Scouting Future Bears: Top NFL Draft Prospects in Ohio State vs. Penn State (What 2 Watch this Weekend)

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty…

• Ohio State vs Penn State – Watch LT Alu Pashano and DEs Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac from Penn State. Watch LG Donovan Jackson, RG Matt Jones, WRs Marvin Harrison Jr and Amika Ebuka, and DE JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State.
• Minnesota vs Iowa – Watch TE Eric All from Iowa who is similar to Cole Kmet but more physical after the catch. Watch FS Tyler Newman from Minnesota who is a good tackler but lacks interceptions.
• The Bears need help at OT, OG, WR, DE, and FS based on current injury issues and expiring contracts.
• Top prospects to watch are OT Alu Pashano, DEs Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, OGs Donovan Jackson and Matt Jones, WRs Marvin Harrison Jr and Amika Ebuka, TE Eric All, and FS Tyler Newman.
• The writer will recap the Bears vs Raiders game on Sunday and invites fans to come discuss afterwards.

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Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!

As a die-hard Chicago Bears fan, I’m always looking ahead to the next draft to see who could be our future stars. With the Bears currently projected to have two top picks in 2024, this college football season offers a great glimpse at prospects who could make an instant impact on our roster.

This weekend includes two must-see matchups loaded with NFL talent. Here’s who Bears fans should keep an eye on.

Ohio State vs. Penn State

This Big Ten battle on Saturday features numerous exciting prospects on both sides of the ball.

At offensive tackle, Penn State’s Alu Pashano has tremendous size at 6’6″ and 312 pounds with the athleticism to neutralize edge rushers. The Bears’ offensive tackle situation is shaky with Braxton Jones as the starter and Larry Borom struggling. Upgrading at left tackle could be key, making Pashano worth watching.

On the defensive line, Penn State boasts two fearsome pass rushers in DE Chop Robinson and DE Adisa Isaac. Robinson has bullied quarterbacks with 24 pressures already, while Isaac has amassed 27 pressures with his explosiveness off the edge. The Bears desperately need to improve their pass rush after totaling just 6 sacks. Either DE would provide a huge boost.

For the Buckeyes, OG Donovan Jackson and OG Matt Jones could bring reliability to the interior offensive line. Jackson is an elite prospect, while Jones is a powerful 5th year senior. With injuries impacting our guards like Tevin Jenkins and Nate Davis, these road graders could provide stability.

At wide receiver, Ohio State features two impressive pass catchers in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Harrison has the size and catch radius to become a No. 1 target, while Egbuka is a big play threat with his run after catch skills. With Darnell Mooney the only Bears receiver under contract beyond 2023, adding more weapons for Justin Fields is a must.

On defense, Buckeyes DE J.T. Tuimoloau can set the edge with his combination of size and strength. While his pass rushing production is limited, he could contribute against the run.

Overall, this matchup is loaded with exciting prospects who could fill critical needs for the Bears.

Minnesota vs. Iowa

This Big Ten West clash also warrants attention from Bears fans.

At tight end for Iowa, Sam LaPorta is putting up strong numbers as a reliable target for QB Spencer Petras. But with LaPorta likely off the board before the Bears’ first pick, keep an eye on his backup Eric All. The 6’5″ move tight end has a similar skill set to Cole Kmet but gets more YAC. If the Bears move on from Kmet after his rookie deal, All could make for a seamless transition.

On defense, Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin is an intriguing prospect who could potentially replace Eddie Jackson. Nubin is an impressive tackler but lacks playmaking ability with no career interceptions. Jackson’s future in Chicago is uncertain given his injury history and inflated contract. A younger FS like Nubin could be the way to go.

Key Takeaways for Bears Fans

With glaring needs at positions like OT, OG, WR, TE, DE, and FS, Bears fans should zero in on the top prospects at those spots. This weekend offers a great look at potential future Bears like Pashano, Robinson, Isaac, Jackson, Jones, Harrison Jr., Egbuka, All, and Nubin among others.

While players like LaPorta and Tuimoloau are enticing as well, they may not be viable options given where the Bears are projected to pick. Focusing on prospects within range for Chicago will allow fans to scout real difference-makers the team can realistically acquire.

I’ll be watching closely this Saturday to see which college stars boost their draft stock. Next spring, I expect the Bears to target several players from these two games as long-term solutions to key roster needs.

While Chicago’s rebuild continues, keep an eye on the future during these marquee college matchups. The next generation of Bears talent could be on full display this weekend.

Let me know which prospects catch your attention and whether you think they could be a good fit for the Bears! I’m always open to hearing other fans’ draft takes as we gear up for another offseason full of changes.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!