Once the Chicago Bears made it official they were switching back to a 4-3 defense, their roster priorities changed. Suddenly the need for off-the-ball linebackers became much more acute. That is why they signed Nicholas Morrow in free agency. However, he’s only on a one-year deal. This leaves the likelihood strong that the team will add one in the upcoming draft. It appears Brian Asamoah is somebody that has their attention.
Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network revealed that the team had set up one of their 30 allocated personal visits for the Oklahoma linebacker. Current projections have him going somewhere on Day 3 of the draft, likely in the 4th or 5th rounds. The general consensus is that he’s undersized (6’0 and 225 lbs) with some technique issues. At the same time, he makes up for that with good instincts, great speed, and a nose for the football.
The Bears hosted Oklahoma LB Brian Asamoah on a Top 30 visit today, per source.
Versatile LB that checks a ton boxes at the second level.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 6, 2022
The #Bears need speed at LB alongside Roquan Smith, and one guy I like is Oklahoma’s Brian Asamoah.
He has legit closing speed and plenty of range in run support. Consensus stock is all over the place, but I like him on late Day 2. pic.twitter.com/RVeBJ3LHgz
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) February 18, 2022
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Brian Asamoah can fly. pic.twitter.com/mZDS9oCXDk
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) February 28, 2022
Brian Asamoah punches it out. 💪 pic.twitter.com/Md1pjDHfw7
— 𝕆𝕂𝕃𝔸ℍ𝕆𝕄𝔸-𝕍𝕊-𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻 (@soonergridiron) November 13, 2021
Brian Asamoah managed to shine under challenging circumstances.
The Big 12 is probably one of the most pass-happy conferences in college football. So linebackers often struggle to stand out. He overcame that challenge with 146 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, an interception, four passes defended, and three forced fumbles over his final two seasons with the Sooners. He flies to the ball, demonstrating sharp eyes and good instincts. It isn’t a surprise that Matt Eberflus, a former linebacker, seems to like the kid.
He covets speed and ball skills at the position. Asamoah seems to have both, and this particular defensive scheme the Bears are going to run is better than most at maximizing those skills. Just look at Darius Leonard and Lance Briggs for reminders. He could be somebody who starts out as a special teams contributor in 2022 and then elevates to the starting job next season once Morrow is out of the picture.
Perhaps the Bears might even throw a curveball by converting him to safety. He certainly has the athletic chops to do so. Such versatility is hard to come by.
