No one should be surprised if the Bears use their second first-round pick to support their first. If the right offensive prospect isn’t available at No. 9, however, Florida State pass-rusher Jared Verse would make plenty of sense.

The Bears defense showed growth down the stretch in 2023, particularly after the acquisition of Montez Sweat. However, Chicago could use a bookend pass-rusher opposite Sweat, who signed an extension just days after the Bears traded for him.

Verse, the top-rated defender on the B/R board, could be that long-term complement.

“He can put offensive tackles on their heels with his ability to turn speed to power as a pass-rusher, and he has good use of hands paired with the bend to win around the edge using finesse moves like a cross chop or arm over,” Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

Verse can be a future star, and in Chicago, he’d make it virtually impossible for opposing teams to double Sweat on a down-to-down basis. He’d add a significant boost to the overall defense, and while that wouldn’t directly support a rookie quarterback, it would help his development.

Young quarterbacks often struggle because they’re taking over bad teams. Adding Verse would help ensure that Chicago has a strong, well-rounded roster.