Over the last few drafts, the Bears have poured resources into building on their offensive platform -- drafting franchise cornerstones, spending money on protection, and identifying skill talent to surround Caleb Williams.
But on the defensive side, particularly in the trenches, the results have lagged behind.
The Bears’ pass-rush win rate sits in the bottom third of the league this fall, a stat that reflects the absence of consistent edge disruptors. Montez Sweat remains the centerpiece of the unit (23 pressures through Week 8), but beyond him, the need for complementary pass-rushing firepower is undeniable.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Bears could look to strengthen that area early -- and there’s no shortage of intriguing edge prospects who fit different timelines and roles for Chicago’s evolving front.
Day One Target: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Parker fits the mold of a dependable, every-down edge rusher whose game is rooted in power, technique, and relentlessness. The 275-pound true junior exploded onto the scene in 2024, racking up 11 sacks in the ACC and establishing himself as one of the conference’s most consistent disruptors.
His explosiveness off the line isn’t elite, but his power-laden rush style and advanced hand usage make him a handful for tackles. He’s technically sound, with heavy hands and the ability to string moves together, setting up rush counters like a veteran.
For the Bears, Parker represents a prospect with both a stable floor and a tantalizing ceiling.
Long term, he’s the kind of player who can be productive right away as a rotational defensive end and grow into a foundational piece.
His strength profile and leverage fit well opposite Sweat, should he remain, giving Chicago a balanced pairing that could finally generate sustained edge pressure. Parker may not be the flashiest athlete in the class, but his reliability, polish, and continued development could make him a day-one impact player in the NFL.
Day Two Target: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
If Parker is the power-based technician, Howell is the dynamic athlete who wins with burst, bend, and flair.
The Texas A&M edge rusher has all the makings of a high-upside pick -- a natural in space with fluid hips and the kind of quick-twitch explosiveness that instantly jumps off the tape. He’s constantly in the backfield, with a knack for timing his get-off and overwhelming blockers who fail to match his pace.
Howell’s combination of speed and hand precision makes him a nightmare for linemen who give him room to operate. The concern, however, lies against longer, more athletic tackles who can jump-set him and close that runway before he hits top gear.
That said, if Howell’s game continues to round out -- especially adding strength and variety to his rush plan -- he has the potential to creep into the late first-round conversation.
For the Bears, he’d bring an athletic element the unit currently lacks: a true speed rusher who can win around the corner and complement the heavier-handed styles of Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
Day Three: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Rounding out the list is Miami’s Mesidor -- a player who feels destined to rise beyond the day three label as the predraft process kicks into high gear.
At 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, Mesidor is built like a modern hybrid lineman, capable of playing off the edge or bumping inside in sub-packages.
His length and leverage stand out, and his understanding of pad level and hand placement allows him to win against both tackles and guards. The former West Virginia transfer has been highly productive in 2025, consistently collapsing pockets and showing a motor that never stops, amassing 25 pressures and four sacks through his first six games.
The Bears have shown a clear interest in versatile defensive linemen, previously taking a flier on players like Dominique Robinson, who could play multiple spots. Mesidor, though, offers more refinement and polish.
Read more: Ben Johnson surprises Bears fans with Caleb Williams evaluation vs. Ravens
He’s strong enough to hold up on early downs, while his ability to convert speed to power gives him third-down appeal. For a defense still searching for depth and identity across its front, Mesidor could be the mid to late-round gem who plays meaningful snaps early in his career.