The Chicago Bears are debating what to do with their upcoming seven selections as the 2026 NFL draft is set to arrive in less than three weeks. While general manager Ryan Poles will likely eye some offensive upgrades, some of the biggest holes on the Bears come on the defensive side of the ball.
The Bears need to make some quality selections for the defense, and defensive line help will be at the top of the list. Chicago was tied for the seventh-fewest sacks in the NFL (35) last year, and now that can't be the case.
The NFL draft will give them a chance to find upgrades at edge, and that won't be good news for Dayo Odeyingbo.
Despite signing a three-year, $48 million deal with the team last offseason, he didn't have a good season. In Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Odeyingbo tore his Achilles, which ended his first season in Chicago. And with the draft around the corner, Odeyingbo has a lot to lose.
Dayo Odeyingbo Should Be Sweating as NFL Draft Looms
Before going down, Odeyingbo wasn't the most productive player. In eight games, he had 21 total tackles, four quarterback hits, 10 pressures, and one sack. Although Chicago paid him to be an effective pass rusher, he was far less than that.
With him coming off a massive injury, expectations should be tempered in 2026, but the Bears can't afford that. They need players who can get after the quarterback, and there's no guarantee that Odeyingbo will be able to.
That's where the NFL draft will come in handy for the Bears. They've brought in Missouri edge rusher Zion Young for a top 30 visit, expressing their interest. He's one name fans should keep an eye on, but other players could have Chicago's interest in Round 1. T.J. Parker of Clemson, Cashius Howell of Texas A&M, and Auburn's Keldric Faulk are other names.
Meanwhile, in the 2nd round, Malachi Lawrence of UCF, R Mason Thomas of Oklahoma, and Gabe Jacas of Illinois are several other choices that could be on Chicago's radar. The Bears know they need to upgrade this position group, and since they didn't make any meaningful additions in free agency, they'll do so in the draft.
While a selection there will improve the defensive front, it will impact Odeyingbo's role in 2026. He'll be rehabbing during offseason workouts and training camp, clearing the way for a rookie to get more snaps to start. Depending on how well Odeyingbo looks, it could force the Bears to give the selected rookie more playing time, with Odeyingbo losing reps.
Of course, things can change in the coming weeks, but there's a good chance that the Bears will prioritize bolstering the offensive line when they head to Pittsburgh for the draft. Although that would be great news for Chicago fans, it'd be the opposite for Odeyingbo and his future in the Windy City.