The Bears hosted Florida State defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for a pre-draft visit last week, a team source said Monday.
Edwards’ draft stock has taken off since the Seminoles’ pro day on March 31. He’s now considered a possible first-round selection.
“Edwards had an outstanding pro-day workout, looking athletic and moving around well with great explosion,” NFL Media analyst Gil Brandt, the Dallas Cowboys’ former vice president of player personnel, wrote after Florida State’s pro day. “Edwards really helped himself in the draft at the pro day.”
Edwards, who entered the draft as a junior, was a two-year starter at Florida State and an all-conference selection by media and coaches in 2014.
Edwards, the only true freshman to start on the Seminoles’ defense in 2012, appeared in 36 games with 26 starts in his college career, totaling 89 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
The Bears need defensive linemen for their new 3-4 defense, and Edwards makes for a versatile option. He’s listed at 6-3 and 279 pounds.
