Interior pass rush is something the Chicago Bears have been passionate about since Matt Eberflus took over as head coach in 2022. Several of their most prominent moves have involved finding players who can provide it. Things started with Larry Ogunjobi and Justin Jones that first year. Then, last season, it was drafting Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. They are determined to find as much interior rush help as they can get. It isn’t a surprise that there are rumors that they really like Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy, who is a potential option at #9 overall. However, he’s not the only name to pop up.
According to insider Aaron Wilson of Click 2 Houston, the Bears are also heavily interested in Virginia Tech defensive tackle Norell Pollard. He had four sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss last season, his personal best. For those curious why his name isn’t mentioned more, it likely stems from two factors. Pollard is on the older side, having played five seasons in college. He is also 6’0 and 288 lbs. So he’s undersized. His ability to stop the run against bigger NFL offensive linemen is questionable.
That said, his ability as a pass rusher was among the best in college football.
The Chicago Bears’ interest in Pollard is hardly shocking.
Eberflus has long said the key to his defense’s success is being able to throw waves of pass rushers at the quarterback. This allows the team to keep guys fresh. The goal is to have a great starter at the three-technique position, but it’s just as important to have rotational guys who can bring the juice, too. That is the likely role they have in mind for Pollard. He wouldn’t be a full-time starter but a situational pass rusher they can bring in to keep the heat on the quarterback.
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Signs point to Pollard likely being a late round pick at most in the draft. Since the Chicago Bears don’t have any beyond the 4th round, it is a safe assumption they believe the defensive tackle could end up becoming an undrafted free agent. By expressing strong interest, they’re hoping he gives consideration to signing with them in the event this happens. Their defensive scheme fits his skillset as well as any in the league. He’d even get to play under Eric Washington, one of the NFL’s most respected defensive line experts.
Certainly, a name to watch.
@Dr. Melhus: I like those numbers! Combine that with his contested Ball % and I’m all in on Odunze! If he is there, I’m sprinting to the podium. If the board shifts, go up and get one of the 3. Fashanu via a small trade back is my only trade back possibility. The Best Pass protector for Caleb will allow him to cook for years. But that leaves Risk with Keenan not playing all games this year. That has to be factored in.
@David. The Quest for the Stanley Cup.
@LiquorPigz: I agree that the top 3 WR merit a top 10 pick. I’ve been poking around for which WR is the best bet, and found this statistic on LegitFootball’s twitter feed. Not sure if it’s accurate, but here it is: Drop rates amongst the top WR prospects: Rome Odunze: 3.2% Malik Nabers: 5.3% Brian Thomas Jr.: 6.8% Marvin Harrison Jr.: 8.2% If that is accurate, sign me up for Odunze. He’s the same height, weight, and speed as MHJ (okay, Odunze is 3 pounds heavier). MHJ is a better and more polished route runner, but IMO that can be… Read more »
Anything good on TV this week?
Average draft on the D side of the ball! Good players but not enough separation in the talent to make them worthy of a pick outside the late teens or early 20’s. Turner / Verse / Latu / Newton or Murphy no diff! Odunze is the only player worthy of the #9 pick, out of what will be left. Trade up for Harrison / Nabers or Alt!! This is a no brainer!