The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears could look to add another pass rusher to bring in to help create depth behind Montez Sweat, while also filling a need that has plagued the franchise for several years.
Last season, the team signed Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, but lost him early in the year to a torn Achilles, which provided another reason for urgency at the position coming into the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Austin Booker missed the beginning of the season before returning and showing promise opposite Sweat.
With four picks in the Top 90 selections of the draft, Chicago has an opportunity to bring in the highest talent with a best player available strategy. There’s been plenty of roster turnover this offseason, and the Bears are expected to spend a good amount of their draft capital on addressing their defense, in one form or another.
We’re examining an edge rusher Chicago can target in each round of the draft. These players share a combination of athleticism, length, and the potential to develop into disruptive pass rushers in Dennis Allen’s defense. A very deep and talented edge rusher class will present the Bears with plenty of opportunity to address one of their biggest needs.
Round 1: Zion Young, Missouri
Because of their late pick in the first round, Chicago will not have a chance to grab one of the premier pass rushers in this class, unless a dramatic slide happens. Insert Zion Young into their selection at No. 25 in the first round, where some draft pundits believe Young has the potential to crack into the first round but could also slide into the second. Young excelled in run defense while playing for Missouri last season and has been praised for his high motor and ability to be a three-down defender.
Round 2: Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Having two picks in the second round could allow Chicago to wait for Malachi Lawrence to fall to them, if he’s still on the board at that time. Playing for UCF in 2025, Lawrence had 7.0 sacks and 40 quarterback pressures, earning First-Team All-Big 12 for his stellar play, that also elevated his draft stock. He has as much potential as others who will get taken in the first round, but could be a gift that falls to the second round.
Round 3: LT Overton, Alabama
A very big and physical player at the edge position, LT Overton measures at 6’5″ and around 280 pounds who has surprising speed at his build. Another edge rusher who can help improve the Bears’ run defense and get to opposing quarterbacks with his bull rush power moves.
Round 4: Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Tyreak Sapp’s best collegiate season came in 2024, where he had 46 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss as he showed a knack for getting through double teams. This edge rusher class has plenty of guys who can not only get after the quarterback, but are productive in their rush defense, which is another element that Chicago desperately needs to address.
Round 5: Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
The Bears do not have a fifth-round pick, but if there any trades on draft weekend, Nadame Tucker could be a name to watch in the later rounds of the draft. He’s got a very quick first step for the position as is someone who came from community college to Western Michigan, where he put himself on the map after the 2025 season. Totaling 14.5 sacks for Western Michigan, Tucker is a guy who may have untapped potential that the Bears can unlock if he falls to them.
Round 6: TJ Guy, Michigan
Most of TJ Guy’s career was spent as a rotational piece for the Michigan Wolverines, who saw his best production later in his collegiate career. He lacks top athleticism and was never a dominant threat, but adds depth to the position and could make an impact on special teams.
Round 7: Michael Heldman, Central Michigan
A fifth-year senior who had 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss, Michael Heldman is the type of intriguing player that the Bears could find as a late-round gem. General manager Ryan Poles has shown a knack for find some late round talent, including running back Kyle Monangai last season. Heldman is another player who fits into the high-motor category and his sack production in college shows he could be an asset if he makes the roster.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 1 edge rusher for Chicago Bears in every round of 2026 NFL Draft
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
