The Chicago Bears are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, where edge rusher is sure to be a focal point to overhaul the roster.

The Bears had just 35 sacks as a team last season, 40 in 2024, and 30 in 2023. The production has been inconsistent, and even when general manager Ryan Poles traded for Montez Sweat, it sure bolstered the production, but it hasn’t been enough.

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Chicago saw positive growth from their former fifth-round draft pick Austin Booker. After starting the season on injured reserve, Booker finished the season with 4.5 sacks, 35 tackles, and five tackles for loss, leaving a lot of room for growth coming into his third season.

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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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bears also had just eight games of Dayo Odeyingbo after he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He still has two years left of his initial three-year deal and Chicago is looking to see more production from him as well.

Not addressing edge rusher in free agency or in the trade market for high-end guys like Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson, Poles elected to keep the draft capital the Bears currently have, and by the looks of it, are looking to address the edge rusher position via the draft. Here are six suitable prospects that the Bears could potentially select come late April.

Zion Young, Missouri

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 263-pounds

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As I said in my first mock draft, Zion Young is a guy the Bears would love to draft with their first pick. With 33-inch arms and a fiery competitiveness, Young is the standard size of an edge rusher who has power, knows how to attack based on blocking schemes, and can counter tackles with an inside move. He impressed during his Senior Bowl performance and finished his senior season with 13 games played, 42 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Young continues to draw attention from teams, as his projection now sits late first round, early second round. But this spot at No. 25, if Chicago stays put, is interesting, because defensive tackles will be there, so will edge rushers, and potentially safeties

Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 276-pounds

Keldric Faulk may be the most interesting edge rusher of the draft class because he has the physical tools at 6-foot-6, 34 ⅜ inch arms, but he offers versatility. He took 30% of his snaps this past season in the interior of the defensive line as a 2-4 tech. He needs to figure out a plan when it comes to attacking as a pass rusher, winning just 11.4% of his one-on-one battles, but he also possesses lots of great production as a run stopper. But this is athleticism, strength, and effort that he plays with – Faulk should hear his name called in the first round because of what he can do.

Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 259-pounds

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Akheem Mesidor is a prospect who has played so much college football, and at the age of 25 comes in as someone who can start Week 1. His first two years at West Virginia, he played both defensive end and nose tackle. He moved to nose tackle during his sophomore season, finishing with 38 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Mesidor is as good at the feel for the game as any edge in the draft and has an array of moves to get to the quarterback. His frame gives him the ability to bend at the edge, which is a problem for the guard if moved inside, and he often gets into the backfield. The only real knock for Mesidor is his height and length, the fact that he is 25 years old.

Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 253-pounds

Cashius Howell has a burst – he’s quick, fast, has a good bend to get around tackles, which is why he had 11.5 sacks this season with 14.0 tackles for loss, but his small frame and inability to use his hands at the point of attack leave so much meat on the bone. On obvious passing down, Howell is so good at attacking the tackle’s outside shoulder and getting around, but not being great against the run doesn’t quite make him a three-down defender right away. This is someone Chicago could target in a scenario where they end up trading back, and Howell is still available, but in Dennis Allen’s scheme, they are targeting large human beings who can play the run.

Gabe Jacas, Illinois

Measurables: 6-foot-4, 260-pounds

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Gabe Jacas is a prospect that won’t be picked in the first round, but is a round pick, and if Chicago is to go elsewhere at No. 25, Jacas is certainly in play at No. 57 or No. 60. Jacas, since his freshman season, has been in a starting role. He has 50 games played in four seasons and has 27 career sacks, including 11.0 this past season. Jacas possesses tremendous power with his hands and drive from his legs. He has a good build with length, and has shown to pursue in the run game, and looks to create turnovers. The only knock against Jacas is that his scheme, when rushing, can become predictable.

Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Measurables: 6-foot-4, 253 pounds,

Like Jacas, Malachi Lawrence is another edge that won’t be drafted in the first round, but he’s primed to hear his name called in the second round and early third round. At 253 pounds, Lawrence and power he loses because of his weight, he makes up with his explosive get-off and array of attacking setups. Lawrence is an athlete and tested well at the combine. He ran a 4.52 40-yard dash and had a 1.59 10-yard split.

The stragety for the Bears at No. 25 will be best availble, which means it could go anywhere from, defensive back, offensive tackle, edge rusher or defensive tackle. But if Chicago chooses to pass up on edge in the first round, there are a nunber of options in the late second round.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears should target one of these edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft