Jeremiah

Attaochu

It’s the same story for Attaochu, who has yet to appear in 16 games at any point throughout his eight-year career. A sub-package player on 40% of Chicago’s defensive snaps this year, Attaochu had totaled two tackles and a quarterback hit through five games. The team will likely increase Trevis Gipson’s snaps in Attaochu’s stead.

The details of the contract have yet to be released but they aren’t likely to be eye-popping. Attaochu played a mix of special teams and defense while in Denver. He has struggled with injuries throughout his career so his 13 games played in 2020 was a high dating back to 2015. So were his five sacks. Attaochu has a knack for getting to the quarterback and the Bears have relied on a stalwart defense to carry them in recent years. The signing bolsters their pass rush and gives Attaochu a chance to prove his worth and hit the market next year.

A former second-round pick of the Chargers in 2014, Attaochu latched on with the Broncos partway through last season and notched 3.5 sacks across 12 games. He made five starts down the stretch. Attaochu, 27, has 15.5 career sacks.

Attaochu spent the summer with the Chiefs after recording a pair of sacks with the Jets last season. A former second-round pick of the Chargers, Attaochu has some pass-rushing juice off the edge and will try to help replace Bradley Chubb.

Attaochu played 171 snaps for the Jets last season, recording a pair of sacks and a forced fumble. The 26-year-old former second-round pick of the Chargers has bounced around a bit since leaving the Bolts. He’ll compete for a reserve gig.

Attaochu took a step back following a promising, six-sack sophomore year, missing three early-season games with a high ankle sprain before breaking his foot in Week 12. Attaochu turns 24 in January. A 2014 second-round pick, Attaochu will be counted on to take a step forward in his fourth NFL season.

Attaochu was unable to return to the game. The good news is the injury has nothing to do with the broken right foot which prematurely ended his 2016 campaign. He is entering his fourth NFL season, and he will be counted on to take a big step forward after showing promise with six sacks in 2015.

“We’re excited about him,” Telesco said. “We think he’s got a really great future for us.” The 50th overall pick in last year’s draft, Attaochu missed five games to injuries as a rookie, playing just 161 snaps as a situational edge rusher. Now penciled in as San Diego’s starter opposite Melvin Ingram, 22-year-old Attaochu is a candidate for a sophomore leap.

Still only 21, Attaochu (6-foot-3, 252 pounds) is a native Nigerian with experience at both 3-4 outside linebacker and 4-3 end. Although a tad light, Attaochu is an explosive speed rusher with impressive film. He projects as an early-career impact edge disruptor.

Attaochu didn’t play in the high-profile SEC and tore his hamstring at the Senior Bowl, leading to minimal pre-draft buzz. But his college tape is outstanding, and he left Georgia Tech as the school’s all-time leader in sacks. “I like that kid, and in fact I may be in the minority, I like him as a better prospect as an outside linebacker than Dee Ford,” Cosell said of Attaochu. Attaochu clocked forty times of 4.58 and 4.63 at the Yellow Jackets’ Pro Day. He projects as a top-50 pick.