Bears' Defense Rebuild: Edge Rusher, Safety, Linebacker Draft Picks

0:00It's April 22nd. You're listening to NFL News today. AI-powered football coverage. I'm Cory with the story. Chicago Bears are eyeing their starting defense lineup right before the 2026 NFL draft, with second-year coach Ben Johnson pushing to rebuild. They lost key pieces like Senator Drew Daumann, receiver DJ Moore. Safety's Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, plus linebacker, Tremaine Edmonds, but. Snag safety. Kobe Bryant, linebacker Devon Bush, receiver Khalif Raymond, and center-gare Bradbury to plug some holes. Up front, Montess sweat bounce back strong, with 12.5 sacks, 53 tackles, and solid pressure numbers, making him the anchor on the edge. They'll likely draft edge-resher Akim Misadour around the 25th pick to pair opposite him, while inside, Jervon Dexter steps up in a contract, year after six sacks and 22 pressures. Teddy Jarrett's disappointing three-sacks last season might bench him if upgrades come

1:02by the draft. Linebackers got a boost, with Devon Bush's three-year, $30 million deal, after his career high, 125 tackles, and three picks. With Cleveland, filling the speed void from Edmonds, TJ Edwards locked in through 2027, missed time with injuries, but returns from a fracture fibula, bringing 67 tackles from. His 10 starts. In the secondary, cornered Jalen Johnson fought through groin injuries, but flashed pro-bowl form late, while slot guy Kyla Gordon battled too injured. Reserve stints, despite his $40 million extension. Safety, Kobe Bryant slides in with four picks from Seattle Superbowl push, and their targeting day two talent, like trade-and-stukes for the other. Spot. With draft picks looming, especially that first rounder, Bears fans hope this mix gels into a fierce unit that precious quarterbacks and locks down. The back-end, come training camp.