5 late round sleepers Bears won't be able to resist in 2026 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears are hoping to address the interior defensive line, edge rusher, safety, center, and left tackle at certain points in the 2026 NFL Draft.

If they have to wait until day three to fill any or a couple of those spots, who are the best sleepers to bet on?

Diego Pounds, LT, Ole Miss

Pounds is one of the better options to become a starter down the road. He has everything you cannot teach in terms of size and athletic traits. He has soft feet for his size, but he needs to get much of his body movement under control before he can start.

Jager Burton, C, Kentucky

Burton is a bit smaller, but he has a great fit and is very athletic for the position. There is a chance that getting him in a weight room and letting him learn to win with leverage could really help him in the future. He is a bit more unrefined but brings similar traits to Garrett Bradbury.

DeMonte Capehart, DT, Cincinnati

Capehart has one role in the NFL. He is going to be a nose tackle who defends the run. He does not bring enough pass-rushing upside, and being a one-dimensional player likely means falling late in the draft. Still, Chicago is lacking in this area.

Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida

Sapp is a big edge rusher who can defend the run and use his hands well to win leverage. He does not bring much juice against the pass, but that is what the Bears need at this point. He can set the edge and defend the run on the early downs, but they can take him off the field for Austin Booker on the passing downs. He is not for everyone, but he is a great fit for Chicago on Day 3.

VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

Payne is a big, thumper of a safety who is a bit old school, which is why he may fall into the day 3 range. However, that could be what the Bears need. Coby Bryant brings more of a free safety skill set, so it would be a stronger complement. Payne may not start day one, but he could push for it and could get on the field for dime snaps.

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