Bears Draft Strategy: Edge, Safety, Interior Rush

0:00It's April 23rd. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI tracking teams, players, and standings. Chicago Bears fans are buzzing tonight with the draft kicking off at Pick 25, their latest first round spot since 2011. Prediction split between grabbing an edge rusher like Auburn's Keldrick Falk or Missouri Zion Young for run-defense, or trading down for more. Picks, the smart play, snag Toledo Safety, a manual McNeil Warren to pair with Kobe Bryant or slide back and still get edge help later. Earlier this week, Mott Drafts highlighted Round 2 at Picks 57 and 60. Bears might eyeslot versatile guys like Miami's Kianta Scott or Arizona's Tradand Stukes, both speedy, but turning 25 as rookies. Instead, grab Illinois defensive end Gabe Joccas for pass rush juice opposite Montez Sweat or Oklahoma tackle Grayson Halton to fix interior pressure, problems, coaches and fans react strong to last year's wheat pass rush, pushing for defensive line early.

1:04Older secondary picks worry some, as those players drop off quick around age 29. Trading down could net extra value in a deep class, avoiding panic moves like jumping for Iowa Center Logan Jones ahead of others. New Mox suggests Round 3 at 89 could bring Iowa State's big Dominique Orange for run-stuffing, but better to take Washington corner. Ticario Davis, a tall spister with elite length that fits Dennis Allen's scheme. By Pick 129, Ohio State's Davison Ikbino Sun might fall, though his penalties are a flag go for Florida Center, Jake Slaughter for zone. Blocking smarts, bottom line, Bears need edge, safety and interior rush to turn the defense around, stick to value trades and scheme fits and this class could. Re-shape the line fast.