Chicago Bears Draft: The one option nobody is talking about

Can you feel it, Chicago Bears fans? The excitement in the air is palpable as Ryan Poles and the front office pour over their scouting reports, figuring out what to do when they’re on the clock at number 9.

‘Twas the night before the 2023 NFL Draft and Chicagoans are stirring. The rumors are reaching their climax. If you’re a part of Bears Nation, they’ve been impossible to avoid. I would be remiss if I didn’t say I’ve been all over the place over the last few months.

I stand by what I said regarding the no-brainer pick at pick number 9 but that doesn’t mean that Ryan Poles doesn’t have a trick or two up his sleeve.

When trying to get inside the mind of the Chicago Bears General Manager, I’ve attempted every angle. That includes understanding that when Ryan Poles accepted this job, he hand-picked Head Coach Matt Eberflus.

Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus is well known for his belief in the “HITS” principle. This why Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness is the player at number 9 that no one is talking about

Lukas Van Ness is a Matt Eberflus type that the Chicago Bears should consider.

While he may not have represented the T for Takeaways in college regarding the “HITS” principal that Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus invented, he represents the other three to the max. Although, being sixth in the nation with two blocked kicks is nothing to scoff at.

Lukas Van Ness wasn’t supposed to be this high on draft boards but his hustle, intensity, and ability to play smart represent the other facets of the “HITS” as well as any prospect in the draft.

While he does have the ability to play inside, he is most effective with his motor on the outside. Luckily for the Chicago Bears, they have a need at the defensive end position.

However, with his versatility, it allows us to create some very interesting stunts including fellow versatile defensive linemen and new Chicago Bear DeMarcus Walker.

While Van Ness wouldn’t be the exciting pick that everyone is crossing their fingers for, this is a player who plays his heart out. It wouldn’t be long before he endeared himself to the Chicago Bears faithful.

He’s even been compared to J.J. Watt. That is a lofty comparison but when you watch him play, it’s hard not to see the same passion for the game that Watt displayed constantly.

Lukas Van Ness may not be the player on everyone’s minds when the Chicago Bears are on the clock, but perhaps he should be.