Overview
- After losing Tremaine Edmunds and safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens, Chicago added mostly depth pieces such as Coby Bryant, Devin Bush, Neville Gallimore, James Lynch, Kentavius Street and center Garrett Bradbury.
- Post–free-agency mock drafts project a defensive lineman at No. 25, frequently mentioning Clemson’s Peter Woods or Christen Miller, with alternatives including edge rushers Zion Young and Akheem Mesidor, safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and receivers Omar Cooper Jr. or Jordyn Tyson.
- Coverage highlights the interior defensive line as the Bears’ biggest remaining roster gap after veteran signings failed to secure a starter-caliber presence.
- On offense, projections show continuity around quarterback Caleb Williams after his record-setting 2025, with left tackle expected to be a three-way competition between Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr. and Theo Benedet.
- With limited splash moves in free agency, observers say general manager Ryan Poles faces heightened pressure to turn the draft into immediate defensive help.