{"id":701610,"date":"2026-01-24T14:06:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T14:06:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/701610\/"},"modified":"2026-01-24T14:06:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T14:06:17","slug":"bears-shore-up-key-defensive-need-in-mel-kipers-latest-mock-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/701610\/","title":{"rendered":"Bears shore up key defensive need in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Bears<\/a> are coming off a magical 2025 season, where they went from worst to first, including an 11-6 record, an NFC North title and the franchise’s first postseason win in 15 years under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.<\/p>\n

Now, the Bears<\/a> have kicked off an important offseason, where there are some key position needs to address, most notably along the defensive line, which they can address either in free agency and\/or the 2026 NFL Draft. After overhauling the trenches on offense last offseason, you have to assume the priority will be to do the same on defense.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

In a new mock draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.<\/a>, Chicago focuses on shoring up a key need along the defensive line with the selection of Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald at 25th overall.<\/p>\n

The Bears are in “best player available” territory. Edge rusher would obviously be a target, but once Akheem Mesidor went off the board at No. 20, the value disappeared at the position. Maybe Texas A&M’s\u00a0Cashius Howell? But why not kick inside and address the interior?\u00a0Gervon Dexter Sr.\u00a0is entering a contract year,\u00a0Grady Jarrett\u00a0will be turning 33 and most of the depth behind those two — namely\u00a0Andrew Billings\u00a0and\u00a0Chris Williams\u00a0— is headed toward the open market.<\/p>\n

McDonald had a huge breakout season, showcasing power and quickness with 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. And considering Chicago was gashed for 5.0 yards per carry this season, it could use a solid 326-pound presence up the middle.<\/p>\n

The defensive line was certainly a weakness for Dennis Allen’s defense in 2025, where there was some to be desired from the defensive tackles. McDonald is one of the top interior defensive linemen in this draft class, and he’d be a perfect future cornerstone alongside veteran Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter, who might not be long-term answers, and Andrew Billings is set to hit free agency.<\/p>\n

Follow Bears Wire on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears shore up key defensive need in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft<\/a><\/p>\n