2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at edge rusher

Q: What are the Chicago Bears' biggest needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears need to address key positions including defensive line, safety, and offensive tackle.

Q: How many draft picks do the Chicago Bears have for the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears have seven draft picks, including four in the top 89 selections.

Q: Who did the Chicago Bears sign during the 2026 offseason?

The Bears signed Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, and wide receiver Kalif Raymond.

Q: Which key players did the Chicago Bears lose before the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears lost wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and safety Kevin Byard, among others.

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at edge rusher

The Chicago Bears are in the middle of another important offseason, where they're looking to shore up the roster and remain contenders in Ben Johnson's second season as head coach as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.

The Bears didn't make any big splashes in free agency, where their biggest move was signing Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant to fill one of two starting safety vacancies left by the departing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Chicago also added linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and wide receiver Kalif Raymond. But the Bears also suffered some big losses, including wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Byard and Brisker, as well as center Drew Dalman, who shockingly retired.

Chicago has seven draft picks that includes four selections in the top 89, including a pair of second rounders, where they can address some of their biggest needs, including defensive line, safety and offensive tackle.

Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Next up is edge rusher, which remains a key area of need for a Bears defense that was among the worst in sacking the quarterback last season.

Who's on the roster?

Montez Sweat
Dayo Odeyingbo
Austin Booker
Daniel Hardy

The Bears are returning three significant contributors at defensive end led by former Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, who had a bounce-back year with 53 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 18 QB hits, 53 pressures, three forced fumbles and five pass breakups. While Sweat wasn't a superstar at the position, he was consistent and was easily the best part of Chicago's struggling pass rush. He could certainly benefit from another big name opposite him. The Bears were banking on Dayo Odeyingbo to thrive opposite Sweat, but he proved to be a non-factor in Dennis Allen's defense. Odeyingbo, who signed a three-year deal worth $32 million guaranteed last offseason, totaled just one sack in eight games before suffering a torn Achilles in Week 9.

Meanwhile, Austin Booker missed the first seven games of the season after suffering a knee injury during the preseason, which was disappointing given his dominant showings. But when he returned to the lineup, he picked up where he left off and became an impactful player opposite Sweat. Booker totaled 35 tackles, including five for loss, 4.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, 29 pressures, one forced fumble and three pass breakups in 10 games. The Bears also brought back Daniel Hardy, who was slated to hit free agency, where he'll serve as key depth as well as a core special teams contributor.

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear

Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss

04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT

Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Who departed this offseason?

Dominique Robinson
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

The Bears didn't lose any significant contributors to free agency, with both Dominique Robinson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka departing. Robinson, a former fifth-round pick, spent four years with the Bears, where he served as a depth and rotational player off the edge. He also played a key role on special teams. In four seasons, Robinson totaled 68 tackles, including six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven QB hits and three pass breakups in 46 games with eight starts.

Chicago acquired Tryon-Shoyinka from the Cleveland Browns in a swap of late-round picks with the Bears sending a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Tryon-Shoyinka and a 2026 seventh-round pick. Tryon-Shoyinka served as a short-term solution after Dayo Odeyingbo went down with a season-ending torn Achilles.

Positional need: High

The Bears' biggest needs this offseason rest along the defensive line, both defensive end and defensive tackle. The pass rush as a whole is a massive concern for Chicago after totaling just 35 sacks on the year, which was the seventh-fewest in the NFL. While the Bears' top three defensive ends -- Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker -- are all back in 2026, the pass rush was virtually nonexistent last season. Chicago needs to add new players to the mix and find a way to pressure the quarterback if they hope to contend next season. After failing to make a move in free agency, general manager Ryan Poles needs to prioritize overhauling the defensive trenches, much like he did with the offensive line last offseason, in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Top draft prospects

Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
David Bailey, Texas Tech
Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
T.J. Parker, Clemson
Zion Young, Missouri
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

This is a deep edge rusher class that extends beyond the first two rounds. But the Bears need to find an impact defensive lineman in this draft, and that could very well be an edge rusher. Guys like Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. and Texas Tech's David Bailey will likely be long gone before No. 25, but there are others like Akheem Mesidor, Cashius Howell, Keldric Faulk, Clemson's T.J. Parker, Missouri's Zion Young and Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton who would be options.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at edge rusher

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at edge rusher

TL;DR

Who's on the roster?

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Who departed this offseason?

Positional need: High

Top draft prospects

Q&A

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