You'd be hard-pressed to find a Chicago Bears fan who wasn't at least intrigued by the idea of selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
His tape shows a player who could immediately change the face of this Bears defensive line. Despite the medicals being in question, Banks is one of those picture-perfect picks for a Bears defense that desperately needs help in this area.
Now, if Chicago were to miss out on Banks, whether it be in the first or early second round, Ryan Poles still has some excellent options. In fact, the Bears' options on the interior defensive line go much further than you think.
Well into Day 2 of the draft, the Bears could still find an impact player. So, if they don't end up with Banks, Chicago might be able to gift Dennis Allen with one of three other particular prospects.
The Chicago Bears have strong defensive tackle options in the 2026 NFL Draft, even outside of Caleb Banks
Domonique Orange, Iowa State
If the Bears want a nose tackle that will be borderline-impossible to run on, Domonique Orange is the right call on Day 2. The Iowa State product is a pure run stopper, and while he doesn't offer much in terms of pass rush, his sheer size and traits make him an attractive, starting-caliber interior lineman.
At 6-foot-2, 322 pounds, Orange boasts a hefty, sturdy anchor, which makes him difficult to move out of the A-gaps. Any opposing team looking to run the ball needs to game plan for that ball carrier to likely take a route other than going right at Orange, because the alleyway won't open.
Speaking of a ball carrier taking another lane, that might not even be enough to stop Orange due to his long arms. Orange's length gives him the ability to get his hands on runners from neighboring gaps, even making him one of the premier run stuffers in the class.
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Moving on to a different breed, Oklahoma's Gracen Halton is less of a nose tackle and more of a true defensive tackle who, unlike Orange, has some pass-rush ability. The 6-foot-3, 293-pound Oklahoma product should be a viable option on Day 2.
Possessing a nice set of skills that fit well both against the run and in passing situations, Halton could join a defensive line group as potentially the first man off the bench. He may not be a true starting-quality player, but his skill set is best used in bunches as a rotational player.
Against the run, Halton shows high-level responsiveness, getting to the correct lanes and moving well laterally. He isn't one of those one-dimensional, interior pass rushers. Halton will, indeed, bolster a team's run defense.
In passing situations, though, he's also swift enough to work his way to the quarterback. His high energy and motor are what allow him to get after the quarterback well, despite a lack of size.
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Finally, another prospect in the same hemisphere is Darrell Jackson Jr. from Florida State. He, too, could be a Day 2 guy who makes a team like Chicago very happy. To do that, though, Jackson will need to get some good coaching and make the most of it.
If you're someone who is always out on a "traits only" prospect, then Jackson isn't for you. But his raw traits and frame are tantalizing. Jackson's wingspan, for example, is a staggering 7-foot-2. And at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, he is a specimen on tape.
Jackson brings a little pass rush prowess to the table along with being able to easily take up enough space to man multiple gaps against the run -- but that's just natural, God-given physical ability. It's his technique that needs work. And, if Jackson refines his technique (all-around), be it his footwork, hands, and playing height, he could become a force.
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If all he did was start to play lower and refuse the temptation to stand up, that'd make a heck of a difference. Jackson has the potential to be a monstrous freight train in the middle, but only if he takes to NFL coaching.