The Chicago Bears arrived in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL scouting combine and have gotten straight to work. Already, they’ve met with several players in advance of on-field drills starting on Thursday. This tracker will help keep fans informed about who they’ve met with, perhaps offering an idea of which direction the team might be leaning toward early in the draft this April.
Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
A big, powerful defensive tackle who is known for eating double teams and plugging gaps across the middle. He has more lower-body explosiveness than he gets credit for. Perhaps some untapped pass rush potential.
Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
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He will be knocked for being only 6’1″, but Rodriguez is an electric player with the range to play sideline-to-sideline and an uncanny nose for the football. Has high leadership qualities as well.
Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas)
If Dennis Allen wants a linebacker who can get after the quarterback, Hill is that guy. He had 17 sacks in college, is a great athlete, and plays with a constant attacking mentality.
The Chicago Bears’ pattern is abundantly clear already
Christen Miller (DT, Georgia)
Georgia produces tough, aggressive defensive linemen every year. Miller is no exception. He’s not overly big, but he’s violent, explosive, and much stronger than his frame suggests.
Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
Big, burly defensive end with good length and plenty of power. Really improved his polish in 2025, living in the opposing backfield, and carried it over into a dominant Senior Bowl.
Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Easily one of the most explosive rushers in the class. While he’s on the smaller side for edge players, he is so fast, agile, and flexible that blocking him is like trying to catch a greased pig.
Dontay Corleone (DT, Cincinnati)
The Chicago Bears need better run defense from their front line, especially with Andrew Billings out. Corleone is a squat 6’0″ but 335 lbs, powerful from top to bottom, and has the balance to maintain his feet.
Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
Miami’s national championship run doesn’t happen without him. Mesidor is a violent, relentless, and powerful rusher who had 17.5 sacks last season. He turns 25 years old this year.
T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
A strong defensive end with good length and an understanding of how to use both. His pass rush is solid and he plays the run tough. A bit predictable as a rusher.
Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
A massive defensive tackle with power for days. Can hold the point of attack against the run and has a nasty bull rush. Much depends on a team’s priorities between the two.
Marcus Allen (CB, North Carolina)
Your classic long and physical corner who gets his hands on the football a lot. However, he has limited speed and isn’t the most fluid player for his position.
Tacario Davis (CB, Washington)
Often compared to Nahshon Wright, which is fair. He’s long, athletic, and fast with a great nose for the ball. Unfortunately, he’s also vulnerable to savvier router runners.
Devin Moore (CB, Florida)
A great athlete with ideal size who performs at his best in press coverage. He triggers downhill well, but has been haunted by injuries over the past three seasons.
Julian Neal (CB, Arkansas)
A stick cornerback who has the size and length to bother wide receivers all day. He’s also a capable tackler in space. Also lacks eye discipline and true deep speed.
Chuck Demmings (CB, Stephen F. Austin State)
There are questions about his overall athleticism and speed overall, but he did have nine interceptions in college, demonstrating a knack for stealing the ball.
Bishop Fitzgerald (S, USC)
Undersized for a safety at 5’10”, that didn’t seem to stop him from racking up 10 interceptions in three seasons. He is your classic robber safety who partrols the back end of a defense.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Think about if Charles Tillman played safety. That is McNeil-Warren. He’s tough, physical, and is uniquely gifted at forcing turnovers. Just leave him out of situations where he has to cover speed.
Keonte Scott (CB, Miami)
Highly physical cornerback with good size who isn’t afraid to get dirty along the line of scrimmage. Tough as they come, but questionable ball skills.
Anthony Lucas (EDGE, USC)
He has the size and length you look for in NFL defensive ends, and has the versatility to move inside. Unfortunately, his inconsistency has led to disappointing production.
Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State)
Legitimate dual-threat QB with dangerous legs and good size. His mechanics are a mess, and the arm strength is average at best. However, he demonstrates good touch at all levels. Needs lots of grooming.
Behren Morton (QB, Texas Tech)
Tough as nails competitor who plays a professional style from the pocket. He has good feet and delivers the ball with accuracy. Has a lengthy injury history and is undersized.
Josh Cuevas (TE, Alabama)
Your classic H-back. He’s too small for a tight end, but he blocks really well and is a credible threat as a receiver that you can move around to create matchups.
Kevin Coleman Jr. (WR, Missouri)
Your classic slot receiver: undersized but quick and fast with good hands. His route-running needs work. He’d be a natural fit in Johnson’s slot-first passing attack.
