As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears are focused on building a roster that can contend in head coach Ben Johnson's second season. While the offseason has seen some movement, the team's pass rush remains a critical concern that the draft could help address.

The Bears' free agency period was relatively quiet. The most notable addition was safety Coby Bryant, a Super Bowl champion brought in to fill a starting role. The team also signed linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, and receiver Kalif Raymond. However, significant departures, including wideout DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and the surprising retirement of center Drew Dalman, have created new roster holes to fill.

Holding seven draft picks—including four within the top 89 and a pair of second-rounders—Chicago has the capital to target its biggest needs. High on that list is the defensive line, specifically the edge rusher position, where generating consistent pressure has been a struggle.

For a defense that ranked among the league's worst in sacks last season, finding a dynamic edge presence is paramount. The current group is led by veteran Montez Sweat, who rebounded with a solid 10-sack campaign, providing steady pressure and leadership. However, the plan for a formidable bookend rusher faltered when big-ticket free agent Dayo Odeyingbo managed just one sack before a season-ending Achilles tear.

This leaves a glaring need for a high-impact player opposite Sweat. With promising young talent like Austin Booker in the mix and valuable draft assets at their disposal, the Bears' front office has a major opportunity in the 2026 draft to finally solidify their edge rush and transform a defensive weakness into a strength.