Jan. 31, 2026, 12:30 p.m. CT

The Chicago Bears have several important needs to address this offseason, including the salary cap and bolstering different positions on the roster. Luckily, the 2026 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to shore up the roster while not straining the cap in the process.

The Bears have several pressing needs, mostly on defense, along the defensive line (both inside and edge) as well as safety (with all four safeties free agents). But it certainly feels like Chicago is gearing up to use their 25th overall pick on a defensive lineman, and there could be some notable names available.

In Bucky Brooks’ new mock draft, the Bears target an interior defensive lineman who will help shore up one of the league’s worst run defenses from a season ago with Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald.

“Beefing up the interior will help coordinator Dennis Allen improve a porous run defense that ranked 29th in rushing yards allowed per carry (5.0) in 2025,” Brooks wrote. “McDonald’s disruptive presence as a supersized defensive tackle could quickly help the Bears solve their biggest defensive problem.” 

There’s no doubt the Bears’ biggest weakness last season was along the defensive line, both run defense and pass rush, and that’s expected to be a focal point this offseason. Just like general manager Ryan Poles was able to overhaul the offensive trenches last offseason, let’s hope he can do the same on defense. And nabbing McDonald to join that interior defensive line would be a good start.

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