The Chicago Bears, no matter how this season goes, will have some holes to fill during the next offseason. One tool they can use to address any issues is the 2026 NFL draft.
One game that will be full of players ready to make the jump to the NFL is Saturday’s match between Michigan and USC. Michigan comes in at No. 15 with a 4-1 record. Meanwhile, USC is unranked with the same record. This should make for an incredibly entertaining game in Los Angeles.
Based on the position of need, these are the four players the Bears should be scouting in this game:
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
D’Andre Swift is not the long-term answer as the number one running back in Chicago. He is a nice player, but he absolutely does not move the needle in the run game. He’d be a fine number two, but the Bears need someone who can change games. Justice Haynes of Michigan is a back worth considering with a top-60 pick in the draft. His performance against teams like USC in the coming weeks will be very telling.
In his first year with Michigan, after transferring over from Alabama, Haynes has 85 carries for 654 yards and eight touchdowns. He has already set career highs in all three of those categories, and we aren’t even halfway through October yet. Haynes also comes as a little bit of a threat in the passing game. Although he doesn’t have a touchdown, he has nine receptions for 29 yards. It’s not gamebreaking stuff but enough for Caleb Williams to effectively use play action.
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
The Bears need help on their defensive line, specifically with rushing the passer off the edge. They do not do a good enough job of making opposing QBs struggle. Derrick More of Michigan is someone to scout to see if he is worth taking a shot on in the middle rounds if they don’t go the route of an edge early. Moore has 12 tackles (three for a loss) and 2.5 sacks on the season. Even if he doesn’t project to be a top-flight player, the Bears should take a look to see where he’s at come draft time.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
When life hands you lemons, you make your offense better. Makai Lemon of USC is someone who can impact an offense and give the quarterback another impactful weapon. Lemon is one of those wide receivers who can be a dual threat. As a receiver, he has 35 receptions for 589 yards and five touchdowns. Lemon also has two rushing attempts for 11 yards and a touchdown. USC believes they can use him as a multi-purpose weapon.
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Lemon is not the only good receiver on the Trojans’ offense. Ja’Kobi Lane is also someone who can make plays and take advantage of his targets. If the Bears are looking for first or second-round wideouts, these two are great options. With Lemon there as the clear-cut number one receiver on the team, there is no doubt that Lane is going to get the short end of the stick when it comes to high-volume and high-leverage situations
Lane has 13 receptions through four games with 278 yards and a touchdown. He will do his job when asked of him, which is why his demeanor, acceptance of his role, and overall football skill are going to play a big role. The Bears have great receivers as well, so Lane may want to get used to offensive systems that run multiple weapons at a time.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 4 draft prospects to watch in Michigan vs. USC
Reporting by Vincent Parise, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
