Every Chicago Bears fan is hoping that the 2026 NFL Draft will have the team fill one position at pick 25.
Edge rusher has been talked about over the last few months after the Bears missed out on players like Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson in the offseason, leading many to believe Chicago will address the position in the draft. ESPN NFL reporter Peter Schrager released his final mock draft, in which the Bears select Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker with the 25th overall pick.
"Edge is a big need for Chicago. The Bears have to find someone to create pressure opposite Montez Sweat. We might see a little push for edge rushers at the end of Round 1, and Chicago could land Parker with the hope that he gets back to his 11-sack production of 2024 (he had five in 2025)."
Peter Schrager predicted that the Bears will select T.J. Parker
The 2025 season was a down year for Parker, as he recorded only five sacks, a surprise after his 11-sack performance in 2024. Parker has been a second-team All-ACC selection in 2024 and was a freshman All-American in 2023.
Last year, the Bears only had 35 sacks in 17 regular season games, with Montez Sweat leading the way with 10. Coming in second was defensive tackle Gervon Dexter with six sacks.
That has been an issue for the Bears, really, since Khalil Mack left the franchise, as Chicago has struggled to find a consistent pass rusher over the years. Sweat was finally able to put together a solid season, but Bears fans want more from the group, and Parker would be able to help with that.
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Chicago has other positions it could target: offensive tackle, safety, and defensive tackle. Edge rusher, though, would be a game-changer for the defense that desperately needs it.
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