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Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson
Despite addressing a few areas of the roster, the Chicago Bears still have several notable needs, particularly along the defensive line.
And if the latest projections are any indication, the Bears’ first round target in the 2026 NFL Draft may already be coming into focus…
Across the latest mock drafts, one name keeps appearing for Chicago: Peter Woods, defensive tackle out of Clemson.
Free agency didn’t solve Chicago’s biggest defensive issue
GettyDT Peter Woods
The Chicago Bears added veteran depth pieces like Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street in free agency, but the team didn’t land the type of impact pass rusher many expected them to pursue.
The Bears also signed Super Bowl winning safety Coby Bryant, but both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker departed in free agency, leaving at least one starting safety role up for grabs.
However, even with those needs the defensive line (specifically DT) continues to stand out as the biggest long term issue. That’s why so many draft analysts now believe Chicago will target the position early.
According to ESPN’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, Chicago could improve the disruptiveness of its defensive front with the Clemson standout.
“Woods’ high-end flashes separate him from all other interior defenders other than Banks, though his inconsistency could cost him a spot on Day 1,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote.
Former NFL player and analyst Bucky Brooks echoed that, noting that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants his defense to create chaos up front.
“Woods is a talented interior defender with the quickness, agility, and active hands to expand the defensive wizard’s playbook,” Brooks wrote.
ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently projected the Bears selecting Woods with the 25th overall pick, describing him as a “bouncy athlete” who thrives as a penetrating 3-technique.
“The Bears badly need a disruptive defensive tackle,” Reid wrote. “His ability to create quick wins from the inside as an explosive penetrator is something that is sorely lacking in Chicago.”
At 6’2” and nearly 300 pounds, Peter Woods is one of the more intriguing defensive tackles in the draft class. He became a cornerstone of Clemson’s defense over the last three seasons and is still just 21 years old.
Not a perfect prospect, but a logical one
GettyDT Peter Woods
Peter Woods isn’t without questions. His 2025 season wasn’t as productive as many expected, finishing with 30 tackles and two sacks. Some scouts have also raised concerns about his arm length and consistency.
He also skipped most workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and didn’t run a full 40 yard dash at his pro day due to a minor hamstring injury, though he still posted a strong 1.67 second 10 yard split.
Still, those concerns may not matter much if he’s available when Chicago is on the clock. Once viewed as a potential top 10 pick before the season, Woods’ stock has shifted into the late first round range… Right where the Bears are currently selecting.
Sure the Bears still have veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett along with younger pieces like Gervon Dexter and Shemar Turner. But the long term future of the interior defensive line remains uncertain.
The Chicago Bears may still explore pass rushers or defensive backs later in the draft, but if the current trends hold, Chicago’s first round decision in April might already be taking shape.
Garrett Klaus Garrett Klaus is a NFL contributor at Heavy.com, where he covers the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Carolina Panthers. More about Garrett Klaus
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