The Chicago Bears are searching for a pass rusher to emerge opposite Leonard Floyd this season, with the obvious hope it will be free-agent signee Aaron Lynch.

Lynch, however, has missed all of training camp with a hamstring injury. It’s been the story of his career. If the former 49er doesn’t emerge as that guy, the Bears will be forced to look to the younger players on the roster to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Enter Isaiah Irving.

Irving was the Bears’ best pass rusher in the Hall of Fame Game and looks like he’s developed since his promising rookie year. His 2017 season began on the practice squad until a promotion in October allowed him to see action in seven games. His first season was cut short due to injury.

In order for Irving to really make a claim for starter’s reps, he has to think and act like one, a sentiment linebackers coach Brandon Staley echoed via the Chicago Tribune.

“So much of it for him is establishing a dominant mindset, (to be) dominant downhill. ‘Hey, if this is a run block, I’m going to make the play. I’m not just going to be where I’m supposed to be. I’m going to make the play.’ That, to me, is the difference of him being a reliable player for us and us counting on him, is him being a producer.

“Not just a guy that’s going out there and performing, but a producer. And I think those two things are different. But he can do it, and he’s shown that he can do it out here on this practice field. He showed it last year in the time that he was with us. And this preseason, he’s made another jump. But there’s still a long way to go.”

Irving looked explosive and athletic against the Ravens but he has to develop the killer instinct that separates the average players from the really good ones. Sowell is trying to tap into that instinct with comments like these, but it’s clear he likes what he sees from his young edge defender.

Irving has a lot to gain Thursday night against the Bengals. Another productive outing will lead to more opportunities to play with the starters as the preseason marches on.