The 2025 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and Chicago Bears fans know what time it is: time to look at the 2026 NFL Draft.
We're somewhat kidding, but we get to who the Bears may be targeting in the 2026 NFL Draft a little later on.
The 2025 NFL Draft left some Bears fans unsatisfied. The Bears added to Ben Johnson's offense with the additions of Colston Loveland and Luther Burden, may have found a steal in defensive lineman Shemar Turner in the second round, and added intriguing options in offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and cornerback Zah Frazier. Having said that, the Bears didn't add a running back until their very last selection, and also avoided adding a safety or edge rusher at any point during the draft.
Barring any free-agent signings or trades this offseason that will have a long-term impact, it feels like safety and edge rusher will be near the top of the list of needs for the Bears next offseason. At safety, both Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are free agents after 2025. The Bears did bring in Dayo Odeyingbo this offseason, but that shouldn't preclude them from prioritizing adding a pass rusher next offseason, especially with Montez Sweat being another year older.
That would be the reason why, with the No. 10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears select Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker to address their need to get to the quarterback. The Bears took advantage of a run on quarterbacks as six quarterbacks were taken ahead of them. That run allowed the Bears to get one of the better defensive players eligible for next year's draft.
The Bears would be drooling if they got T.J. Parker
If Parker repeats his production from 2024 with Clemson, he likely will be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Parker totaled 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles with the Tigers in 2024. That kind of disruption is what the Bears have been begging for on the defensive line.
Of course, the hope is that the Bears won't pick as high as No. 10 in the draft, as this simulator just repeated the order of the 2025 NFL Draft.