Final Bears 7-Round Mock Before 2024 NFL Draft

Double-dip at Edge

In the 2023 draft, we saw Ryan Poles and the Bears select two defensive tackles in the second and third rounds with Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens. I would not be surprised if we saw something similar this year with edge players.

Obviously, picking one in the fifth round is not hoping for immediate impact, but someone who can possibly develop into a solid role player. Jean-Baptiste can be someone to groom when he comes into the league.

He has the ideal length you look for in an edge as he is 6'5" with 33 3/4" arms. He only measured in at 240 pounds at the combine, but was reported to be dealing with food poisoning. His playing weight should be closer to 260 pounds.

After spending four years at Ohio State, Jean-Baptiste transferred to Notre Dame for the 2023 season and saw his best season of college. He had 49 tackles and five sacks for the Fighting Irish last season and looked like the best player on their defensive line at times.

His biggest knock is not getting off the ball fast enough and poor pad level where he can be pushed out of many plays. He did run a 4.66 40-yard dash at the combine so definitely has the athleticism you look for in an edge, the question will be if he can add some strength to hold his own against the power in the NFL.

We know Poles loves his high-RAS guys and Jean-Baptiste scored a 9.18 in that department, good for 139th out of 1685 defensive ends dating from 1987 to 2024.

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