The Chicago Bears are in a great spot heading into the playoffs, but it is never too early for mock draft season. We still do not know the exact draft order for the playoff teams, but there are some needs Chicago has to address if it wants to be even better next season. Let’s take a closer look at who they are slotted to take with their expected first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears improve the defensive line in this PFF mock draft
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with TJ Parker before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.
In the end-of-season mock draft, Pro Football Focus NFL Draft Analyst Trevor Sikkema has the Bears having the 25th pick in the first round. With that selection, they chose Clemson Tigers edge rusher T.J. Parker. Below is what Sikkema wrote regarding the selection:
“Bears fans may be tired of seeing this pick, but it still makes too much sense to ignore. LSU safety AJ Haulcy is tempting given Chicago’s potential need on the back end after free agency, but Parker’s versatility at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds is a near-perfect fit for Dennis Allen’s defense. His ability to impact games both as a pass rusher (78.1 pass-rush grade) and against the run (78.5 run-defense grade) gives Chicago a flexible, three-down defender who fits exactly what Allen looks for on the edge.”
Parker has spent all three years with Clemson as he has 127 total tackles (68 solo, 59 assisted) with 21.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and six forced fumbles. With the Bears needing to improve at getting pressure off the edge, this would be a valuable selection to help the team next season and into the future. Andrew Billings, Dominique Robinson, and Daniel Hardy are all members of the defensive line that are not under contract following this season, so he can help replace some of their production. In terms of getting sacks, Chicago finished the regular season tied with the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, and New England Patriots with 35 sacks, ranking tied for 22nd in the NFL.
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