Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles, right watches during the first half of the NCAA football game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch Ncaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Northwestern Wildcats
As the Chicago Bears prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, they will pick 25th overall after reaching the playoffs in 2025. General manager Ryan Poles is already deep into the scouting process, with a clear focus on improving the defensive front after continued inconsistency along the line last season.
Players linked to the Bears and their positions:
Zion Young — Edge Rusher, Missouri
Akheem Mesidor — Edge Rusher, Miami
Caleb Banks — Defensive Tackle, Florida
Kayden McDonald — Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
Despite adding veterans like Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears struggled to consistently generate pressure in 2025. That priority was evident at the Senior Bowl, where Poles and assistant general manager Ian Cunningham focused heavily on defensive line one on one drills.
Young stood out in Mobile with his explosive first step, power, and production. His skill set fits the Bears need for a rotational pass rusher to complement Montez Sweat in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme.
Mesidor has also been frequently mocked to Chicago due to his burst, length, and ability to attack the edge, while Banks offers size, versatility, and interior disruption. McDonald, a breakout defensive tackle, would help address a run defense that allowed 5.0 yards per carry in 2025.
With the combine and pro days still ahead, the Bears Senior Bowl approach strongly suggests they are targeting a defensive front-seven player at No. 25 as they look to build on last season’s momentum.
Chicago Bears 2026 Mock Offseason: Controlled Aggression
Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker (3) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Unless the Chicago Bears plan to draft a left tackle in the 1st round this year, it will be the Dennis Allen show on the first night of the draft this April. The team has not selected a defensive player in the 1st round since Roquan Smith in 2018. They are long overdue to change that. Left tackles are almost always gone by the end of the 1st round, so the odds are far higher that GM Ryan Poles will be looking for somebody the defensive coordinator covets. Former Bears coach Clint Hurtt has a pretty good idea of who that will be.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune caught up with the longtime NFL assistant down at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He’s been coaching players during the week, but one has stood out above the rest. That is Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker. While this class is filled with plenty of talented edge rushers, Hurtt believes Parker brings more to the table than just QB hunting ability. He is a more complete player than he gets credit for, and that will immediately appeal to Allen.
Not to mention, he has the physical profile the coordinator prefers.
I’ll get into Parker and some of the edge rushers here. He was the first name National coach Clint Hurtt mentioned Tuesday night after practice when asked who stood out to him on Day 1. Hurtt, the Eagles defensive line coach and a former D-line and outside linebackers coach for the Bears, has a pretty good idea what he’s looking at.
Hurtt sees Parker, who measured 6-foot-3½ and 263 pounds, as a complete defensive end. He certainly has the size and length Dennis Allen seems to seek.
“Parker is an every-down player as a rookie,” said Hurtt, who interviewed last week for the Dolphins defensive coordinator job. “He can set edges in the run game. He’s got some suddenness, so he can beat blocks with power or a beat a guy across his face. He’s got good rush ability and he has the power to run over a tackle, which to me is critical. You’ve got to be able to do that.
“Everybody goes crazy for the super-fast, quick guys, but if they can’t run a tackle over to collapse the pocket on the QB, they struggle. He can do that.”
Dennis Allen has a decent track record with 1st round pass rushers.
It started with Von Miller in 2011 and was soon followed by Khalil Mack in 2014. Both will end up in the Hall of Fame after they retire. In New Orleans, they added Marcus Davenport in 2018. While he never reached his full potential, he did become a productive player for the Saints before injuries derailed his career. The only true misfire was Payton Turner in 2021. He didn’t amount to much across four years with the organization. The short answer is that if Allen sees the same things Hurtt does with Parker, there is a strong probability that he will be a good player.
There is no question that the Bears need help along the defensive line. Their ability to pressure the quarterback was far too inconsistent. They didn’t have anybody to complement Montez Sweat and Austin Booker during games. Parker would be a major step in the right direction, hopefully giving them a proper three-man rotation that Dennis Allen can deploy in waves. The only question for the Bears is whether Parker is available at the 25th pick. Pass rushers tend to go early and often in the 1st round.
