Jeremiah notes that this year’s interior defensive tackle class lacks a clear blue-chip name, but Woods stands out for his explosiveness and versatility. He projects Woods as the most explosive among the tackles and capable of functioning in both one-gap and two-gap roles, which could give Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen additional athleticism up front.
For Chicago, Woods would pair with Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett to form a dynamic inside trio. While not a pure pass-rush specialist, Woods possesses standout first-step quickness, strong hand speed, and the ability to shed blocks and collapse the pocket when supported by teammates.
The evaluation highlights Woods’ upside, noting his lower-body explosion and movement skills that could translate into long-term starter potential. However, questions remain about his consistency as a pass rusher, with his strongest impact likely coming from disrupting plays and occupying blockers in the interior.
Separately, Adam Schefter reported that he does not expect Maxx Crosby to be traded, which dampens the market for a veteran edge addition. That development leaves Chicago to consider other routes, including free agency or continued drafting, to address the defense’s interior and overall run defense.
Chicago’s 2024 defensive numbers show room for improvement, particularly in run support, where the team ranked 29th in yards allowed per carry and 26th in rushing yards allowed per game. A cost-controlled interior presence like Woods could address those issues without sacrificing future draft capital.
Overall, Jeremiah’s mock draft presents a pragmatic alternative for the Bears: invest in the draft to reinforce the middle of the line and create a more disruptive interior without chasing an immediate blockbuster move. The choice reflects a broader strategy of balancing upside with long-term value as Chicago evaluates its defensive identity.
