{"id":723465,"date":"2026-02-02T09:55:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T09:55:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/723465\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T09:55:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T09:55:35","slug":"chicago-bears-encouraged-to-address-greatest-need-with-clemson-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/723465\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Bears encouraged to address greatest need with Clemson star"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Bears<\/a> had a successful season in 2025. Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson<\/a>, they went from 5-12 in 2024 to 11-6 and NFC North division champions. What is more, they split the season series 1-1 against the Green Bay Packers and knocked them out of the NFL Playoffs.<\/p>\n

For all the success, though, Chicago had its weaknesses. Like all other NFL teams, they must decide whether they will address these weaknesses in free agency, the NFL Draft, or both.<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears encouraged to take Clemson star TJ Parker in the 2026 NFL Draft
\n\"ChicagoDec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker (3) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Playoff First Round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

One of the areas in which the Bears struggled the most was on the defensive line. As a whole, the defense ranked 29th in yards allowed per game with 361.8, and 27th in rushing yards allowed per game with 134.5.<\/p>\n

As such, they need to address their defensive line, and PFF believes<\/a> they can do so by selecting TJ Parker of Clemson in the 2026 NFL Draft:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bears were one of the pleasant surprises of the 2025 season, winning the NFC North and a playoff game in the wild-card round against the Packers. For Chicago to take the next step and compete for a Super Bowl, addressing the defensive line is a must.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bears\u2019 defensive line struggled versus the run (31st-ranked 42.2 PFF run-defense grade) and failed to generate much pressure (25th-ranked 65.4 PFF pass-rush grade). T.J. Parker could make a difference in both areas, as he graded above 78.0 as both a pass rusher and a run defender this season. He would be a natural plug-and-play fit in Dennis Allen\u2019s defense.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2025, Parker had 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. However, he was better in 2024 when he had 19.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks (he also led the SEC with six forced fumbles).<\/p>\n

On the drop in production, one NFC scouting director said<\/a>, \u201cHe had better numbers in 2024 but also he just played better. I felt like he saw more attention (in 2025) and didn\u2019t always respond well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Obviously, Parker needs a bit more development, but he could also benefit from playing alongside Montez Sweat, who will attract more attention than him.<\/p>\n

For More Chicago Sports<\/p>\n

Follow me on Twitter at\u00a0@theotherRobin19<\/a>,\u00a0and follow us\u00a0@ChiCitySports23<\/a>. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at\u00a0[email\u00a0protected]<\/a>. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports,\u00a0click here!<\/a>\u00a0Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

\"NFL<\/p>\n

NFL legend Tom Brady announces Chicago Bears news
\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\tFor More Great Chicago Sports Content<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News<\/a>, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.<\/p>\n

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23<\/a> for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE <\/a><\/p>\n