Preparations for the 2024 NFL draft are well underway. The Chicago Bears are in the process of constructing their board with evaluations across the country. Having secured their quarterback of the future and a top wide receiver this off-season, it appears their focus is shifting to other key positions. The trenches are obviously one area they are sure to attack, with the interior offensive line and edge rusher standing out as key needs. However, there is another spot that GM Ryan Poles is zeroing in on.
Safety.
For now, the Bears are set at the position. Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are two quality starters. However, their long-term situations are up in the air. Byard turns 32 next year. Brisker will enter the final season of his rookie contract. Unless one or both are extended, the Bears have to think about investing in some insurance. According to a source, Poles instructed his scouts to keep close tabs on one prominent name. That is Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler.
The Chicago Bears’ interest in Wohler is hardly surprising.
Matt Eberflus covets safeties with versatility. They should be big bodies with good athleticism, instincts, and tackling ability. Brisker and Byard both fit that criteria. So does Wohler. He had a tremendous 2023 season for the Badgers, racking up 120 tackles, two interceptions, and six passes defended. While he doesn’t have any turnovers yet in 2024, he is still a strong presence as a tackler.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Wisconsin lines him up everywhere, using him as a chess piece to create matchup advantages. The Chicago Bears use Brisker exactly the same way. Draft experts view Wohler as a Day 2 prospect, likely going in the 2nd or 3rd round. Poles has three picks in that range, which explains why he is keeping tabs on the young safety. The Bears GM does love defensive players from Wisconsin. Jack Sanborn and T.J. Edwards both came from there. Wohler exhibits the same characteristics.
