Top Prospect Wants to Join Forces With Montez Sweat on Bears

The Chicago Bears could find two game-changers early in the 2024 NFL Draft as they have two top-10 picks (Nos. 1 and 9). 

The Bears are expected to take USC QB Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. However, they could go in many different directions at No. 9 overall. Chicago could take a wide receiver with their second first-round pick or add to their defensive line.

Florida State defensive end Jared Verse is one prospect that the Bears could select with the No. 9 overall pick and pair him alongside veteran pass rusher Montez Sweat. 

On Wednesday, Verse was asked about the idea of playing with Sweat when speaking with the media.

“I mean, you land you with a veteran guy, you know, I think at the end of the day I think, he knows I’m a young guy, I’m still going to need help, I’m going to need to get the understanding, to get the bearings right,” Verse said (h/t NBC Sports Chicago). “He’ll be able to direct me in the right path, fix a couple things that I might need help with that I didn’t see in college, that won’t work in the NFL. These guys are All-Pros, these guys are vets and stuff so I hope he’ll give the guidance I need.”

Chicago’s defense could use a pass rusher like Verse playing opposite of Sweat, especially in a division that features explosive offenses in Green Bay and Detroit. Verse had a tremendous last two seasons at Florida State after beginning his career at the FCS level with the University at Albany.

Over his two seasons with the Noles, Verse produced 89 total tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks. This past season, he was a part of an FSU defense that was ranked 19th in the country (allowing 19.3 points per game). 

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