One of the biggest 2023 NFL draft risers has been Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore. A perfect fit for the Chicago Bears' three-tech, Adebawore had an impressive Senior Bowl performance. That, combined with his showcase of rare athleticism at the 2023 NFL Combine, now has him in the first-round conversation.
The Bears are doing their due diligence on Adebawore. They hosted him on a Top 30 visit, according to The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler.
It's highly unlikely the Chicago Bears will use the No. 9 pick on Adebawore. As great as his pre-draft process has been, he isn't a top-10 prospect. But if he's on the board at the start of Day 2, he could be a player GM Ryan Poles tries trading up for.
Adetomiwa Adebawore is an ideal fit for Bears' three-tech
Adetomiwa Adebawore measured 6-foot-2 and 282 pounds at the NFL Combine. He ran a historic 4.49 40-yard dash and lept nearly 38 inches in the vertical jump.
"Adebawore seems like a positional tweener, checking in a little short for the edge and a little light for the interior," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote. "However, he was able to handle himself at the point of attack at the Senior Bowl and is just a few hearty meals away from checking in at a weight that could pass for an even front three-technique.
'He’s a powerful man who wins with force over fluidity. He will need better play recognition in the future, but his explosive first contact and ability to play under his opponent’s pads could earn him a spot as a base end with sub-package rush ability or simply as a rotational interior defender."
The Chicago Bears haven't addressed their three-technique yet in free agency. DeMarcus Walker could slide inside on passing downs, but he isn't a true fit. Adebawore is.
He finished the 2023 season with 38 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks.
The 2023 NFL draft kicks off from Kansas City on Thursday, April 27, and will run through Saturday, April 29.
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