It still isn’t certain whether Ryan Pace will remain as the Chicago Bears GM into 2022. However, he must continue working as if that will be the case. As a result, he has his scouts hard at work preparing for the coming offseason. That includes the NFL draft. It figures to be an important once for the organization. What with several players coming out of contract including some key veterans.
Especially on defense. Pace has to know that the run of the current core on that side of the ball is coming to an end. The recent decline in the past few weeks offers plenty of evidence. One of the biggest concerns is how toothless the pass rush seems without Khalil Mack. Robert Quinn has a few moments but can’t sustain anything. Trevis Gipson? His strong start has faded quickly. It is evident they may need more help on the edge sooner than later.
It seems they may recognize that.
21 NFL teams credentialed to attend Pitt. vs. North Carolina, including: ARZ, ATL, BUF, CAR, CHI, CLE, DEN, HOU, IND, LVR, MIN, NE, NO, NYG, PHI, PIT, SEA, SF, TB, TEN and WFT.
5 GMs in attendance: Paton (DEN), Mayock (LVR), Spielman (MIN), Roseman (PHI), and Colbert (PIT).
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 11, 2021
Several NFL teams had scouts in attendance for the big matchup between ACC rivals North Carolina and Pitt. Most of them were no doubt there to watch two possible 1st round quarterbacks in Sam Howell and Kenny Pickett. However, there were plenty of defensive standouts on display. Especially for the Panthers. None more so than defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado.
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A native of Italy, the young man flashed potential as a freshman with four sacks. Sadly his sophomore year was derailed after two games by injury. So he had plenty to prove coming into 2021. He has done that and then some. Through 10 games, Baldonado has eight sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. This includes 1.5 sacks against North Carolina to help win that crucial game. Size? Length? Quickness? Technique? He seems to display all of those necessary traits for a future NFL pass rusher.
Pitt DE Habakkuk Baldonado forces the fumble! #Pitt #Tennessee
— Sideline CFB (@SidelineCFB) September 11, 2021
Pitt redshirt junior EDGE rusher Habakkuk Baldonado is putting together a breakout season, as he's now 14th in the country with 6.5 sacks.
The italian EDGE rusher has a very good first step and he's technically sound. Under-the-radar prospect. pic.twitter.com/JRqsBLPDV4
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) November 3, 2021
Chicago Bears have good reasons to like Baldonado
They’ve had success developing defensive linemen over the past several years. Pace has a track record for identifying quality talent and trusting the coaches to mold him into a proper player. Roy Robertson-Harris is a classic example. Baldonado has the talent to do the same. The kid is 6’6 and 260 lbs. He has the premier size and is quicker than he looks. His ascent is even more impressive considering he only played football for one year in high school. The other three years were spent playing it in Italy where the competition was considerably thinner.
That is the scary part. Baldonado is still just scratching the surface of what he can do and is already racking up sacks. Given more time and refinement in his game? There is no telling how much better he’ll get. That would explain why the Chicago Bears were so interested to see him play live. He certainly didn’t disappoint. The young man absolutely could be a nice piece in the upcoming defensive youth movement.
It comes down to when he’ll go in the draft.
Talent-wise he should get looks on Day 2 in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. Especially if he finishes the season strong. Then it becomes a matter of how he tests at the combine and pro days. Baldonado would look pretty good in navy blue and would be the first Italian the Bears have drafted in a long, long time.
