The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an important offseason, where they're looking to develop into a contender under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Following a busy free agency that included some big-name additions, including offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, as well as defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears are shifting their focus toward the 2025 NFL draft.
Chicago has seven draft picks, even after their two trades, including four in the Top 75 -- 10th overall, a pair of high second rounders and a third-round selection.
Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2025 NFL draft. We're turning our attention to the defense, starting with edge rusher, where the Bears could look to add another name to this pass rushing group.
Who's on the roster?
- Montez Sweat
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Austin Booker
- Dominique Robinson
- Daniel Hardy
This was a very disappointing group last season, with Montez Sweat leading the team with just 5.5 sacks down from the 12.5 he had in 2023 between the Bears and Washington Commanders. The team is hoping that their signing of Dayo Odeyingbo will not only see him bring in his own production, but lead to more opportunities for Sweat to breakthrough and avoid opponents doubling teaming him off the line of scrimmage.
Behind Sweat and Odeyingbo there is talent with limited production, so the potential is unknown, especially for Austin Booker. A fifth-round pick out of Kansas last season, Booker is thought to be a pass-rushing specialist, and finished his rookie season with 1.5 sacks in limited playing time. Dominique Robinson and Daniel Hardy have played well as depth options when given the opportunity to relief the starters.
Who departed this offseason?
- DeMarcus Walker
- Darrell Taylor
While neither player will be a tremendous loss for Chicago, they did lose two pieces of depth who played well when called upon last year. DeMarcus Walker finished the season with 3.5 sacks and 47 tackles, while Taylor, who was acquired in a preseason trade with Seattle last season, finished with 32 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. Taylor signed with the Houston Texans this offseason while Walker is still a pending free agent ...
