Bears go unnecessarily risky route to address need in new NFL mock draft

As the Chicago Bears shift into offseason mode, the primary priority is clear. After the offense got ample attention last offseason, it's the defense's turn this offseason. It's not a ridiculous idea that most of their draft capital should be used on defensive players, to add depth and youth to that unit in multiple swoops.

Getting down to it, all three levels of the Bears' defense may deserve some level of draft attention depending on how free agency shakes out. But if we're going to focus on one area, it would be the defensive line after a lackluster pass rush and struggles to stop the run were a dire combination this season.

Early 2026 mock drafts definitely point that direction for the Bears, with defensive tackle or edge rusher regularly tabbed as their pick at No. 25 overall.

Bears go risky direction to fill need in new PFF mock

Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett proved to be more name than game in his first season as a Bear, with 1.5 sacks and a Pro Football Focus run defense grade (41.9) that came in 103rd out of 130 qualifying defensive tackles.

Jarrett's most regular running mate on the interior of the Bears' defensive line, Andrew Billings, was even worse with a PFF run defense grade that landed 114th out of those 130 qualifiers. And if Billings isn't noticeable against the run, he brings nothing else to the table.

The Bears signed Jarrett to a three-year deal last offseason, and the way the deal is structured says they're stuck with him for one more year. But Billings is a free agent, so he's as good as gone.

In the latest mock draft for PFF, analyst Dalton Wasserman has the Bears taking University of Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 25th overall pick.

"Chicago’s path to true championship contention will require significant defensive improvement, starting with the pass rush after the team ranked 25th in the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade this season. While he saw limited playing time this year, Florida’s Caleb Banks offers a high-upside (interior) rusher after generating more than 50 pressures across the 2023 and 2024 seasons."

Banks missed all but three games this season due to a foot injury he suffered in fall camp. For a man of his size (6-foot-6, 330 pounds), a foot issue that lingers like that is an automatic concern.

Price Carter of Arrowhead Addict has offered a concise summary of Banks' strengths and weaknesses with some video clips.

As a reflection of his potential, Banks is 16th on PFF's pre-draft Big Board right now. As Senior Bowl week gets going, ESPN's Matt Miller also has the former Gator as the prospect he's most looking forward to seeing in Mobile.

"Banks stands out on tape when healthy. But he wasn't healthy this past season after suffering a foot injury in fall camp that ultimately limited him to three games. If he's well enough to participate this week, Banks could reignite the Round 1 buzz he had entering the season. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound nose tackle has a rare speed-to-power combination that would be a must-watch in individual drills against Senior Bowl offensive linemen."

In Wasserman's mock, Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker, who easily garners mention as a potential first-round target for the Bears at this early stage, was not taken until No. 31 overall. Miami (FL) edge rusher Akheem Mesidor was also available. Instead, he had Chicago taking a risk-reward chance on Banks, who Carter compared to a fourth-round pick last year.

Read more: Bears matched with $50 million free agent solution for a core defensive woe

Sometimes, big draft risks reap big rewards. But it's fair to say Bears fans will be fine if general manager Ryan Poles keeps it comfortably between the lines in the first round this year, and the 25th overall pick ultimately yields a more stable-looking asset than Banks.