In the Ben Johnson era, the Chicago Bears have moved away from the 'collecting talent' phase and into a surgical 'building a system' phase.
As they enter the 2026 draft cycle, the focus in the scouting room isn't on which helmet decal is the most familiar. It’s about who fits the distinct requirements of offensive coordinator Press Taylor and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Offense: The Hybrid Chess Piece
Under Johnson and Taylor, Chicago runs an offense built on continuity, spacing, and the "Illusion of Complexity." It is a system that thrives when it can remain with 11 personnel (one RB, one TE) while still presenting the power-blocking looks of a heavy set.
- The Scheme: It demands a U tight end who is more than a stationary blocker -- a player with the IQ to line up in the slot, the backfield, or in-line without tipping the play-call.
- The Sleeper: Justin Joly (TE, NC State). A projected mid-round pick and the recent Senior Bowl Tight End MVP, Joly is the ultimate system fit. with Durham Smythe expected to enter free agency. At 6-foot-3 and 251 lbs (verified), he won’t be mistaken for a traditional "Y" road-grader, but he understands the nuance of the position required to succeed from varying alignments. His ability to moonlight as an H-back could allow Taylor to use him as a lead blocker on one snap and a primary seam-stretcher on the next, keeping defenses in a constant state of mismatch with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet already in place.
Defense: The High-Motor Finisher
With Dennis Allen at the helm, the Bears’ defense is built on pressure and gap discipline. Allen’s 4-3 front doesn't just ask ends to rush the passer; it asks them to be containment specialists who can convert speed to power instantly.
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- The Scheme: The unit relies on designated pass rushers rotationally who can win early in the rep.
- The Sleeper: Nadame Tucker (EDGE, Western Michigan). Despite leading the nation in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss in 2025, Tucker remains a Day 3 sleeper. Tucker is a prospect with violent hands and a first step that mirrors the smaller, explosive rushers Allen has historically turned into productive pieces.