Chicago Bears final mock draft before the 2023 NFL Draft
258. Bumper Pool, LB, Arkansas
Arkansas. Bumper Pool. player. LB. 258. 844. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
In the Chicago Bears’ defensive scheme, the linebackers are very important. Poles did a great job of improving the unit. He signed both Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. That, along with moving Jack Sanborn to the outside, makes the Chicago linebackers young, athletic, and tough. Despite that, the Bears still need some depth. Bumper Pool can help with that.
Pool has a good football IQ. He can sniff out a play like a screen quickly and make the play on the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he uses proper technique to not let him get past him.
Pool projects to be a good backup in the middle. If he does miss a tackle, it will likely be on the edge where an athletic ball carrier could cause him a problem.
Pool plays with the same attitude that describes the city of Chicago. He is a hard-hat, gritty type of player. He will play hard every time he is on the field. We saw how that worked for Sanborn. Pool could be a popular player and help keep the starters healthy and rested.