Between free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears<\/a> will look to address their biggest needs, including defensive tackle, edge rusher, safety and left tackle (with Ozzy Trapilo’s short-term future in question). And following the success of last year’s rookie draft class — led by tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden and running back Kyle Monangai — general manager is hoping to replicate that success in 2026.<\/p>\n In a new mock draft from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter<\/a>, Chicago manages to address their three biggest defensive needs in the first three rounds. Let’s break down those prospects:<\/p>\n The Bears have needs across the defensive line, but the interior is probably the biggest need heading into the offseason. Kayden McDonald would be a great addition along the defensive interior, particularly when it comes to shoring up one of the league’s worst run defenses from a season ago.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein<\/a> had to say about McDonald: “A talented run defender, McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact. He\u2019s quick to locate ball-carriers, play off of blocks and rally to the action. His technique is a bit underdeveloped and he\u2019s not a natural drain-clogger against double teams, but he still managed an unusually high tackle rate as an interior defender. Quicker hand strikes should allow for more efficient reps and earlier wins at the point. He offers limited rush value, so his money will be made by giving grief to centers and guards as an even-front nose tackle with starting potential.”<\/p>\n Round 2, Pick 57: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina<\/p>\n Safety was one of the defense’s biggest strengths last season, but it’s a big need this offseason given all four safeties are free agents. Ryan Poles has made it clear he wants to re-sign All-Pro Kevin Byard, but it’s unlikely that Chicago is able to bring back both starters Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Which means adding an impact safety like Jalon Kilgore would be a huge get for Dennis Allen’s defense and this secondary led by Al Harris.<\/p>\n Here’s what Bleacher Report’s Daniel Harms<\/a> had to say about Kilgore: “Jalon Kilgore was built in a lab and explicitly designed to be an NFL defensive back. He has the size, athleticism, and speed to transition right away and make an impact while adding length to disrupt the catch point… He’s racked up tons of awards across his career and been an impact player at every level of the defense with his versatility between nickel corner and safety. Through two collegiate seasons, he’s piled up 124 tackles (77 solo), four and a half tackles for loss, six interceptions, and 11 passes defensed.”<\/p>\n Round 3, Pick 89: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State<\/p>\n The Bears need to improve overall as a pass rush unit after totaling just 35 sacks on the year, which is tied for seventh-worst in the league. While Montez Sweat hit double-digit sacks (10), free-agent addition Dayo Odeyingbo was lost for most of the year while Austin Booker showed promise. But there’s a lot to be desired from that unit, and adding Dani Dennis-Sutton would add another promising, young edge rusher to the mix.<\/p>\n Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein<\/a> had to say about Dennis-Sutton: “Dennis-Sutton is a base defensive end with toughness. He\u2019s effective against the run, but he has limited pass-rushing upside. His predictable, linear rush lacks the burst and bend to beat tackles to the top of the rush and flatten into the pocket. He uses hand violence and brute force to challenge tackles with weak anchors. He\u2019ll get bounced around because his pad level is too high, but he\u2019s tough to finish and finds his way to the action when it\u2019s near him. Dennis-Sutton is equipped to muddy running lanes but might not make many impact plays. He has average upside as an odd- or even-front end.”<\/p>\n Follow Bears Wire on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770831856_669_88019918007-chi-2026-opponents.png\")
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