Nov 9, 2025; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Braden Montgomery during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
As Spring Training will be up and running in just a few weeks, most major baseball outlets have released their newly updated top-100 prospect lists. Most outlets were fans of the White Sox farm system, as they have five to six White Sox prospects on these lists.
The consensus around the league is that Braden Montgomery, Caleb Bonemer, Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz, and Billy Carlson are all top-100 prospects. Baseball America even went one step further and added Tanner McDougal to the list, giving the White Sox six top-100 prospects.
White Sox prospects are all over our Top 100 list:
26. Noah Schultz 27. Caleb Bonemer 73. Braden Montgomery 91. Hagen Smith 92. Billy Carlson 100. Tanner McDougal
This is great news for White Sox fans, as even after having multiple top-100 prospects debut last season, the White Sox have reloaded and have more waiting in the wings. If that isn’t impressive enough, come July, the White Sox will likely add a consensus top-10 prospect in Roch Cholowsky.
However, one outlet has departed from the league consensus and has seemingly soured on most of the White Sox prospects, as their list does not match up with the other lists across the league.
According to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN’s top-100 prospect list, the White Sox only have three top-100 prospects, with two barely making the list. McDaniel has Bonemer ranked at number 34, but has Noah Schultz at 96 and Billy Carlson at 100. While I enjoy the Bonemer hype, Schultz and Carlson are a bit low for my liking.
For comparison, Baseball America has Schultz at 26 and MLB Pipeline has him at 49. While ESPN’s ranking on Carlson is a bit more on par with the other outlets, it is still the lowest ranking of the three. Baseball America has him at 92 and MLB Pipeline has him at 73.
However, the more absurd rankings are the ones who didn’t make the top-100, as McDaniel also released a list from 101-200. This is where it gets even more frustrating as a White Sox fan. On this list he ranks Hagen Smith at 127, Tanner McDougal at 164, and Braden Montgomery at 189. Yes you read that right, he has Braden Montgomery as the 189th ranked prospect in all of baseball.
With Baseball America ranking Montgomery at 73 and MLB Pipeline ranking him at 36, it makes no sense to have him that low. There should not be a 153 or 116 prospect ranking difference from some of the more trusted prospect ranking sites, especially for a former first round pick who played very well in his first professional season.
This is a very interesting list to say the least, and Montgomery and Smith will get a chance to prove McDaniel wrong this season, as both will likely be up in Chicago around the trade deadline, if not sooner. The White Sox did a good job of developing their prospects last season and they will look to continue that trend with this new group of players.
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Fanatics has a new program going called Under Wraps. It is an officially licensed NFL mystery box program that guarantees one autographed football, jersey, helmet, or photo per box. Caleb Williams got in on the action this week, hoping to pull his own jersey. It is a fun program that can lead to pleasant surprises. Unfortunately, it can also lead to unexpected trolling. A video was taken of Williams unwrapping a box at a store. It turned out not to be his own as hoped.
It was Puka Nacua.
The Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver is a superstar, so his jersey being in the mix is hardly a surprise. Yet for Williams to pull it so soon after Chicago lost to them in the divisional round feels like an extra sting from the football gods. That is especially true since Nacua played a central role in the Bears’ downfall. His 16-yard catch on 3rd and 6 in overtime was what essentially ended the game, putting the Rams in field goal range. Williams’ cool response to the revelation says it all.
No Way: Bears star QB Caleb Williams pulled a Puka Nacua signed jersey after his playoff loss to the Rams.
Caleb Williams is undoubtedly already plotting revenge.
The Bears don’t play the Rams in the regular season next year, but there is a strong probability the L.A. team will be in the playoffs again. They usually are. That means if Caleb Williams wants payback, he’ll have to get back to the postseason as well. He’s already stated he plans to focus his offseason on improving his footwork and accuracy, which were two frequent hindrances to an otherwise excellent season. You can bet he will hit the field with a purpose come September, eager to avenge that loss.
