{"id":814670,"date":"2026-03-16T03:46:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T03:46:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/814670\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T03:46:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T03:46:32","slug":"bears-free-agency-all-but-confirms-their-first-round-draft-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/814670\/","title":{"rendered":"Bears Free Agency All But Confirms Their First Round Draft Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Bears\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson<\/p>\n

Despite addressing a few areas of the roster, the Chicago Bears<\/a> still have several notable needs, particularly along the defensive line.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And if the latest projections are any indication, the Bears\u2019 first round target in the 2026 NFL<\/a> Draft may already be coming into focus\u2026<\/p>\n

Across the latest mock drafts, one name keeps appearing for Chicago: Peter Woods, defensive tackle out of Clemson.<\/p>\n

Free agency didn\u2019t solve Chicago\u2019s biggest defensive issue\"DT<\/p>\n

GettyDT Peter Woods<\/p>\n

The Chicago Bears added veteran depth pieces like Neville Gallimore<\/a> and Kentavius Street<\/a> in free agency, but the team didn\u2019t land the type of impact pass rusher many expected them to pursue.<\/p>\n

The Bears also signed Super Bowl winning safety Coby Bryant<\/a>, but both Kevin Byard<\/a> and Jaquan Brisker<\/a> departed in free agency, leaving at least one starting safety role up for grabs.<\/p>\n

However, even with those needs the defensive line (specifically DT) continues to stand out as the biggest long term issue. That\u2019s why so many draft analysts now believe Chicago will target the position early.<\/p>\n

According to ESPN\u2019s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz<\/a>, Chicago could improve the disruptiveness of its defensive front with the Clemson standout.<\/p>\n

\u201cWoods\u2019 high-end flashes separate him from all other interior defenders other than Banks, though his inconsistency could cost him a spot on Day 1,\u201d Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote.<\/p>\n

Former NFL player and analyst Bucky Brooks echoed that, noting that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants his defense to create chaos up front.<\/p>\n

\u201cWoods is a talented interior defender with the quickness, agility, and active hands to expand the defensive wizard\u2019s playbook,\u201d Brooks wrote.<\/p>\n

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently projected the Bears selecting Woods with the 25th overall pick, describing him as a \u201cbouncy athlete\u201d who thrives as a penetrating 3-technique.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bears badly need a disruptive defensive tackle,\u201d Reid wrote. \u201cHis ability to create quick wins from the inside as an explosive penetrator is something that is sorely lacking in Chicago.\u201d<\/p>\n

At 6\u20192\u201d and nearly 300 pounds<\/a>, Peter Woods is one of the more intriguing defensive tackles in the draft class. He became a cornerstone of Clemson\u2019s defense over the last three seasons and is still just 21 years old.<\/p>\n

Not a perfect prospect, but a logical one\"DT<\/p>\n

GettyDT Peter Woods<\/p>\n

Peter Woods isn\u2019t without questions. His 2025 season wasn\u2019t as productive as many expected, finishing with 30 tackles and two sacks. Some scouts have also raised concerns about his arm length and consistency.<\/p>\n

He also skipped most workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and didn\u2019t run a full 40<\/a> yard dash at his pro day due to a minor hamstring injury, though he still posted a strong 1.67 second 10 yard split.<\/p>\n

Still, those concerns may not matter much if he\u2019s available when Chicago is on the clock. Once viewed as a potential top 10 pick before the season, Woods\u2019 stock has shifted into the late first round range\u2026 Right where the Bears are currently selecting.<\/p>\n

Sure the Bears still have veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett<\/a> along with younger pieces like Gervon Dexter<\/a> and Shemar Turner<\/a>. But the long term future of the interior defensive line remains uncertain.<\/p>\n

The Chicago Bears may still explore pass rushers or defensive backs later in the draft, but if the current trends hold, Chicago\u2019s first round decision in April might already be taking shape.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tGarrett Klaus<\/a> Garrett Klaus is a NFL contributor at Heavy.com, where he covers the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Carolina Panthers. More about Garrett Klaus<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Bears\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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