The Chicago Bears are expected to make some changes to their roster this offseason, which could mean new faces joining the defense.
After finishing in the bottom 10 in total defense, it was expected that Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen would see some changes. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter are already tied up in trade rumors, and the secondary has four starters hitting the free agent market.
That leaves the 2026 NFL Draft as the place where the Bears might have to do most of their work in reconstructing this defense. Bear Goggles On used the Pro Football Network mock draft simulator to pick the Bears' first three picks in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 25: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks demonstrated his athletic abilities at Florida, but a foot injury cost him all but three games last season. He tested well at the NFL Combine as he had the second-longest broad jump with 9'6".
Chicago needs help at defensive tackle with Grady Jarrett underperforming horribly in 2025, and Dexter might now be traded. Banks easily comes in as a Day 1 starter that Allen can develop into a great starter for the next few years.
Round 2, Pick 57: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
Haulcy transitioned well from Houston to LSU last year as he was an All-SEC and All-American selection after racking up 89 tackles, four pass deflections, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He tested well at the combine as he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash.
The Bears have Kevin Byard and Jaquan Bisker as free agents, but Byard will be brought back after genearl manager Ryan Poles has mentioned it multiple times throughout the offseason. Haulcy ends up being a great replacement for Brisker as the LSU product can do it all in coverage and create turnovers, which happens to be the Bears' speciality.
Read more: NFL just gave Bears 22 million reasons to make sure Kevin Byard returns in 2026
Round 3, Pick 89. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Height was just one of the many great Red Raider edge rushers from last year, as he got 10 sacks during the season. He ran a fast 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
Dayo Odeyingbo was a massive disappointment as a free agent signing, and with only Montez Sweat and Austin Booker as the reliable edge rushers, the Bears need more help after just 35 sacks last year. They could still land someone like Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby, but Height would be a great player to develop in the next few years.