Jared Verse - Florida State
A year ago, Jared Verse was lauded as a potential top 15 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft before returning to Florida State for another season of collegiate play. Verse added nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss to his resume in 2023, and now sits as perhaps an even more impressive prospect heading into this year's draft. Measuring 6'4", 250 lbs, Verse is a tall, long, athletic edge defender who could translate perfectly into the Bears' defensive front.
Verse, like Latu, jumps out as a player who combines impressive physical gifts with skilled techniques and a mature approach to the game. Verse excelled in 2022 and 2023 after beginning his career at Albany, where he dominated for two seasons. Verse took his time in college, and it has seemed to pay dividends. He should be in line for a strong on-field performance on Thursday and he could climb the pre-draft rankings heading into late April.
Adisa Isaac - Penn State
Penn State's defensive line in 2023 was headlined by Chop Robinson, who will likely be a first-round pick this April, but his running mate Adisa Isaac deserves some love in his own right. At 6'4, 250lbs, Isaac is a larger body defender who plays with great intensity and fundamentals. Last season, Isaac enjoyed a career season and recorded an impressive 7.5 sacks, the third most in the Big 10.
Isaac will need more development to reach his true potential in the NFL, but he could easily start his career as a rotational player who makes splash plays as a pass-rusher. If Isaac were the first edge rusher selected by the team in this year's draft, his arrival would hopefully be accompanied by a veteran starter via free agency. Still, Isaac remains an interesting prospect that could fit in nicely with the Bears' long-term plans.