While the Chicago Bears added plenty of talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, one area they failed to address their pass rush. However, the Bears could have a diamond in the rough at the position.
With Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo on their roster, Chicago has two fearsome threats coming off the edge. But the options behind them are largely unproven. The addition of Odeyingbo should make things easier on Sweat and bring more chaos to opposing team’s backfields. Still, the Bears know they must have more than two pass rushing options to compete in the NFC North.
It isn’t unheard of, but it isn’t often an undrafted free agent makes an immediate impact as a rookie. However, after signing with the Bears, edge rusher Xavier Carlton may have the clearest path to playing time. Ben Cooper of Pro Football Focus at least thinks Carlton is a player Chicago fans should keep an eye on throughout the offseason.
“The Bears need more pass-rushing production out of their rotational edge defenders after getting very little from Dominique Robinson and Austin Booker, among others, last season,” Cooper wrote.
Carlton’s 115 quarterback pressures over the past three seasons tied for the 28th most among all FBS edge defenders, although only Green Bay Packers rookie Barryn Sorrell racked up more clean-up pressures in that span,” Cooper continued. “Still, that speaks to Carlton’s motor and potential ability to crack Chicago’s roster in a reserve role.”
What Xavier Carlton offers Chicago Bears
Carlton spent two years at Utah before transferring to California for his final three collegiate seasons, appearing in 53 games over. The edge rusher racked up 149 tackles, 28 for a loss, 19 sacks and five passes defended. He had at least 30 tackles, six for a loss and 4.5 his final three years.
But as a senior, Carlton truly broke out onto the scene. He tied his career-high in tackles (47) while setting new career-bests in TFLS (11) and sacks (nine). While he may have been drafted, the California standout certainly put himself on the map.
Still, Carlton wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine. Furthermore, his Pro Day didn’t spark much excitement as he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.05 seconds. Ultimately, the edge rusher will need to be refined in an NFL program. The Bears are hopeful some extra seasoning could have Carlton ready to contribute in time. But he certainly has a mountain to climb to make an impact.
He found the right landing spot to begin his NFL career, however. Behind Sweat and Odeyingbo are names such as Austin Booker, Dominique Robinson and Daniel Hardy. While they may still house plenty of potential, none are guaranteed any playing time headed into the 2025 combine.
Neither is Carlton. In fact, there’s still a strong chance he doesn’t make the final roster. But head coach Ben Johnson wiped the slate clean when he joined the Bears. Everyone on the roster will have an opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot on the roster. His odds may not be great now, but a strong offseason program could have Carlton in the 2025 pass rushing mix.
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