The Chicago Bears are coming off a successful 2025 season that included an 11-6 record, an NFC North title and the team’s first playoff win in 15 years. So this offseason will be about bolstering the roster to ensure that they make a return trip to the postseason.
Last offseason, the Bears shored up the offense by overhauling the offensive line (with the trades for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as the signing of Drew Dalman and drafting of Ozzy Trapilo) and drafting more playmakers in tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III. Now, Chicago will look to do the same on defense.
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The Bears’ biggest roster needs are along the defensive line at edge rusher and defensive tackle, and there are some solid options in the 2026 NFL Draft at both positions. Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman has Chicago landing Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 25th overall pick in his latest 2026 mock draft.
Chicago’s path to true championship contention will require significant defensive improvement, starting with the pass rush after the team ranked 25th in the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade this season. While he saw limited playing time this year, Florida’s Caleb Banks offers a high-upside edge rusher after generating more than 50 pressures across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The Bears pass rush left plenty to be desired as they struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback, totaling just 35 sacks (tied for seventh worst in the NFL). Montez Sweat had double-digit sacks (10.5) and Austin Booker showed promise after making his return from injury, but Dayo Odeyingbo was lost for the season to a torn Achilles and the pass rush overall was a massive weakness. Adding a high-upside pass rusher like Banks wouldn’t be a bad idea.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 mock draft: Chicago targets defensive line with 25th pick