{"id":865654,"date":"2026-04-13T18:18:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/865654\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T18:18:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:18:25","slug":"chicago-bears-land-two-physical-defenders-in-recent-mock-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/865654\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Bears Land Two Physical Defenders In Recent Mock Draft"},"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

The Chicago Bears hold seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including numbers 25, 57, 60 (via Bills), and 89.<\/p>\n

The Chicago Bears<\/a> have the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 23rd. While there are a variety of routes, general manager Ryan Poles and the front office could move in; it is expected that they will address the defensive side<\/a> of the football.<\/p>\n

Despite leading the league in turnovers<\/a> last season, Chicago was graded as the 12th-worst defense overall according to Pro Football Focus<\/a>. More specifically, they had the eighth-lowest<\/a> pass-rush efficiency grade and the 11th-worst <\/a>run-defense grade. To have success in the post-season, you have to be able to stop the run and sack the quarterback. Improving the defensive line is one of Chicago\u2019s top priorities heading into next season.<\/p>\n

In a recent mock draft posted by Sports Illustrated, Chicago goes all in on defense and addresses the trenches heavily.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears Bolster Run Defense With DT Kayden McDonald In The First Round\"Kayden<\/p>\n

GettyOhio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald recorded 85 total tackles<\/a>, three passes defended, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in three collegiate seasons.<\/p>\n

SI\u2019s David McKay has the Bears holding firm in the first round and selecting defensive tackle Kayden McDonald out of Ohio State.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMcDonald is a powerful defensive lineman who excels at stopping the run,\u201d McKay writes<\/a>. \u201cHe uses his size and strength to push blockers backward. McDonald alone can clog running lanes.\u201d<\/p>\n

McKay does address that his pass-rush skills need to improve, as he only secured three sacks in three seasons, but clarifies that the advantage of his presence outweighs that flaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cMcDonald adds a monster (finally) to the middle of the Bears defense. His presence will help control the line of scrimmage and create opportunities for the team\u2019s edge rushers. This pick sets the tone for a more physical defensive front for Dennis Allen.\u201d<\/p>\n

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has McDonald graded as his 33rd-best prospect<\/a>, but his top-ranked defensive tackle. Jeremiah echoed much of McKay\u2019s sentiments.<\/p>\n

\u201cMcDonald has excellent size and strength for the DT position,\u201d Jeremiah wrote. \u201cHe\u2019s at his best against the run. He can press out blocks and disengage with violent torque. He\u2019s very firm and stout, collecting tackles from guard to guard.\u201d<\/p>\n

When it comes to the Bears\u2019 second-round selection, McKay has them executing a trade with the Miami Dolphins<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears Strengthen Their Pass Rush with ED Zion Young in the Second Round<\/p>\n

McKay\u2019s Pitch:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u200b\u200bBears Received: Round 2, Pick 43 and Round 5, Pick 151<\/p>\n

Dolphins Received: Round 2, Pick 57 and 2027 Round 3 Pick<\/p>\n

\"Zion<\/p>\n

GettyMissouri Tigers<\/a> edge rusher Zion Youing recorded 42 tackles<\/a>, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass defenses during the 2025 collegiate season.<\/p>\n

Now equipped with the 43rd overall selection, McKay has Chicago snagging Missouri edge Zion Young.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis move may split the fanbase. But Young is a physical edge defender who plays with power and effort,\u201d McKay states. \u201cHe sets a strong edge against the run and uses his length to push through blockers. He is also the Dennis Allen type edge he is looking for as far as size and power. He should be a reliable contributor with starting potential from the jump to go alongside Austin Booker and Montez Sweat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0Daniel Jeremiah had Young graded as his 45th-ranked prospect.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOverall, Young isn\u2019t the most dynamic athlete, but he\u2019s a physical presence on the edge and has three-down value.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeremiah did add that his size is prototypical, and his ability to push the pocket is the main benefit you\u2019re gaining.<\/p>\n

McKay argues that this pass-rush trait makes Young the perfect complement to add with McDonald.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung pairs well with McDonald to bolster the defensive front in Chicago. His ability to defend the run and collapse the pocket gives the Bears another option off the edge, helping to create a more complete and disruptive defense that Dennis Allen wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

The draft is only 10 days away, and it remains to be seen how Chicago plans to improve their roster, but expect Ryan Poles to target players who fit within their philosophy as much as their scheme.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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

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