Chicago Bears linked to “explosive” pass rusher with 13.5 sacks

The Chicago Bears could look to follow the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning blueprint of building a dominant offensive line and a relentless pass rush, and after adding three veteran offensive linemen so far this offseason, bolstering the pass rush could come early in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Even if general manager Ryan Poles doesn’t mortgage the future by pulling off a blockbuster trade in the first round, the Bears might have the chance to add a disruptive edge defender after round 1.

ESPN put together a list of the ideal fit for each franchise across the league beyond the first round, in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, including analyst Jordan Reid suggesting the Bears must prioritize adding LSU edge rusher Bradyn Swinson.

“The Bears have been aggressive in adding players to their defensive front,” Reid points out for ESPN. “But that shouldn’t keep them from adding more. Swinson is a long, explosive edge rusher who has plenty of upside. His hand maturity as a pass rusher and edge-setting length would give him a chance to be an early contributor.”

While Chicago certainly and perhaps significantly upgraded its pass rush by signing veterans Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo during free agency, neither are the long-term answer with Swinson could have the potential to develop into for the Bears.

Bradyn Swinson NFL Draft scouting report

As the NFL Draft nears, pass rusher remains one of the Bears’ most pressing needs, and Swinson could be a fascinating weapon at the position with upside.

Swinson, 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, produced 13.5 sacks across five seasons, spending three at Oregon and two in Baton Rouge, where he added 127 total tackles, five forced fumbles and three pass breakups as a disruptive force along the Tigers’ front-seven.

“Competitive at the point of attack,” NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein writes for NFL Media. “Where he uses his length and footwork to beat the block or prevent block sustains. He is high-cut and leggy with average lateral agility but has an innate feel for playing off the block and making tackles.

“Swinson is less of an arc runner and more of a read-and-respond rusher relying on length and deception to open doors on either edge.”

If the Bears come away from this draft with Swinson in tow, he could push for immediate playing time, and could be an explosive option alongside Montez Sweat and Odeyingbo on the edge for Chicago.