Bears: 3 Tom Herman connections in the 2021 NFL Draft

1. EDGE Joseph Ossai

I wrote about Joseph Ossai as a potential fit in Tampa Bay a couple of months ago but he might not even be there at 32. This explosive edge rusher will be likely be drafted in the first round in April or very early in the second round. Off the edge for Texas he had 164 tackles, 11 sacks, and two interceptions in three seasons. His breakout season was in 2019 where he had 90 tackles and sacks with two picks.

What I like about Ossai is his ability to disrupt the passing game without having to actually make the sack or be close to the quarterback. He is 6-foot-4 and has great length to separate from the blocker and disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses.

I also love his burst and his ability to start out of a stance and make a nice move to get in the backfield quick. His motor on tape should definitely stick out to NFL teams looking to upgrade the edge in the first round.

Some possible destinations for this former team captain for Herman would be New Orleans at 28, Buffalo at 30, Atlanta at 35 and Miami at 36. Chicago would be a little to early for my liking for Ossai at 20 but who knows a potential trade back might reunite Ossai and Herman in the Windy City.