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.
