The Chicago Bears have usually been in mock draft mode for a few months, but right now the focus is on a playoff push. Still, with Field Yates releasing his first mock draft after the college season, it is always fun to pause the fun of the season to think about what the team may be doing next.
First, it is worth noting that Yates has the Bears picking 23, so not a long playoff run coming. Either way, they edge rusher Cashius Howell from Texas A&M.
"Coordinator Dennis Allen's defense has exceeded expectations with an NFL-high 27 takeaways despite plenty of injuries. But this team needs a spark on the defensive line opposite 29-year-old Montez Sweat. And at this spot, Howell would be the most explosive pass rusher on the board. He stepped into a much larger role for the Aggies this season and thrived, as his 11.5 sacks are tied for fourth most in the FBS. His ability to torque his body and turn a corner tightly is among the best in the class. The Bears are tied for the worst pass rush rate in the NFL (28.6%), so this match makes sense."Field Yates
Chicago Bears go defense in Field Yates first mock draft
It is not quite the time to focus on how the prospect would fit in Chicago. We are still at the point where players can declare or go back to college, so we do not know for sure what the pool of players will look like, let alone who will be in the first round.
Still, what is worth noting is that the Bears are going after an edge rusher. First, this is the fifth edge rusher off the board, and a sixth went after in this first-round mock. So, even if the player fit is not exact, there is a good chance an edge rusher will be there for them to fit the value.
More than that, the Bears certainly need an edge rusher. Dayo Odeyingbo did not prove to be a free agent hit, and now his injury status has his 2026 performance in question as well. Austin Booker and Dominique Robinson have primarily split as the second rusher across from Montez Sweat with Odeyingbo out.
Still, both are better as fourth rushers and end-of-the-rotation rushers, and both are playing a bit too much, showing a defined weakness. The team traded for Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. He could not even get on the field for the Cleveland Browns and is a part of the rotation here.
The Bears are thin, and they lack high-end talent at the edge rusher spot. So, whoever the prospect may be, it would be wise to address this early.
Read more: Caleb Williams wasn't afraid to share cold hard truth about him with Ben Johnson
The interior defensive line could use some help, the safety room may need Kevin Byard to be replaced soon, and they have a big question to answer at left tackle. Still, it is hard to go against an edge rusher.