Chicago Bears fans have been so hung up on the team trying to get an elite edge rusher like Maxx Crosby that they've forgotten the 2026 NFL Draft has so many great ones to choose from.
The Bears are in win-now mode after going 11-6 last season and making it to the NFC Divisional Round. One of the complaints about this Chicago team is that they don't have the pass rush that fans have hoped for after just 35 sacks as a team last season.
Through a week and a half of free agency, the Bears have not done anything to find a new edge rusher to help out Montez Sweat and Austin Booker, but that doesn't mean they don't have better options with the 25th pick in the draft. Here are four prospects that make sense for the Bears to go after.
Zion Young, Missouri
Young is coming off a season where he had career-highs in total pressures (52), sacks (eight), forced fumbles (two), and tackles (21). He is explosive off the line and has proven to be one of the top edge rushers in the draft, who has a chance to land with the Bears. If he is at 25, Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will be begging general manager Ryan Poles to go get him.
T.J. Parker, Clemson
Over the last three years, Parker has put up some good numbers with the Tigers, totaling 21.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss. Parker has ranged from the top 20 to the lower end of the first round. Last season might have been a drop in his numbers, but there's no doubt Parker can play at a high level.
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Thomas has the ability to stop the run while pressuring the quarterback, as he put up 22 tackles for loss over the last two years with the Sooners. The Bears already scouted him out at his Pro Day, so they will have some interest in either getting him late in the first round or, if he drops in the second round,
Read more: Bears fans would love Mel Kiper's mock draft to come true for Montez Sweat's sake
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell was an All-American at Texas A&M last season, racking up 31 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and six pass deflections in 13 games. His last year with the Aggies and that tape is enough for Bears fans to know that he can get to the quarterback easily.