Pass Rush Preps That Elevated In Early Chicagoland Combines

Pass rushers are premium position players. Four from the Greater Chicagoland Area and one young pup from Downstate Illinois separated themselves early on in the 2026 camp and combine season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1575273' first='Hunter' last='Wahtola'] is competing at 6032 235 early on in 2026. Has a strong and solid looking build. Plays DE on the football field and will work out at both DE and DL3T in the combine setting, showing particularly well inside. Shows good initial jump off the ball and high RPM feet. Strong and active with his hands, good overall technique. Competes hard. Wrestling background certainly comes into play as he attacks with leverage. Looks like a strong prospect for the 3 tech position at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='2053365' first='Owen' last='Roberts'] stands at 6041 234 currently with a noticeable wingspan and frame for growth. This defensive end has burst off the ball and high motor pursuit to the quarterback. He can win the point of attack with his length, athleticism and technique. Already a stock-up type prospect on the defensive front, Roberts is sure to further cement himself as a top trench prospect in the Chicagoland area this offseason, and continue to draw interest coast to coast.     [player_tooltip player_id='2060312' first='Cameron' last='Casey'] is one of the impressive looking EDGE prospects in the state at 6023 232. His frame and body type show dedication to the weight room at a young age. The paws are massive on this pup, signaling excellent growth potential. In the one on one combine setting, Casey wins with raw athletic ability and twitch, creating a high level of disruption. Assuming continued growth and development, this one has a massive ceiling. Certainly one to have on all the watch lists.     Standing at 5115 235, [player_tooltip player_id='1664330' first='Jalen' last='Vannoy'] has play history all across the defensive front at the high school level, but predominantly lined up in the A and B gaps last fall. Vannoy displays good quickness at the line, plays with a high motor, and his athletic ability makes him a tough competitor in the one on one combine setting. This Chicagoland iDL prospect is another that will give every rep his best effort, and has a future playing over the ball at the college level with his ability to create disruption using his athletic traits.     [player_tooltip player_id='2088825' first='George' last='Kalkounos'] looks good on the hoof at 6020 215, and his lean frame can handle some work going forward. On the turf, Kalkounos fires off with burst and highly active with his hands and feet. This edge rusher is a high motor disruptor that immediately places the blocker on the heels. His fluid hips allow him to execute the spin move at the point of attack. He works at both ends of the defensive front. Overall, he displays above average twitch and suddenness, and should be a rising EDGE rusher prospect throughout the 2026 offseason.

Pass rushers are premium position players. Four from the Greater Chicagoland Area and one young pup from Downstate Illinois separated themselves early on in the 2026 camp and combine season.