Every Player Chicago Bears Are Confirmed To Have Met At Combine
The Chicago Bears have likely met with several players down at the scouting combine. Teams are allotted around 20 minutes per prospect. So GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus must choose their options carefully. Various reports have surfaced about which players they’ve met. Thus far, there has been confirmation of 11 names. More are likely to come at some point.
Here is every one of them. Fans will notice some interesting parallels thus far. It’s clear Poles and Eberflus have at least one position group squarely in their minds.
The Chicago Bears are showing some trends lately.
Bryce Young (QB, Alabama)
While the combine highlights the athletes, Young remains the top quarterback in the 2023 class for many. He was electric for two years in the best conference in college football. He’s known for his intelligence, accuracy, leadership, and natural playmaking instinct. It’s about whether teams can look past his 5’10 stature.
Rashee Rice (WR, SMU)
He was a steady threat for three years and saved his best for last, cracking 1,000 yards with ten touchdowns. Rice has solid size and a well-proportioned frame. He can make tough catches with strong hands and runs smooth routes. His lack of true speed will scare some teams away.
Rakim Jarrett (WR, Maryland)
He showed lots of promise in 2021 with over 800 yards and five TDs. Things never quite clicked for him last year. Jarrett lacks polish as a route runner and had trouble with drops too often. However, he’s a very good athlete that is tough and makes plays after the catch. He would be a late-round flier.
Will Anderson (EDGE, Alabama)
The overwhelming trend on this list is edge rushers—hardly a surprise. Many see Anderson as the best in the class. He was ultra-productive for the Crimson Tide, collecting 34.5 sacks. He has power, length, quickness and already boasts an array of different moves. Probably one of the safest prospects in the class.
Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech)
The Chicago Bears have said length is a big deal for them. Wilson may have the longest arms of any edge in this class. He’s also a freak athlete with great power and a high motor. He was dominating opponents last season before an untimely foot injury. In terms of pure prototype, he feels like their kind of guy.
B.J. Ojulari (EDGE, LSU)
He’s a phenomenal athlete with speed and bend around the edge. He has long arms and a natural instinct for setting up blockers with a variety of moves. Unfortunately, he’s 6’2 and 248 lbs. That is undersized for a 4-3 defensive end. Maybe the Bears feel his pass rush skill is worth it, but that seems hard to imagine.
K.J. Henry (EDGE, Clemson)
He is renowned for his leadership and character traits as a team captain. Henry is also a good athlete with intelligence. There were constant flashes of potential with the Tigers, but his sack total is somewhat disappointing at 13 in four seasons. His versatility may appeal to teams.
Nick Hampton (EDGE, Appalachian State)
Another undersized pass rusher at 6’2, 236 lbs. The key selling point with him is his explosiveness. He’s got an excellent burst with a high motor on top of it. Defensive end is not a position that fits him. However, the Bears may see him as a utility player that can be used as a strongside linebacker.
Noah Taylor, 3-4 Outside Linebacker, Kansas
He is too light at 238 lbs to be a full-time end for the Bears. His pass rush potential is there. He made multiple plays in the backfield over the past four years. The biggest thing holding him back is no sense of using his hands. They’re entirely undisciplined, and it makes blocking him too easy.
Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois)
Remember Kyler Gordon? Witherspoon is a similar prospect. While not the biggest or fastest, he plays with urgency, quickness, and good ball skills. Better still, he’s a physical due. The guy can hit hard despite being only 5’11 and 180 lbs. Being a local kid only makes the intrigue better.
Julius Brents, Cornerback, Kansas State
Probably the biggest winner of the pre-draft process. Brents was excellent at the Senior Bowl and followed that up with a great combine. He’s big (6’3), athletic, and boasts long arms. He had four interceptions last season and is known for being physical—another who fits the Chicago Bears’ prototype.