Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown after sacking Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Sawyer returned the fumble for a touchdown, and Ohio State won 28-14.

5 prospects the Chicago Bears should target in the third round

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The second day of the NFL draft is arguably just as important this year for the Chicago Bears, as the front office holds three selections on Friday. Round two will be vital for the franchise, as they own the 39th and 41st overall picks, which are the seventh and ninth choices of that round.

Where they look with the 72nd overall pick in the third round obviously depends heavily on who they snag in round two, but they need to keep their options open on the likely prospects that will on the board later on Friday night. Edge rusher, running back, safety and even offensive line should be on the table for Ryan Poles when looking at his lone third round selection.

Chicago Bears round three target: Jack Sawyer

For the time being, there are a good amount of edge rushing prospects that could be available for the Bears in the second round. Knowing the draft, things can change quickly. If Chicago isn’t completely solid on their options in the second round at edge, Jack Sawyer could be a guy they target at 72.

Sawyer spent all four of his years at the collegiate level representing the Ohio State Buckeyes. It was only fitting the the Columbus native got to play for his hometown team, and he built a legacy for himself as one of the more respected players in program history.

The 22-year-old posted nine sacks in his final season with the Buckeyes where he was a driving force of their National Championship squad. Sawyer being a proven winner and leader with one of the biggest programs in the country certainly earns him points as a day two prospect.

Sawyer is 20 pounds off being the ideal frame of an edge in Dennis Allen’s system, but the Bears would likely need to get over that if they are waiting until the third round to address the position. His brute strength and impressive bull rush technique on the outside is what makes him such an intriguing prospect and he would rotate in nicely to the Bears’ current edge rushing unit.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: