BYU's Bronson Kaufusi an intriguing five-technique prospect for Chicago Bears

MOBILE, Ala. - Bears general manager Ryan Pace has an affinity for long defenders. His first prize free-agent signing, Pernell McPhee, has 34⅜-inch arms. Alan Ball, albeit a less successful 2015 addition, was signed largely because of his 6-foot-2 frame and long limbs.

Much like his college production jumps off the page, the length and relentlessness of BYU defensive end Bronson Kaufusi makes an immediate impression when watching him practice at the Senior Bowl.

"Coaches, they always want me to use my length, so I always try to perfect those little things - extension, getting off the ball, running to the ball," said Kaufusi, 6-6, 281 pounds, with a 79 ½-inch wingspan, after showing off his pass-rush repertoire during Tuesday's South practice.

Kaufusi's unique size alone would be enough to appeal to NFL clubs. When adding in his 11 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles during his final season with the Cougars, it's easy to see why teams looking for a boost in pass rush and versatility are intrigued by the athletic and physically imposing former team captain and Cougars basketball player.

"Five-technique, three-, the one-, way outside. I love rushing from everywhere," Kaufusi, whose father, Steve Kaufusi, is BYU's D-line coach said. "I've blitzed off the edge. That's something I just really love to do: disrupt the quarterback."

Indeed, Kaufusi has experience standing up and two-gapping from virtually every D-line post, though he says he sees himself playing end at the next level.

Kaufusi hasn't been quite as dominant as some of his South team peers long the defensive line including Jarran Reed and Noah Spence, but he's already proven he's coachable - he doubled his 2013-14 sacks and tackles for loss numbers as a senior.

"Last offseason I really worked on my hands, worked on my get-off and last year was really a result of that preparation," he said.

The next step in his development, said Kaufusi, is improving on little details. He quickly points out the player he looks up to, reigning three-time defensive player of the year J.J. Watt, is at the height of his powers not just because of his unique physical traits but because of his legendary work ethic.

"(I'm) someone who wants to be there. Who loves the game. Who is always working to get better. Disciplined, listens, someone who always wants to be at their best," he said.

Much like Jihad Ward at Illinois, Kaufusi is a player who has many of the traits the Bears covet, and someone to keep an eye on in the early-to-mid rounds as Chicago looks to revamp its 30-front.

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