If Nacua encounters this team again, it will likely be a different animal than before. Still, the story is funny. Maybe it’s the football gods’ way of keeping Williams humble. No doubt he still has the Rams in the back of his mind as he gets some rest before the spring. Don’t be surprised if he shows up in top shape and looking sharper than at any point this season. For all the talk about Caleb’s somewhat aloof personality, the competitiveness in those bones isn’t difficult to see.
Sep 29, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Darren Baker (10) runs to first base after hitting a single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
As we get closer to Spring Training, many teams, including the White Sox, will add players on minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training. The White Sox have had some notable non-roster invitees over the past few years, most recently Joey Gallo and Mike Moustakas. Unfortunately, neither made the team out of camp. However, many players have gone on to make the team as non-roster invitees and have contributed to the team.
The White Sox appear to be close on another player joining that list, as Mark Gonzales, a senior writer for Grand Canyon University, is reporting that the White Sox are close to adding Darren Baker on a minor league deal.
Hearing Darren Baker is close to a minor league agreement with the @whitesox
This is a very interesting move, as Darren is the son of legendary player and coach Dusty Baker. With the current makeup of the team, Baker will likely be competing for a utility spot in Spring Training. If he doesn’t make the team, he could be one of the first players up if there is an injury, as he has played both infield and the outfield.
Baker, now 26, will be 27 when the season starts. He made his major league debut last season with the Washington Nationals and had a fantastic start to his major league career. In nine games with the Nationals, Baker went 7 for 14 at the plate, scoring one run.
Dusty Baker’s son Darren Baker has his first MLB hit! The Baker baseball legacy continues pic.twitter.com/1hIecdpnZS
Outside of his short major league stint, Baker played a majority of his 2025 season with the Nationals AAA affiliate. In 107 games, Baker slashed .256/.343/.318, adding one homerun, 25 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases. Overall in his minor league career, he has slashed .280/.347/.347, stealing 102 bases over 453 games.
Baker isn’t know for his power, but has a tendency to get on base and use his speed when he gets on base. With the White Sox having most of the roster set, it may be an uphill climb for him to make the team out of Spring Training. However, he will bring solid depth to the organization and should play well in AAA, with the potential to get some run in Chicago.
Dec 22, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; New Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami, right, holds his jersey with General Manager Chris Getz, left, during a press conference where he was introduced at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
About a week after news broke that the White Sox signed Seranthony Dominguez to a two year deal, the White Sox officially announced that signing today. By all indications, it appears that Dominguez was the first step to spending the money saved from trading Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets. The White Sox have never been big spenders, so there have been some doubts as to whether the rest of that money would actually be spent.
However, times may be changing, as Chris Getz appeared on Chicago Sports Network today and gave White Sox fans a glimpse of hope, as he hinted that more help may be on the way.
"We're still fairly active both in free agency and in talking with other clubs."
As you can see from the clip above, Getz says that there are moves still to be made, and they are active both in free agency and talking with other clubs. This is nice to hear, as the White Sox are genuinely a few solid moves away from potentially pushing up to 75 or so wins.
It is interesting that Getz specifically mentioned how he was active in talking to other clubs, as that could be a hint that a trade or two is coming. The White Sox have some areas of depth to trade from, such as some young infielders, so they could be willing to trade some of those guys to upgrade the outfield and pitching. A trade with Boston for one of their outfielders could make a lot of sense.
Another area that the White Sox have sneaky good depth at is catcher. It seems like Kyle Teel is untouchable, but they also have Edgar Quero, Korey Lee, and Drew Romo. While Quero is extremely talented, he could potentially be dangled to upgrade in the outfield and or rotation, as young catchers don’t grow on trees. If that was the case, Lee and or Romo would be more than qualified backups to relieve Teel on his off days.
Outside of potential trades with other clubs, there are quite a few quality free agents that are still available and could make a significant contribution for the ball club in 2026. To this point, the most talented group still available is starting pitching, which could benefit the White Sox.
Some of the names still available in free agency are: Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander, to name a few. While I wouldn’t expect the White Sox to sign Valdez or Gallen, they could very easily be in on those other names. Plus, more competitive teams with a starting pitcher need could target those top guys, leaving the rest to potentially join the White Sox.
