
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, analysts express concern over which prospects could strengthen NFC North rivals. One standout mentioned is Akheem Mesidor, who is feared for his potential impact if drafted by the Lions.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Gennings Dunker #OL20 of Iowa participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Weāre just three days away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and if everything goes as planned, the Chicago Bears will draft a bunch of future Pro Bowlers, while the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers take bust after bust after bust.
Thatās probably not likely, so we asked our guys to give us the one prospect they really hope doesnāt land with one of Chicagoās rivals, and hereās what we had to say.
Jacob InfanteĀ ā I would not want to face Akheem Mesidor twice a year, so heās someone Iām hoping ends up anywhere besides the Lions (the Vikings likely wonāt take an edge rusher that high, and he wonāt be available for the Packers in Round 2). If youāre drafting late in the first round, youāre never getting a flawless prospect, especially in this weaker class. Mesidor has reason for concern with his age and previous foot issues, but his tape is just as good as nearly any edge rusher in this class. He has such a deep arsenal of moves he can use to beat you, and thereās diversity in how he wins with finesse, power, or just raw speed. His NFL-ready level of physicality and high football IQ should make him an immediate contributor in the league.
Akheem Mesidor is a highly regarded edge rusher whose skills and physicality could make him a significant threat if drafted by teams like the Detroit Lions.
Concerns about Akheem Mesidor include his age and previous foot issues, but his impressive tape showcases his potential as a top edge rusher.
The primary rivals to the Chicago Bears in the NFC North are the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers.
The 2026 NFL Draft is crucial for NFC North teams as they seek to strengthen their rosters, with analysts predicting potential impacts from key prospects like Mesidor.


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Donald GoochĀ ā Jeremiyah Love. If running backs were valued like quarterbacks, Love would be the undisputed 1(1) of this draft and perhaps the last five. I think heās a better running back prospect than both Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson. I would be sick to my stomach if he ended up in Minnesota, listening to Simon and Garfunkelās āHello Darkness My Old Friend,ā or somehow in Green Bay.
Jeff Berckes ā Gennings Dunker, the ginger-mulleted offensive lineman from the University of Iowa, and an Illinois native. The NFC North has a history of drafting Hawkeyes, and itāll be a bummer to see him in the division because heās an absolute vibe. I havenāt heard any ties to the Bears, so Iām hoping he lands in the AFC somewhere, far away from the NFC North.
Bryan OrenchukĀ ā Monroe Freeling, LT ā If this cat slides to the Lions, I will be supremely disappointed. After losing Taylor Decker and finally struggling up front last year, the last thing we need is for them to reload at a premium position with another blue-chip talent for the next 10 years.
Gary Baugher Jr. ā Keep Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II out of this division if the Bears arenāt the ones to take him. Insane catch radius and ability to separate. He is an absolute monster over the middle of the field to boot. My biggest fear would be the Packers landing him.
Erik DuerrwaechterĀ ā USC, WR, Makai Lemon. People question his size, but he plays much bigger than his 5-11, 192-lb frame suggests. Perhaps the best receiver in contested catches this year, and will be a menace if he were to land within the division.
Josh SunderbruchĀ ā DEF (Ohio State). This might be cheating, but there are about four guys from the defense of Ohio State potentially projected to go Round 1, and I just feel like any of them could cause problems for the Bears if they landed in a dangerous spot in the division.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. ā Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who I hope can make it to the Bears at 25, has been mocked to the Minnesota Vikings at 18 quite a bit, and Iād rather they go in a different direction. I also hope Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez lands in the AFC if the Bears donāt snag him.
Now itās your turn. Who is the one guy you want the Bears to avoid?