Bears hold face-to-face meeting with small-school NFL Draft prospect

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books. The Chicago Bears met with many prospects in attendance, both formally and informally, but there’s more to the NFL Draft process than just the Combine.

Another underrated pre-draft event took place recently, and it had plenty of Bears scouts attend in-person: The HBCU Legacy Bowl.

The Chicago Bears met face-to-face with South Carolina State defensive end Jeblonski Green Jr. at the all-star game, he told me.

.@SCState_FB DE Jeblonksi Green Jr. had in-person meetings with the #Bears and #Raiders earlier this week at the @HBCULegacyBowl, per source.

NFL Total Access named @___34los to their “5 players to watch” list. pic.twitter.com/q9OdRk6J9z

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 22, 2024

The Bears were one of two franchises to hold an in-person meeting with Green Jr. at the HBCU Legacy Bowl. The other was the Las Vegas Raiders. A third organization has since hosted Green Jr. via a virtual meeting.

This signals legitimate interest from the Bears.

Recent prospects to experience success in the NFL from the HBCU ranks include Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams and former South Carolina State alum Cobie Durant.

General manager Ryan Poles is attempting to upgrade the pass rush opposite Montez Sweat. That can be achieved through next week’s free agency negotiating period or via the early portions of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Alternatively, the Bears should also add low-risk fliers in the sixth-or-seventh-round, or via undrafted free agency. Green Jr. recorded two sacks this past season.