NFL draft expert offers some sound advice for the 2026 NFL Draft that the Bears would be wise to listen to
The Chicago Bears need a defensive overhaul this offseason and the draft is ripe with talent at a position of need.
The Chicago Bears have several areas of need going into the start of the offseason but the overall roster is in a solid position compared to the other offseasons general manager Ryan Poles has led this team through over the past few years.
Everyone is hoping the Bears made a big splash for someone like Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson in the next few weeks is probably going to be disappointed. Chicago can certainly be active on the open market, but the team will take strategic swings to find clear upgrades at an affordable price.
The real splash for this team is going to be made during the draft and one position group looks to be ripe for the picking that the Bears need to take advantage of.
NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah continues to praise the incoming DL class
If you’re in need of some young and talented pass rushers, you’re in luck this year. All signs point toward a strong defensive line class to the point NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah is urging teams to double-dip if possible.
“If you need an edge rusher, this is a good draft to double up,” Jeremiah wrote on X. “The depth of the class is impressive. I’ve got 10 guys worthy of a spot in top 50 players. There’s another layer of traitsy players beyond that group.”
This should be music to the hears in Chicago and the Bears would be wise to listen to that sound advice. Looking at the various mock drafts in the industry, a heavy majority are expecting the Bears to select a defensive lineman with their first-round pick and I’d side with Jeremiah that the Bears should be one of the teams looking to double up at the edge rusher position.
The Bears need a strong stable of pass rushers going into the 2026 season after seeing what the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks showed during the last two Super Bowls. Teams with a strong rotation of pass rushers are coming out on top these days and the Bears can’t afford to have another disappointing unit.
Chicago’s stable going into the 2026 season is comprised of Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, Gervon Dexter Sr., Dayo Odeyingbo, Grady Jarrett, and Shemar Turner. Adding at least two more players to that unit is a must this offseason and the draft would be a great way to do so that’s cost-friendly.
Chicago Bears 2025-26 Season Sack Leaders
- DE Montez Sweat: 10.0 sacks
- DT Gervon Dexter Sr.: 6.0 sacks
- DE Austin Booker: 4.5 sacks
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson: 3.0 sacks
Since taking over as the general manager, Poles has drafted six total defensive linemen with only Booker and Dexter turning out to be solid players for the Bears. Now that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is in the room helping, it’s time the Bears firmly invest in the defensive line.
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