Chris Getz is in a good position right now, as they could very easily add another impact player or two without spending a lot of money. Besides significant playing time, the White Sox can offer these players a chance to be traded to a real contender at the deadline, instead of the free agents having to guess what mid level teams may be competing come August.
With pitchers and catchers reporting in just under two weeks, it will be very interesting to see how this all plays out, as I would imagine players would like to be on a team before Spring Training starts.
Ian Cunningham has been flirting with a GM position for years, even from the moment he arrived to join the Chicago Bears. At last, his moment has come. The Atlanta Falcons, led by new president of football operations Matt Ryan, have hired Cunningham to become their new general manager. He leaves the Bears in a good place, having won their first division title in seven years and setting them up with a franchise quarterback (Caleb Williams) and outstanding head coach (Ben Johnson).
ESPN sources: Falcons are hiring Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham as their general manager. pic.twitter.com/cpKHPlxotg
The first thing to determine for the Bears is whether they receive two 3rd round compensatory picks for the loss. Usually, teams do so when a minority candidate gets a GM or head coaching position. However, an odd NFL rule says that wouldn’t be the case if it’s considered a lateral move. Since Ryan is technically the lead football decision-maker in Atlanta, Cunningham doesn’t qualify despite the new title. It will be interesting to see if the Bears appeal that ruling since Ryan has said the GM will make the calls.
Replacing Ian Cunningham is the other part.
Ryan Poles long trusted him as his right-hand man. The Bears’ GM will have to find someone else to fill that void. All signs point to Jeff King, the senior director of player personnel, receiving a promotion. He has gained significant credibility in the front office over the past few years. Poles has leaned on him in several instances, and he’s also respected around the league. It seems like an easy decision. The more interesting part is whether the Bears decide to fill the void in the front office.
While King might replace Ian Cunningham as assistant GM, it still leaves the team down one of their best talent evaluators. Could Poles look outside the organization for help? There are plenty of potential names on the free agent market who could step in. Much depends on what sort of connections Poles has and whether he can lure somebody he wants to Chicago. We will likely find out those details within the next couple of weeks.
Either way, good for Cunningham. This has been a long time coming.
Okemos' Caleb Bonemer swings at a Mason pitch during the seventh inning on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Mason High School.
While the White Sox haven’t given fans much to cheer about over the past three seasons, their farm system provides a glimmer of hope.
With five prospects ranked in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, Chicago has several potential reinforcements that could energize the big-league roster. Three of those prospects — Braden Montgomery, Hagen Smith, and Noah Schultz — earned invites to Spring Training.
However, one notable omission came from the infield. Caleb Bonemer, ranked 61st among baseball’s top prospects, did not receive a Spring Training invite. While Bonemer has yet to play above the Single-A level, an argument could be made that he did enough last season to earn a look in big league camp.
The 20-year-old turned heads last season, displaying an impressive combination of power and plate discipline. In his first professional season, he earned Carolina League MVP honors, hitting .281/.400/.458 with 10 home runs and 27 stolen bases over 96 games. He also led the Single-A circuit in on-base percentage, slugging, OPS (.858), and doubles (26).
During that stretch, he was also just one of six qualified minor leaguers last season to record an exit velocity in the 90th percentile while maintaining a ground-ball rate under 30% and a chase rate below 20%.
While he struck out 101 times, Bonemer offset that by drawing 75 walks, showcasing exceptional pitch recognition that kept him from chasing pitches out of the strike zone. He feasted on fastballs, posting a 1.003 OPS against heaters, though he struggled with off-speed pitches, managing just a .622 OPS.
It’s clear that Bonemer isn’t quite ready for big-league action, and he still has some adjustments to make. However, when other young infielders—like William Bergolla Jr., who is only a year older—received invites to camp, it was somewhat surprising that the White Sox chose not to give Bonemer a look. While he has little to no shot at making the Opening Day roster, with his debut likely at least a year away, being around other major leaguers could accelerate his development.
Defensively, there were questions about whether Bonemer could handle shortstop long term. However, he quickly silenced doubters, delivering a solid season thanks to his soft hands and strong arm. Ultimately, he may shift to second base or the hot corner, given the influx of shortstop talent in the organization, which is a good problem to have for a team like the White Sox.
In the meantime, Bonemer’s name is one to watch as he continues to climb through the minor league ranks.
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National Team defensive tackle Lee Hunter (10) of Texas Tech practices during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears are out in force at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Most agree that the event is the single most effective at helping teams identify future pro players, even over the scouting combine. GM Ryan Poles has a history of leaning heavily on it to help set his draft board in April. However, this year will involve head coach Ben Johnson and his staff as well. All of them must work together to put forth another strong draft like the one they managed in 2025.
After watching three days of practice, here is a list of prospects that stood out. I’ve connected each of them to a coach on the staff who will most likely pound the table for them when the Bears are on the clock this spring.
Ben Johnson: Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas
Mike Washington Jr. has been the only Senior Bowl running back of note.
At 6’2”, 228 lbs, he wastes no movement and is a more than adequate pass catcher. Top four, if not top three, running back.pic.twitter.com/pBWaKaT0Cg
We’ve established by now that Johnson wants to run the football. Two traits he looks for in his running backs are speed and contact balance. Washington displayed both at Arkansas and through the first two days in Mobile. He’s 6’2, 205 lbs, and amassed almost 1300 total yards last season with nine touchdowns. There is no doubt Johnson could find all sorts of uses for such a talent.
Declan Doyle: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
Houston TE Tanner Koziol went up and got it😤
Since 2024, Koziol leads all players in College Football with 46 contested catches💪 pic.twitter.com/tmf8A3tnVZ
Doyle was a tight ends coach before taking over as offensive coordinator in Chicago. It would make sense he’d keep an eye on that position. Koziol is the only tight end who has stood out thus far this week, and that isn’t a surprise. He was highly productive in his college career, amassing 237 catches for 2,234 yards and 24 touchdowns. His blocking isn’t overly great, but he’s a huge target with pass-catching savvy.
People will knock Allen for being only 5’11 and 180 lbs. Players who are that thin often run the risk of injury problems. That said, the kid is an incredibly skilled route-runner, creating separation against almost any coverage. Perhaps what makes him even more enticing is his nose for the end zone. He scored 13 touchdowns last season, and not solely through big plays. He earned most of them.
Allen has a specific type when it comes to defensive linemen. While size is always a big part of it, more than anything, he likes power. Nobody has demonstrated more of it so far than Hunter. He has been bullying offensive linemen all week, showcasing his surprising athleticism at 330 lbs, along with excellent upper- and lower-body strength. The Bears need to shore up their middle, and Hunter would help that.
Dan Roushar: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa
Every 1-1 rep for Iowa OL Gennings Dunker on Day 1.
Allen isn’t the only one who likes them thick and strong. Roushar proved in New Orleans that he loves big, nasty blockers. Dunker is another in a long line of Hawkeyes who fit that profile. While not the quickest afoot, he’s a bruiser who can create movement on the ground almost at will. He’s also a smart guy, demonstrating awareness and technique in protection. Moving inside will help him.
Al Harris: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun has had a really impressive week so far. PBU on Missouri WR Kevin Coleman here pic.twitter.com/G8b53e0Yjn
If you go back over the long track record Harris has built as a defensive backs coach, he desires two things: length and ball skills. Igbinosun really came into his own the past two years, collecting four interceptions and helping the Buckeyes with a national championship. He’s 6’2, 195 lbs, and more than athletic enough to hang with any receiver he lines up against. The fact that he’s compared to Charvarius Ward, whom Harris coached in Kansas City, only hammers it home further.
While Ben Johnson may have significant say in personnel decisions, Poles is still the GM. Every year, he tends to fall in love with at least one prospect. Don’t be shocked if Iheanachor is that guy this year. He’s making waves in Mobile with his mix of athleticism, size, and nastiness. He’ll remind people a lot of Darnell Wright, who also happened to win Poles over at the Senior Bowl in 2023. If the Bears want some insurance at tackle, this is the guy you need to remember.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
Let’s be brutally honest for a second. Watching the Chicago Bears’ interior run defense in 2025 wasn’t just frustrating; it was spiritually damaging.
We watched opposing running backs treat our A-gaps like an open tollway. We gave up 5.0 yards per carry. Let that sink in. First down, hand off, five yards. Second down, do it again, move the chains. It was death by a thousand cuts, and it turned Dennis Allen’s scheme — which is supposed to be about suffocating the line of scrimmage — into a glorified sieve.
Ryan Poles fixed the offense. Caleb Williams has weapons. Ben Johnson has the playbook humming. But the defensive interior? It’s a ghost town. Andrew Billings is a free agent. Grady Jarrett is pushing 33 and running on fumes. Gervon Dexter showed flashes, but asking him to carry the entire load is like asking a toddler to help you move a piano — it’s just not gonna end well.
We are sitting at Pick 25. The mandate is clear: Get big, get nasty, and get someone who can anchor this front seven so the LB’s don’t have to fight off 320-pound guards on every single snap.
I’ve combed through the tape, the advanced metrics, and the scouting reports to bring you the five names you need to know. Some are perfect fits. Some are pipe dreams. And one is a walking red flag that Poles needs to avoid like a lukewarm shot.
Here is the no-BS breakdown of the top defensive tackle prospects the Bears need to target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
1. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) – The “Set It and Forget It” Savior
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
The Vitals: 6’3″ | 326 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: A vending machine with legs that hates quarterbacks.
If you want the guy who walks into Halas Hall on Day 1 and immediately plugs the leak in the boat, this is him. Kayden McDonald isn’t just a prospect; he’s a distinct tactical problem for offenses.
Why He Fits: Dennis Allen’s defense requires a nose tackle who can eat a double team and ask for seconds. McDonald is built like a fire hydrant — low to the ground, 326 pounds of “no,” and impossible to move. He was a unanimous All-American at Ohio State, which is harder to do than finding decent deep dish in New York.
The stats back up the tape. He posted a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade last year. He had a 13.2% run-stop rate. Those are elite numbers. He doesn’t just hold his ground; he throws linemen off their spots.
The “But…”: He’s not Aaron Donald. He’s never going to be a 10-sack guy. He plays a bit upright sometimes, which lets elite centers get into his chest (Penn State’s center gave him fits in Week 11). But his pass rush is getting better — he’s got a decent bull rush and is learning to use his hands better under Larry Johnson’s coaching.
The Verdict: This is the pick. It makes too much sense. He’s projected right around the late first round. He fills the biggest need on the roster with the safest floor in the class. If McDonald is there at 25, you turn in the card before the clock hits 9:00.
2. Peter Woods (Clemson) – The Pipe Dream Ferrari
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.
The Vitals: 6’3″ | 315 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: A create-a-player glitch that somehow exists in real life.
Peter Woods is what happens when you put a linebacker’s twitchy athleticism into a defensive tackle’s body. The dude will probably run a sub 4.7 40-yard dash at 315 pounds. That shouldn’t be physically possible. It’s terrifying.
Why He Fits: He’s the “first defender moving” on every snap. His get-off is instant. He can play 0-technique, 3-technique, or even kick out to the edge. He’s scheme-proof. In Allen’s defense, you could move him around like a chess piece to terrorize whichever offensive lineman is having the worst day.
He plays with a motor that runs “white-hot.” He chases plays 20 yards downfield. He absorbs double teams but has the lateral explosion to pursue outside the tackle box. He is, frankly, a freak of nature.
The “But…”: He’s not going to be there at 25. Let’s be real. Teams like the Saints or Chargers are going to snatch him up in the top 15. Also, his production dipped a bit in 2025 (only 3.5 TFLs), mostly because teams were terrified of him and schemed their entire protection to stop him.
The Verdict: This is the “Trade Up” candidate. If he starts sliding into the teens because teams are thirsty for QBs or Edge rushers, Ryan Poles needs to pick up the phone. A duo of Sweat and Woods? That’s illegal in 14 states.
3. Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) – The “Meat and Potatoes” Bargain
Nov 8, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive lineman Lee Hunter (2) reacts in the second half of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
The Vitals: 6’4″ | 330 lbs | Senior
The Vibe: A brick wall that occasionally punches people.
Maybe the Bears decide to go Offensive Tackle or Edge at 25. I get it. If that happens, Lee Hunter is the name to circle for Day 2. He’s not sexy. He’s not going to win a footrace. But he is a massive human being who ruins run plays for a living.
Why He Fits: Hunter is the classic “Value Over Replacement” pick. He gives you about 80% of what Kayden McDonald does against the run, but you can get him in the second round. He led all FBS interior defenders in run-defense stops over the last two years. He manhandled Oregon’s center — an All-American — and made him look like a traffic cone.
He’s got violent hands and plays with that “old man strength.” He’s a plug-and-play replacement for Billings.
The “But…”: He’s stiff. He’s not going to bend the edge or give you fancy pass-rush moves. He’s a two-down player who comes off the field on 3rd-and-long. His technique is a little raw — he relies on being bigger and stronger than everyone else, which works in the Big 12 but might get tricky against pro caliber guards.
The Verdict: If we miss out on McDonald, Hunter is the safety net. He’s a solid double for a team that just needs to stop the bleeding in the run game.
4. Christen Miller (Georgia) – The “Trust the Pedigree” Pick
Sep 9, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) reacts after making a tackle against the Ball State Cardinals during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Vitals: 6’4″ | 310 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: Another Georgia bulldog bred in a lab to play defensive line.
At this point, drafting a Georgia defensive lineman is basically an NFL cheat code. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt. Kirby Smart runs a factory down there, and Christen Miller is the latest model off the assembly line.
Why He Fits: He had a 90.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025. He’s an anchor. You can’t move him. He plays with great gap discipline, which is music to Dennis Allen’s ears. He fits that Kenny Clark mold — start as a run stuffer, develop the pass rush later.
The “But…”: Where are the sacks? He has 4.0 sacks in four years. That’s… not great. He reacts late to the snap sometimes and doesn’t really have a plan when he rushes the passer. If you draft him at 25, you’re reaching. He’s a great run defender, but you want more juice in the first round.
The Verdict: He’s a trade-down target or a second-round option. If the Bears trade back from 25 to pick up extra capital, Miller becomes a very interesting conversation.
5. Caleb Banks (Florida) – The “Don’t Do It, Ryan” Trap
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) causes a fumble as he strips the ball from LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The Gators defeated the Tigers 27-16. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
The Vitals: 6’6″ | 325 lbs | Senior
The Vibe: A mythical creature made of glass.
Caleb Banks is the guy who will blow up the Combine. He’s 6’6″, 325 pounds, and moves like a linebacker. Scouts call him a “Unicorn.” When he’s on, he’s unblockable (see: his 7-pressure game against Ole Miss).
Why He Fits (Ideally): In a perfect world, he’s a 3-technique monster who destroys guards with length and quickness. He has the highest ceiling of anyone on this list not named Peter Woods.
The “But…” (And it’s a huge one):THE FOOT. He missed the start of the 2025 season with a foot injury. Came back for one game. Re-injured the foot. Surgery. Out for the year. For a 325-pound man who relies on movement? A chronic foot injury is a death sentence. It’s a ticking time bomb. He also plays with bad pad level and misses tackles.
The Verdict:HARD PASS. Do not draft him at 25. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. This reeks of a “high upside” pick that spends three years on IR. Unless the medical staff has X-ray vision and guarantees he’s bionic, let someone else take the risk.
Final Verdict
Look, we can overthink this all day. We can dream about Peter Woods falling or convince ourselves that Caleb Banks’ foot is magically healed.
But the Bears are in a window right now. Caleb Williams is on his rookie deal. The offense is ready to win. We cannot afford to have a soft middle for another season.
The move is Kayden McDonald.
He’s safe. He’s violent. He fixes the specific problem (5.0 YPC) that made us want to throw our TVs out the window last year. He allows Edmunds and Edwards to roam free. He’s the foundation you build a top-10 defense on.
Ryan Poles has done a hell of a job rebuilding this roster. Now, he just needs to finish the job in the trenches.
