Chicago Bears: Immediate Reaction to Trevis Gipson

The Chicago Bears traded with the Minnesota Vikings for the 155th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. With that pick, they selected edge rusher Trevis Gipson.

The Chicago Bears, under the direction of general manager Ryan Pace, have made at least one trade in every draft since 2015. That streak continued in 2020. Pace and the Bears traded their 2021 fourth-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings’ fifth-round pick in this year’s draft.

With that pick, the Bears selected Tulsa edge rusher Trevis Gipson. The move also plays into Pace’s tendency to go after small school prospects.

Gipson provides the Bears good depth. He is a solid player who has the skills to eventually start. He has the body (6-foot-3, 261 pounds) and athleticism to succeed at the higher level. Additionally, he has an explosive and long first step that gives him an advantage against would-be blockers. He also uses his long stride to make some huge lateral moves.

Gipson has a high motor and plays like he hates the quarterback. He has the traits to have a good bull rush. When he gets his hands right, they are violent. Also, he has the wiggle to get around blocks. He had 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2019.

Gipson is still a developing player. He had to gain 60 pounds to play the position. However, he is in a situation in Chicago where he can just come in every now and then. He doesn’t have to step in and be a big contributor. The Bears have Robert Quinn and Khalil Mack as the starters and Markevius Mingo and James Vaughters as the backups.

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With Gipson’s abilities, he’ll be a situational pass rusher early on. When he develops, he’ll become a primary backup. When Quinn eventually leaves, Gipson can be a good option to start.

Gipson is a projection pick much like Cole Kmet. Both players will play some in 2020, but the Chicago Bears see each of them as eventual starters.

Grade: B. Solid pick to add depth and eventually a starter.