colby Wooden from Auburn
Colby Wooden checks some boxes that make him a good fit in the mid-rounds. He has been playing significant stats in the SEC for three seasons and put up 100 pressures in that time. What makes Wooden interesting is his versatility across the line.
He is a bit more athletic than DeMarcus Walker, and a bit less powerful, but between the two they can move their edge rushers up, down, and around the line. In 2020 Wooden was mainly an edge rusher but slid inside primarily in 2021. Then, in 2022 he played wherever the team needed him.
That mentality of stepping into any role on the line is also what will appeal his skills to Matt Eberflus. Beyond that, Wooden is a hustler and a fighter. He is best with his hands, and he lays violent punches that harass linemen and makes them work all play long. With him rushing in a rotation, his freshest snaps could come against a tired lineman and create push.
The reality is that while Wooden has the size to play along the line, and can get some push, he is not an overly dynamic athlete. He can lose push along the interior and struggles with double teams, but also is not going to bend and win the edge consistently. This is what has him in the mid-rounds. Still, this is right where the Chicago Bears could have interest in another depth name to compete for snaps.