This discussion won’t age well if the Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions or the Minnesota Vikings these next two weeks. Still, if things hold true and they finish 3-14, they are locked into at least the #2 overall pick. If Houston wins one more game, it becomes the #1. That means GM Ryan Poles would have his choice of any prospect in the class. Most discussions have centered around two names: Will Anderson of Alabama and Jalen Carter of Georgia. Anderson is a dynamic edge rusher that has racked up over 30 sacks in his college career. Carter is a bulldozer defensive tackle with a compelling mix of power and quickness.
Each player has their supporters among the fanbase. So it was interesting to get the perspective of somebody who knows the scouting business. Greg Gabriel worked for the Bears for a decade as a scout and scouting director. During that time, he became familiar with the type of defense new head coach Matt Eberflus runs since Lovie Smith ran the same thing. While he feels Anderson would have no problem finding success in Chicago, he explained on the Barroom Network why the Bears would likely lean towards taking Carter instead.
The Chicago Bears will dictate that decision through free agency.
Gabriel is correct. If Poles lands somebody like Da’Ron Payne or Dre’Mont Jones, the Bears would have their three-technique defensive tackle in place. That means they’d have a green light to grab Anderson to upgrade their edge rusher position. However, if they can’t land either, Carter becomes more likely. Eberflus has said on the record how vital the three-technique is to this system. Warren Sapp, Tommie Harris, and DeForest Buckner have all proven what having a great player in that spot can do.
The truth is the Bears can’t go wrong with Will Anderson or Jalen Carter. Both look like they have bright careers ahead of them. It won’t be a shock if they make multiple Pro Bowls. That is how talented they are. It comes down to who Poles and Eberflus think will have the better career and fit their vision. That is where the interviews may tip the scales. Remember, they want football junkies who are prepared to work really hard. If either comes across as not 100% committed to being great, it could push the Bears toward the other.
