Most draft experts have zeroed in on edge rushers as the likely target for the Chicago Bears in the 1st round of the upcoming 2026 NFL draft. That isn’t surprising. While the team made additions at safety, defensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback, they didn’t do anything at edge rusher. In fact, they suffered two notable losses to their depth with Dominique Robinson and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka departing in free agency. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has said he won’t let need dictate what the team does with that 25th overall pick, but that hasn’t stopped people from penciling in a pass rusher for them. The most popular names include Zion Young of Missouri, Keldrick Faulk of Auburn, and T.J. Parker of Clemson.
So let’s just assume this is the direction it goes. The obvious question becomes, who do they target? Plenty of teams in the 24 picks ahead of Chicago could take an edge rusher. Estimates hover around at least four or five going in that range. Though the class is reportedly the deepest in this draft, it might create a dilemma for the Bears. With the best options likely gone, they will have to be careful about whichever player they select. Bob McGinn of Go Long spoke to several NFL scouts about the top names who could be available.
The likeliest target among Zion Young, Keldric Faulk, and T.J. Parker?
We must remember this decision will be funneled through defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. His preferences for edge rushers have been made clear for years. He likes bigger defensive ends with power and length. This helps them to hold the edges against the run while still being threats as pass rushers. Think Cameron Jordan and Montez Sweat. This is why mock drafts always seem to involve the same three names: Young, Faulk, and Parker. Each has the size, length, and power Allen would covet. So who do the Bears prioritize? Here is what the scout had to say.
Zion Young
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- Missouri
- 6’6″
- 262 lbs
- 33-inch arms
- 22-years-old
“Young is a pretty player,” one scout said. “He has the look of an NFL player when he steps on the field. My main concern is his production against the best competition. He occasionally has reps where he relies on his length and athleticism thinking ‘I will win,’ followed by many reps where he doesn’t know, or understand, how to get past a blocker. The same things happened at the Senior Bowl. In the one-on-one’s, he had some success but, overall, there were not enough impactful plays.”
Keldrick Faulk
- Auburn
- 6’6″
- 276 lbs
- 34-inch arms
- 20-years-old
“I wasn’t crazy about him but he’ll be late first or second round,” a second scout said. “I just thought he was a tweener. Not really an edge guy and not really an inside guy. He doesn’t really win on the edge as a rusher. Best thing he does is rush inside because he’s long and very quick. He can beat a guard on the pass rush, but in the run game he plays really high. He’s just not a natural defensive tackle inside. I worry about him. He is a great athlete and he’s got great makeup.”
T.J. Parker
- Clemson
- 6’4″
- 263 lbs
- 33-inch arms
- 21-years-old
“They changed defensive coordinators and he didn’t have the freedom to go rush and it probably impacted his year,” said a second scout. Parker and his fiancé, former Clemson volleyball player Azyah Dailey, were married in late October during the team’s bye week. “He didn’t have great production this year but I liked his tape,” a second scout said. “He’s got quickness and power. Plays with a lot of energy. He’s physical. He’s an end-of-the-first-round type.”
Each player gets his share of praise. Young has the confidence and dimensions, but couldn’t back it up with consistent production. Faulk is a prototype you’d draw up in the lab, but he never really mastered the edge-rush position and seemed to wilt under more responsibility. They also wonder if he has the killer instinct. Based on the comments, it sounds like Parker is the one to look at. He has all the necessary traits, a red-hot motor, and the kind of physical playing style that would fit this Bears coaching staff like a glove.
The Bears brass has done nothing to suggest EDGE is the priority.
If anything, Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have downplayed the idea since meeting with the media this week in Arizona. They’ve insisted time and again that they will be focused on taking the best player. Need will not dictate their decision. They already proved they would do this last year when they took a tight end in the 1st round despite having clear needs at left tackle and edge rusher. It worked out pretty well. It doesn’t sound like they’re optimistic that any of the edge options will be great at #25 this year.
Still, if it does end up going that way, the top experts inside the league seem to think Parker carries the least risk. While he may never be a star, he has the tools and makeup of somebody who will have a long, productive career. A trio of him, Sweat, and Austin Booker would definitely be an intriguing combination. Whether it comes to that remains uncertain. The draft is always unpredictable. Don’t be shocked if the Bears do something none of us are ready for.
