Will Anderson Jr. on meeting with Bears: They’re up to something special”

The Chicago Bears completed their 2023 NFL Combine meeting with top prospect Will Anderson Jr. The edge rusher from Alabama is considered the top pass-rushing prospect in this year’s draft and is a viable candidate to be the first non-quarterback selected.

Anderson ended his time with the Bears impressed by the team’s direction.

“It went really good,” Anderson said of his session with Chicago. “The culture is great there, and I can tell they’re up to something special.”

Anderson may have leapfrogged Georgia’s Jalen Carter as the favorite to become a Chicago Bear in the 2023 draft. Carter is the subject of an arrest warrant stemming from a traffic incident in January that resulted in the death of a Georgia teammate and staffer. You can read more about it here.

Will Anderson Jr. would instantly fix Bears” pass-rush woes

Will Anderson Jr. was remarkably productive during his three seasons at Alabama. He finished his college career with 34.5 sacks and is bringing a game similar to Cowboys star Micah Parsons to the NFL.

“I feel like what I bring to the table: just consistency, being humble, and whatever culture I’m in, I’m going to do things the right way,” Anderson said. “And I think that’s what sets me apart.”

The Bears finished last in the NFL in sacks in 2022 with just 20. Adding Parsons to the edge of coach Matt Eberflus” defense will force opposing offensive lines to shift protection toward his side of the field, creating sack opportunities for other Bears defenders. He’s a no-brainer 2023 draft target.

The Chicago Bears may not be able to draft Will Anderson when the first round rolls around, though. Chicago is expected to trade out of the No. 1 overall pick, and with Jlalen Carter’s draft stock in flux, Anderson is all but certain to be the first non-quarterback selected. Anderson will likely be off the board if the Bears trade down to No. 4 overall.

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