Bears' Draft Plan: Edge Rushers, Safeties, and Contention

0:00On April 8th, Chicago Bears just punched their first playoff ticket in five years with the top ten offense in points and yards, but that defense ranked. Bottom four in yards allowed. Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, year two under Ben Johnson, means fixing the back end fast, especially edge rushers and safeties after. Free agency, left gaps. They got seven picks, heavy on days one and two, with an extra second rounder from Buffalo. Traded away 5th and 6th rounders for guys like Joe Trian Shoyinka and DJ Moore, so late rounds stay quiet, but early ones pack punch for instant, starters. Fans and analysts buzzing about how this shores up Ryan Poles' squad. Often stays young around Caleb Williams, but defense gets priority to pair with Montess Sweat and Matched in a Salon's Scheme Quick Edge Guys, physical safeties, interior disruptors. Five simulators project them grabbing Texas A&M Edge, cashiest Howell at Pick 25, LSU Safety

1:00AJ. Halsey at 57, then Oklahoma, DL, Grayson Halton, right after. Later, Florida interior lineman Jake Slaughter for center depth, plus corner, minebacker, and a speedy Iowa receiver returner to fill out the board. This mock sets bears up for contention, blending defense fixes with offensive tweaks, keeping that long-term vibe alive as they chase deeper runs. This has been NFL News Today, powered by AI.