Are the Bears working on a Jalen Carter backup plan for the Draft?
It’s no secret that landing Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 draft is a dream scenario for the Chicago Bears.
But given Carter’s legal troubles (he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing on Thursday and will face no jail time), and teams like Arizona and Seattle drafting ahead of them, the Bears may be considering a Plan B should Carter not work out, according to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline.
“One team also showing interest [in Clemson DT Bryan Bresee] are the Bears,” Pauline wrote. “Could Bresee be the contingency plan if the Jalen Carter situation is not settled by draft weekend? It’s seeming more plausible to me.”
Defensive tackle is arguably the biggest position of need for Chicago, and Bresee fits the Bears’ defensive scheme almost perfectly. He helped his draft stock at the combine after running the fourth-best 40 time among defensive linemen (4.86) and showcasing many of the traits that put him on the map at Clemson including a quick first-step, quick hands, and ability to push offensive linemen back.
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Bresee totaled 51 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four passes defensed, a forced fumble and an interception in three years at Clemson.
Once considered a safe bet to be taken No. 1 overall, Carter’s draft stock has taken a hit over the last few weeks due to his alleged involvement in a Jan. 15 wreck that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, plus his poor showing during Georgia’s pro day on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old DT reportedly showed up nine pounds heavier than he was at the NFL Combine and didn’t finish his position drills due to poor conditioning, per ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. He did not run the 40-yard dash or do other agility drills.
More must-reads: