Good news for Bears fans: Edge rushers are the strength of this year's draft. According to Senior Bowl executive director Drew Fabianich, edge rushers are "hands down" the best part of the upcoming NFL Draft. The class boasts some of the most talented pass-rushers in recent memory, and the Chicago Bears are likely to be eager to capitalize on their strength.
Clemson defensive end TJ Parker is one prospect who has been making waves at the Senior Bowl, with 11 sacks as a sophomore and five sacks as a junior. Despite his impressive college numbers, Parker's performance was inconsistent, and he hopes to answer questions about his lack of production in games.
However, what Fabianich sees in Parker is "physicality," which is exactly what the Bears value in an edge rusher. The team has been looking to upgrade their pass rush since signing Dayo Odeyingbo, but nothing has panned out as planned.
Trey Hendrickson and Khalil Mack will both be free agents this offseason, adding more depth to the market for pass-rushers. And while Maxx Crosby may not want to leave his Raiders due to coach turnover, other prospects like Melvin Ingram or Za'Darius Smith could attract attention from Chicago.
Clemson defensive end TJ Parker is one prospect who has been making waves at the Senior Bowl, with 11 sacks as a sophomore and five sacks as a junior. Despite his impressive college numbers, Parker's performance was inconsistent, and he hopes to answer questions about his lack of production in games.
However, what Fabianich sees in Parker is "physicality," which is exactly what the Bears value in an edge rusher. The team has been looking to upgrade their pass rush since signing Dayo Odeyingbo, but nothing has panned out as planned.
Trey Hendrickson and Khalil Mack will both be free agents this offseason, adding more depth to the market for pass-rushers. And while Maxx Crosby may not want to leave his Raiders due to coach turnover, other prospects like Melvin Ingram or Za'Darius Smith could attract attention from Chicago.