With free agency less than two months away and the draft not too far behind, the Chicago Bears front office is already looking at their edge rushing targets this offseason. The pass rushing unit has struggled mightily to get to the quarterback over the last couple of seasons, which is an issue that Ryan Poles should prioritize this spring.
Even with a strong free agent class of edge rushers that is deep with talent, the draft appears to be the most likely route that Chicago goes when adding a starter at the position. The team is currently set to draft tenth overall, and all of the edge prospects available by the time that pick rolls around would likely be a reach. If the Bears go to the offensive line at 10, the second round becomes a prime spot to snag an edge. Coming off a National Championship,
JT Tuimoloau would fit a need for the Chicago Bears
Tuimoloau had a monster season in Columbus to close out his collegiate career. The Edgewood, WA native finished the year with 12.5 sacks and 61 total tackles, 35 of which were solo bringdowns. Tuimoloau’s two forced fumbles were the most he had in a season throughout his Buckeye career, another mark that will turn plenty of heads before the combine.
Tuimoloau measures in at 6’5 and weighs 269 pounds. His solid frame will definitely play at the next level to go along with his 2024 numbers. He finished with a PFF grade of 86.1 on the season and currently ranks 44th overall on their big board.
With Chicago holding the 39th and 41st overall picks in the second round, Tuimoloau’s PFF draft ranking would slot in perfectly for the Bears to select him when the time comes. His ability to show out on the biggest stage is something worth noting. Him and Jack Sawyer anchored the Buckeyes defensive line to a title and they both went up against some of the strongest offensive linemen in all of college football.
Montez Sweat would play well off JT Tuimoloau
Regardless of who Chicago brings in at the edge rushing position this offseason, it will be to the benefit of Montez Sweat. After being acquired during the 2023 season, Sweat has not had much help on the outside. If the Bears elect to add his counterpart in free agency, names like Josh Sweat or Chase Young could be adds that Poles might look to make.
When looking at Tuimoloau specifically, the Chicago Bears would be getting a guy next to Sweat who is seen as having a high floor and a high ceiling. There is no denying his success in getting to the quarterback early and often throughout his time with Ohio State. Tuimoloau brings an immediate impact ability with him to whoever lands his services, but his game is still not complete.
Many scouting databases believe that his burst and overall hand usage could be improved off the jump. These are things that can be worked on over time once Tuimoloau gets into rookie minicamp this summer. All signs point to him having the potential to succeed in the NFL based on his body of work in college and what he can project to be. If Chicago passes on an edge rusher in free agency and in the first round, Tuimoloau would be a solid choice in the second round.
Dennis Allen’s best feature is his defensive line pass-rushing pressure
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