How Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, already one of the most feared hitters in MLB, has elevated his game in 2026
Yordan Alvarez defies norms with his stellar performance against left-handed pitchers in 2026.
The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, with the Bears projected to select T.J. Parker, an EDGE from Clemson, at No. 25. Other notable picks include A.J. Haulcy, Gracen Halton, and DeāZhaun Stribling.
Simply put, the Bears cannot afford to keep this current defensive line rotation in place. T.J. Parker is a stout defensive end who can set the edge well in the run game with good pad leverage at the point of attack and a sturdy anchor through contact. Heās quick off the ball and can convert speed to power as a pass rusher. His flexibility isnāt out of this world, and his production dropped in 2025 compared to 2024. No prospect you take at No. 25 in this class is going to be flawless, though. Parker is a high-floor edge rusher with underrated speed and a relentless motor to string moves together working through blocks.
Looking at this pick, I had to evaluate possible selections at both No. 57 and No. 60. Some of my favorite prospects like Treydan Stukes and Keionte Scott were both taken, and I didnāt love the value I saw on the board at either center or cornerback. In an ideal world, Iād trade back with one of these picks, but I told myself I wouldnāt trade back in this mock. A.J. Haulcy is a versatile, experienced defensive back who can cover in the box at a high level, especially in the slot. Heās a thickly-built safety who hits hard as a downhill defender and shows impressive effort in pursuit as a tackler. He also has impressive playmaking abilities, showing off his ball-tracking skills and instincts to jump a route in coverage. The long speed is what would drop Haulcy to No. 57, but the floor with him is high.
The top projected picks include T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson), A.J. Haulcy (S, LSU), and Gracen Halton (DT, Oklahoma).
T.J. Parker plays as an EDGE rusher and is known for his strong run defense, quickness off the ball, and high motor.
A.J. Haulcy is a versatile safety who excels in coverage, particularly in the slot, and is known for his tackling and playmaking abilities.
The Bears' pick at No. 25 is crucial as it could address their defensive line needs and set the tone for their draft strategy.
Yordan Alvarez defies norms with his stellar performance against left-handed pitchers in 2026.
Check out Manchester City's predicted lineup against Southampton in the FA Cup!
Mets place Francisco Lindor on the 10-day injured list due to calf strain.
Sam's Club joins as primary sponsor for Kyle Kirkwood at the Indy 500!
Catch the 2026 NFL Draft: Streaming Info and Texans' Strategy
Dodgers shake up batting order as they struggle to find form.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
The 6ā3ā, 293-pound Gracen Halton is an athletic specimen whose elite level testing at the Combine is reflective of what you see from him on tape. Heās explosive in his first step off the line of scrimmage, he has impressive closing speed in pursuit for his position, and heās agile enough to execute stunts and create pressure off the edge. He has a deep arsenal of pass-rushing moves he can string together, and he demonstrates ideal pad level in the trenches. Though Halton isnāt the biggest or strongest defender against the run, heās a high-level pass-rushing threat as a 3-technique defensive tackle. Thatās exactly what the Bears need.
Unless the Bears get really good value at left tackle in the first round, no offensive lineman they draft is going to start in 2026. That said, positional versatility would be a huge plus in whichever blocker they select, assuming they take one early at some position. Brian Parker II was a top performer at tackle for Duke, but due to a lack of length, I project him at center in the pros, where he performed well at the Shrine Bowl. His ability to line up just about anywhere along the offensive line helps him out tremendously. On tape, heās a solid athlete but really wins with accurate strike placement, good pad level, and a high football IQ.
As of this writing, the Bearsā WR5 and WR6 are J.P. Richardson and Maurice Alexander, respectively. Theyāre going to need to improve the depth they have behind their current starting lineup. DeāZhaun Stribling is a player whose projection Iāve seen as high as late Round 2, but Iām in agreement with PFSNās simulator that Round 4 is better value. Heās a bit raw as a route-running technician and doesnāt explode with super sharp cuts, but heās a 6ā2ā receiver with 4.36 speed who has strong hands and is a tenacious run blocker. I like him to compete for the WR3 role with Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker in 2026, with the upside to serve in that role going forward.
A 6ā2ā cornerback with good length whoās been an impact starter for Houston the last two seasons, Latrell McCutchin has the aggression to thrive close to the line of scrimmage in coverage and excel on special teams. He most notably had six special teams tackles for USC in 2022. Heās scrappy through a receiverās stems, and heās a physical tackler at the point of contact. McCutchin also ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the Combine, and while his fluidity and form as a tackler are both works in progress, the tools are there to take a chance on. Donāt be surprised if the Bears draft a cornerback earlier than this if the value is right, however.
Enrique Cruz Jr. has close to 34-inch arms and over 10-inch hands, and he puts those to good use. Heās physical at the point of attack, nasty working through blocks, and possesses high-level play strength when engaged with defenders. The power is what enticed me on tape, but he outperformed my expectations for him at the Combine. With a 35-inch vertical at 313 pounds and a 4.94 40-yard dash with a 1.74 10-yard split, his testing indicates thereās more athletic upside with him than I previously thought.