Bears had pre-draft assembly with Virginia Tech LB Dax Hollifield

January 22, 2023January 22, 2023

The Chicago Bears overhauled their linebacker group after buying and selling Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for second- and fifth-round picks within the 2023 NFL draft.

The Bears have an enormous want at inside linebacker as free-agent acquisitions Nicholas Morrow and Matt Adams are set to hit free company. Proper now, undrafted rookies Jack Sanborn, who shined in his transient stint, and Sterling Weatherford are the one linebackers beneath contract heading into 2023.

Naturally, linebacker goes to be a focus this offseason, the place common supervisor Ryan Poles might discover one other distinction maker within the NFL draft. And Chicago is already doing its homework.

In response to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Community, the Bears met with Virginia Tech linebacker Dax Hollifield on the Tropical Bowl this week, the place the five-year contributor was a preferred identify.

Per Fowler, Hollifield additionally met with the Steelers, Dolphins and Jaguars.

Hollifield, who’s 6-foot-1 and 245 kilos, was a key contributor throughout his 5 seasons at Virginia Tech. He totaled 349 tackles, which ranks fourth all-time in program historical past.

In his senior season, Hollifield led the Hokies with 82 tackles, together with 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a compelled fumble in 11 begins.

Hollifield is a reputation to keep watch over within the later rounds or as an undrafted free agent.