Bears' Defense: Draft Picks Needed for Pass Rush, Safety

0:00On this March 20th, here's what's making headlines for the NFL. The Chicago Bears are deep into their 2026 offseason, with big roster shifts already from the first free agency wave. They've lost key players like Wyver Seever DJ Moore, Linebacker DJ Moore, Safety's Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, Cornerback Nishon Wright, Linebacker Chermaine Edmonds and Center Drew Dalman. On the flip side, they've added Safety Kobe Bryant, Linebacker Devon Bush, center-guer Bradbury, defensive tackle Neville-Gallimore, and wide. Receiver, Khalif Raymond. Now, projections for next year's defense show plenty of gaps, especially at safety and pass rush, heading into the draft. Montess wet led the edge rush with a solid bounce back, notching 12.5 sacks, 53 tackles, and plenty of pressures. He's penciled in as a starter, but needs help opposite him, with Dale O'Dangbo, projected there for now. Inside, Jervon Dexter steps up in a contract year after six sacks and strong pressure numbers, while Grady Jarrett disappointed with just three sacks.

1:06Despite a big power signing, injuries hit the linebackers in secondary hard last season. TJ Edwards, locked in through 2027, missed time but returns from a fibula fracture. Newcomer Devon Bush brings speed and stats from Cleveland, like 125 tackles and three picks, filling Edmonds' spot. Cornerbacks Jalen Johnson and Kyler Gordon both battled growing in other issues, limiting them, but they're expected to rebound fully. The secondary gets a boost from Kobe Bryant, who had four picks and 66 tackles in Seattle Super Bowl push, taking one safety roll. The other spot stays open, likely for a draft pick with Chicago holding the 25th overall and two second rounders. Overall, the Bears' defense has core pieces, but must draft smart to fix the rush and secondary before training camp rolls around.