One of the bigger names and favorite prospects when it comes to a Chicago Bears target in the 2026 NFL Draft has been Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell. An explosive and violent prospect, who would fit well with Dennis Allen's crew, might just get selected right before the Bears have their shot.
At pick no. 25, the Bears may always have a chance to trade up if they liked Howell that much. However, like many experts have already gone on record to say, the best place to take a pass rusher in this draft might just be on Day 2.
This class is loaded with talent at the position, so if Chicago were to miss out on someone like Howell and go a different route in Round 1, general manager Ryan Poles would still have a plethora of options in Rounds 2 and 3.
The Chicago Bears have some ripe EDGE options on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Gabe Jacas, Illinois
If the Bears are looking for someone similar to Howell, then look no further. Illinois standout pass rusher Gabe Jacas wouldn't have to go far to find his home in the NFL, and he offers a lot of similar traits to Howell.
Standing even taller at 6-foot-4 and weighing just a bit more at 260 pounds, Jacas prioritizes physicality. If you're looking for the definition of a violent edge defender on Day 2, Jacas is your guy. He combines his physical style of play with strength in his core and an anchor to back it up.
Jacas brings 50 career collegiate games of experience with him and the team captain patch. He's as NFL-ready a pass rusher to take on Day 2 as anyone else in this same tier. 19.0 sacks and 26.0 tackles for loss over the last two seasons, to go along with a whopping six forced fumbles, make Jacas the perfect fit in this Bears defense which prioritizes taking the ball away.
If there's one area he lacks in, it's quickness. Footwork isn't as precise or quick as you might like to see, but all of his other traits more than make up for it.
Malachi Lawrence, UCF
A bit of a different taste from Jacas, UCF's Malachi Lawrence does, indeed, bring the foot quickness you see in some of the elite pass rushers in the NFL. His get-off is one of a total pro, firing off the line and ready to use one of his many pass rush moves on opposing linemen.
If there is one word to describe Lawrence, it's "explosive." His motor is always going, and it's always going quickly. Whether it's off the line of scrimmage or finishing a play, Lawrence does it in an explosive manner. He does it fast and as efficiently as possible.
That closing speed also allows Lawrence to be a pest for those mobile quarterbacks. He isn't one you want to leave unblocked, even if you're someone with the skill set of, let's say, Lamar Jackson.
Often times, linemen also have difficulty trying to figure out his arsenal of moves, too, because he's always switching them up. He has far too many moves to keep track of, making it very difficult to calculate the next ont.
Romello Height, Texas Tech
Finally, let's talk Texas Tech's Romello Height. A little more undersized and probably better suited to go in Round 3, whereas the above two could easily be taken in the top 60, Height could afford to put on a bit more muscle. Standing 6-foot-3, 239 pounds, he's smaller than the others listed here.
As you might guess when we're talking about an undersized prospect, Height more than tries to make up for his lack of size in other departments. Speed and explosion are certainly there when you watch him play. But, there is a sense of fluidity to him as well. He moves smoother than some in his class, which makes him entirely different to block.
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Whereas guys like Howell, Jacas or Lawrence can use more force, Height is simply a smooth mover -- but don't let that fool you. His relentless pursuit is what makes him a Day 2 guy. The fact that he keeps his legs churning and hands active help him make up for where he lacks in other areas.