The Chicago Bears have been connected to several edge rushers in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While the position is clearly a need, not every prospect is viewed as a clean fit. According to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, there is one specific edge rusher the Bears should avoid.
Ballentine evaluated every team and identified one player each team should pass on. For the Bears, he selected Malachi Lawrence.
"“Lawrence, a 6-foot-4, 253-pound edge, has incredible athleticism, but he did some of his best work standing up. There's legitimate concern about his ability to hold up against bigger tackles on the perimeter in the run game.”"Alex Balletine
Should the Chicago Bears avoid Malachi Lawrence in the 2026 NFL Draft?
That concern ties directly into how Chicago wants to build its defense. While defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has some flexibility in his schemes, his system typically relies on edge rushers who can play with their hand in the dirt and consistently defend the run. Lawrence’s profile does not fully align with that expectation, which raises questions about how he would be used.
There are other edge rushers who appear to be cleaner fits. Prospects such as T.J. Parker, Akheem Mesidor, and Keldric Faulk all bring the size and play style that better match what the Bears look for. Each has shown the ability to play with their hand in the dirt while also holding up against the run. If any of those players are available at pick 25, they would likely be stronger options.
The issue is that there is a realistic chance all three could be off the board by the time the Bears pick. If that happens, Chicago will have to decide whether to shift to another position or consider a different type of edge rusher. That could lead to a discussion around Zion Young, who may be viewed as a better scheme fit even if it means reaching slightly based on draft position.
Another name that comes up in this range is Cashius Howell, who has been mocked to the Bears more frequently than Lawrence. However, his fit may be even more questionable. Like Lawrence, Howell has done much of his work standing up, but he also raises additional concerns regarding his physical profile. That combination could make it even more difficult to project him into Allen’s system.
With Lawrence, there are at least flashes suggesting he could adapt, depending on how he is used. His athletic traits leave room for interpretation, especially if his previous role was scheme-driven. Howell, on the other hand, would likely require more significant adjustments from the defense to maximize his skill set.
Read more: Bears should target these perfect position with each 2026 draft pick
Because of that, the Bears may need to be cautious about forcing a pick at edge rusher if the right fit is not available. Even though the position is a priority, the overall fit within the defensive system remains a key factor in determining whether a prospect is worth selecting in the first round.
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