Chicago Bears Pick Five Edge Rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft: A Bold Strategy for Defensive Dominance
The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, have been in a rebuilding phase for several years. After a disappointing 2024 season, the team found itself in need of significant improvements across multiple positions, with one glaring area of concern being their pass rush. To remedy this, the Bears took a bold and unusual approach in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting five edge rushers, signaling their commitment to building a formidable defensive front.
While the idea of selecting multiple players at the same position might seem unorthodox, the Bears’ strategy is rooted in the belief that a dominant pass rush is the key to winning in today’s NFL. The league has evolved into a pass-heavy environment, and with quarterbacks getting more time in the pocket than ever, an elite pass rush can be the difference between a playoff contender and a mediocre team. By investing heavily in this area, the Bears hope to build a defensive line capable of pressuring quarterbacks on every play.
The Need for Edge Rushers
To understand the Bears’ decision to draft five edge rushers, it is essential to examine their current roster and the challenges they face on defense. In 2024, the Bears finished 25th in the NFL in sacks, registering just 32 on the season. This lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a major factor in their defensive struggles, as they were unable to consistently disrupt the opposing offense. Without a strong pass rush, Chicago’s secondary, while talented, was often left exposed.
One of the key players the Bears have been relying on is defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who had a solid 2024 season but was frequently the only consistent threat in the pass rush. However, relying on one player to generate pressure is a risky proposition, especially when facing high-powered offenses with elite quarterbacks. The Bears recognized this deficiency and sought to address it with a radical approach in the draft.
The Strategy Behind Selecting Five Edge Rushers
When the Bears made the decision to select five edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft, it raised more than a few eyebrows across the league. The strategy behind this choice was multi-faceted, with several key reasons driving the decision.
Depth and Versatility
One of the main reasons for selecting so many edge rushers was the need for depth. The NFL is a physically demanding league, and injuries are inevitable over the course of a 17-game season. By selecting multiple edge rushers, the Bears ensured that they would have a fresh and capable player rotating in on every passing down. This would allow them to maintain a high level of pressure on the quarterback throughout the game, even if some players needed rest due to injury or fatigue.
In addition to depth, the Bears were also looking for versatility in their edge rushers. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams runs a complex defensive scheme that requires flexibility and the ability to adjust to different offensive strategies. The Bears needed edge rushers who could line up in a variety of positions, including standing up in a 3-4 defense or with their hand in the dirt in a 4-3 alignment. With five edge rushers, the Bears had the luxury of experimenting with different looks and ensuring that they had players who could fit in multiple roles.
Specialization and Situational Play
Another reason for selecting five edge rushers was to bring in a mix of specialized pass rushers. While the Bears were looking for overall talent, they also prioritized players who could thrive in specific situations, such as third-and-long or in the red zone. By selecting a group of edge rushers with varying skill sets, they could create different combinations to exploit the weaknesses of opposing offensive lines.
Some of the players selected were considered specialists in rushing the passer, with lightning-fast first steps, elite bend around the edge, and a relentless motor. Others were more well-rounded players capable of stopping the run while also contributing to the pass rush. By having this diversity, the Bears could keep opposing offenses guessing and make it difficult for quarterbacks to find rhythm.
Future-Proofing the Defense
The 2025 NFL Draft was also an opportunity for the Bears to future-proof their defense. With several key defensive players entering the final years of their contracts, such as linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive tackle Justin Jones, the Bears knew that they would need to invest in building a sustainable defense. Edge rushers, in particular, are a vital part of that equation. By selecting five young, talented players at the position, the Bears ensured that they would have a deep and talented group of edge rushers for years to come, even as other key players might eventually depart.
The Selection Process
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears used their picks across multiple rounds to secure their edge rushers. The team’s general manager, Ryan Poles, had made it clear that improving the pass rush was his top priority, and he wasted no time in making that vision a reality.
First Round: The Headliner
The first edge rusher selected by the Bears in the draft was none other than Caden Carver from the University of Georgia. Carver was widely regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the draft class, with a combination of size, speed, and technical ability that made him a standout at the collegiate level. At 6’5” and 265 pounds, Carver has the physical attributes of a prototypical NFL edge rusher, but it’s his ability to rush the passer with a variety of moves that sets him apart. Whether it’s a speed rush around the edge or a power move to shed blockers, Carver’s versatility made him an ideal fit for the Bears’ defensive scheme.
Second Round: A Versatile Talent
In the second round, the Bears selected a versatile edge rusher in Jaden Thomas from the University of Alabama. Thomas was known for his ability to play both defensive end and outside linebacker, making him a flexible option for the Bears’ front seven. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to generate pressure both inside and outside were key factors in the Bears’ decision to pick him. At 6’3” and 255 pounds, Thomas had a productive career at Alabama and is expected to contribute right away as a situational pass rusher.
Third Round: The Raw Prospect
With their third-round pick, the Bears took a chance on a raw but highly talented edge rusher in Malik Jackson from the University of Oregon. Jackson is a high-upside player with exceptional athleticism but needs to refine his technique. His explosive first step and ability to bend around the edge make him a nightmare for quarterbacks, but his lack of polish as a pass rusher means he’ll need time to develop. However, with the Bears’ strong defensive coaching staff, Jackson has the potential to be a star in a few seasons.
Fourth Round: A High Motor
In the fourth round, the Bears selected Evan Harris from the University of Michigan. Harris is known for his relentless motor and ability to hustle on every play. While he may not have the raw athleticism of some of the other edge rushers in the draft, Harris compensates with his high football IQ and work ethic. He was highly effective at generating pressure in college and was particularly adept at creating turnovers, which is a quality that will endear him to the Bears’ coaching staff.
Fifth Round: The Developmental Project
Finally, with their fifth pick, the Bears selected Eric Wilson from the University of Arkansas. Wilson is a developmental player with incredible physical traits, standing at 6’6” and weighing 270 pounds. He has the potential to develop into a dominant edge rusher but will need time to refine his technique and adjust to the speed of the NFL game. The Bears believe that with proper coaching, Wilson could become a force off the edge in a few years, making him a worthwhile investment.
The Impact on the Bears’ Defense
With the addition of five edge rushers, the Bears’ defense has undergone a significant transformation. The influx of talent at the position gives them the ability to rotate fresh legs throughout the game, keeping their pass rush relentless and disruptive. Moreover, the diverse skill sets of the new edge rushers allow defensive coordinator Alan Williams to get creative with his schemes, mixing and matching players to exploit matchups against opposing offensive lines.
The new additions also make the Bears’ front seven one of the most formidable in the NFC. With veteran players like Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds holding down the linebacker spots, the Bears now have a defense that can rush the passer, stop the run, and create turnovers. The pressure generated by the new edge rushers will help take pressure off the secondary, allowing cornerbacks like Jaylon Johnson and safety Eddie Jackson to focus on coverage without constantly worrying about getting beat deep due to a lack of pressure.