The Chicago Bears selected BYU defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga with their final pick — 250th overall — in the 2021 NFL draft, and he’s another solid pick-up from GM Ryan Pace in the later rounds.
Tonga appeared in 47 games at BYU, where he totaled 130 tackles, 16.0 tackles-for-loss, 8.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in four seasons. Last season with the Cougars, Tonga recorded 36 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a career-high 3.5 sacks and five pass breakups in 11 games.
While the defensive line wasn’t a significant area of concern, the Bears added a nice developmental prospect in Tonga, who has the chance to work with one of the best defensive lines in the league and learn under Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman.
Ultimately, Tonga is a mountain of a defensive tackle with big physical prowess and versatility along the defensive line. He’s a powerful run-stuffer, but he also has the ability to get after the quarterback, something that’s vital for nose tackles in this pass-happy league.
Grade: B+
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