2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at edge rusher

The Chicago Bears are in the middle of another important offseason, where they're looking to shore up the roster and remain contenders in Ben Johnson's second season as head coach as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. The Bears didn't make any big splashes in free agency, where their biggest move was signing Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant to fill one of two starting safety vacancies left by the departing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Chicago also added linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and wide receiver Kalif Raymond.

But the Bears also suffered some big losses, including wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Byard and Brisker, as well as center Drew Dalman, who shockingly retired. Chicago has seven draft picks that includes four selections in the top 89, including a pair of second rounders, where they can address some of their biggest needs, including defensive line, safety and offensive tackle. Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

Next up is edge rusher, which remains a key area of need for a Bears defense that was among the worst in sacking the quarterback last season. Who's on the roster? Montez Sweat Dayo Odeyingbo Austin Booker Daniel Hardy The Bears are returning three significant contributors at defensive end led by former Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, who had a bounce-back year with 53 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 18 QB hits, 53 pressures, three forced fumbles and five pass breakups.

While Sweat wasn't a superstar at the position, he was consistent and was easily the best part of Chicago's struggling pass rush. He could certainly benefit from another big name opposite him. The Bears were banking on Dayo Odeyingbo to thrive opposite Sweat, but he proved to be a non-factor in Dennis Allen's defense.