Matt Eberflus’ Latest Comments Have Changed Outlook For Bears’ 9th Pick
Ian Rapoport basically confirmed the Chicago Bears are taking Caleb Williams #1 overall. It’s been an open secret for weeks at this point. He had his private visit with the team this week. It reportedly went well. Presuming the medicals come back clean, he should hear his name called to start the action on April 25th. Where things get more interesting is at the #9 pick. Based on the best information available, it feels as if the Bears are leaning toward taking an offensive player at that spot. Probably one of the top three receivers if they’re available. Yet there is one wild card in all of this: head coach Matt Eberflus.
We can’t forget he is a man with an identity on defense. While he understands the necessity of getting a quarterback, it isn’t hard to imagine he’d push to give the other side of the ball more love. Since trading for Montez Sweat midway through last season, the Bears haven’t done much adding on defense. Kevin Byard replacing Eddie Jackson at safety was the only notable name. One area that remains a big question mark is the defensive line. Eberflus recently told Larry Mayer of Chicagobears.com that the team is focused on finding another high-end pass rusher to pair with Sweat.
Something in particular stuck out about the comment.
“It’s important that we get that piece because you have to have the 1-2 punch,” Eberflus said. “It can be inside as well. You look at who affects the quarterback the most, I would also argue that the inside piece is also something that we should be looking at, and it’s important that we do that. Direct line to the quarterback. When they max protect, it’s a soft spot in the protection. We’re looking at all pass rushers. It can be inside, outside, all along the line. We’re having an open mind in that regard.”
Matt Eberflus remains persistent about finding an interior pass rusher.
He has said many times since taking over that his Tampa-2 defensive scheme has three important positions. By far, the most is the interior pass rusher spot, or the three-technique. Chicago has tried to fill it for the past two years. Larry Ogunjobi failed his physical. Justin Jones was okay but left for Arizona last month. Gervon Dexter finished last year strong but doesn’t quite have the desired explosiveness for that role. If the Bears intend to target such an option in the draft, three names stand out as 1st round possibilities.
Byron Murphy of Texas is the highest rated among most experts. He’s got loads of burst, a strong lower body, and the quickness to shoot gaps better than anybody. The only problem is his 6’0, 290 lbs frame. Another is Jer’Zhan Newton of Illinois. He took has the first-step quickness and violent hands to blow past blockers into the backfield, and he’s a bit bigger than Murphy. His issues stem from being a rather pedestrian run defender. Lastly is Braden Fiske. Nobody had a hotter finish to 2023 than him. He’s quick, strong, and utterly relentless. There is no off-switch with him. Unfortunately, his 31-inch arms are well below average, especially for a team like Chicago, who prefers players with good length.
If any of those players stand out as somebody Matt Eberflus thinks can give him that dynamic interior pass rush, he may push for Ryan Poles to make something happen.