2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at defensive line

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 defensive tackle, a position that underperformed last year and could use fresh blood to reinvigorate its play. Who's on the roster? Grady Jarrett Gervon Dexter Shemar Turner Neville Gallimore Kentavius Street James Lynch Jonathan Garvin The Bears' top two defensive tackles from a year ago are back in 2026.

Gervon Dexter is entering a pivotal Year 4 and continues to show flashes of dominance along with inconsistent play up the middle. Statistically, Dexter looked to have a solid season, finishing with career highs in sacks (six) and tackles for loss (six). But he also gets swallowed up easily and doesn't benefit from the presence of veteran Grady Jarrett as much as people thought.