2024 NFL Draft Evaluation: Bralen Trice, Edge Player from Washington…
Assessing the potential fit of Bralen Trice for the Chicago Bears in the upcoming NFL draft.
As the 2024 NFL draft approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves with remaining roster needs despite limited draft picks. One notable gap is in the pass rush department, where the Bears refrained from major spending during free agency.
Following the impactful addition of Montez Sweat last year, the Bears witnessed a significant shift in their pass rush dynamics, prompting consideration for further reinforcement on the opposite end. Bralen Trice emerges as a viable candidate, particularly on Day 2 of the draft, to complement this defensive strategy.
Trice boasts three years of collegiate experience, having spent five years at Washington, including a redshirt year in 2019 and opting out of the 2020 season. His on-field presence spanned 12 games in 2021, 13 in 2022, and 15 in 2023.
Let’s delve into the scouting report for this prospect ahead of the draft in Detroit:
Bralen Trice, Washington, (6-foot-3, 245 pounds)
According to Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com draft profile:
Trice, a team captain with commendable stature, earns praise for his camaraderie with teammates and coaching staff. While not the most technically refined edge defender, he compensates with tenacity and diligence, translating into notable performance. Possessing a sturdy build, Trice exhibits limitations in edge rushing finesse and struggles in containing tackles during run defense.
His aptitude shines in dynamic defensive setups, yet doubts linger regarding the athleticism and explosiveness required for sustained success at the professional level. Nevertheless, Trice’s relentless attitude and physical prowess position him as a prospective backup end in a 4-3 defensive scheme.
Strengths:
– Demonstrates notable motor and persistence on-field.
– Characterized by high moral standards, earning admiration as a team leader at Washington.
– Displays adeptness in engaging opponents, utilizing effective hand placement.
– Exhibits versatility in both standup and hand-in-the-ground defensive roles.
– Agile movement enables effective maneuvering around tackles.
– Utilizes lower body strength effectively against opposing tackles.
– Shows promise in anchoring against opponents at the point of attack.
Weaknesses:
– Lacks a standout pass rush technique, necessitating refinement at the professional level.
– Occasionally demonstrates sluggish acceleration towards ball carriers.
– Requires developmental time at the next level.
– Notable stiffness impacts pursuit capabilities.
– Struggles with shedding blocks consistently.
Final Assessment:
Should the Bears forego addressing the edge rusher position with their ninth overall pick, targeting Day 2 selections or trade opportunities, Bralen Trice emerges as a compelling option.
His physical attributes align with the Bears’ preferences, offering potential for growth under the mentorship of Sweat and DeMarcus Walker. The fit appears promising for both parties, with Trice showcasing the potential to evolve into a formidable pass rusher with nurturing and development.
Trice’s suitability for the Bears’ 4-3 defensive scheme renders him a worthwhile consideration for a Day 2 selection, effectively addressing a pressing team need.
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