Chicago Bears’ Biggest Needs Still Unresolved After 2026 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears improved their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft, but key needs like edge rusher and left tackle remain major concerns heading into the season.
The glow of the 2026 NFL Draft hasn’t completely masked a hard truth about the Chicago Bears: Ryan Poles improved the roster, but didn’t finish the job.
According to NFL.com, Chicago exited the 2026 NFL Draft with several of its most glaring needs still intact.
And if this team is serious about accelerating its timeline around franchise quarterback Caleb Williams, those holes can’t linger much longer.
Edge Rusher Still the Elephant in the Room
This was one of the most obvious needs entering the offseason, and somehow, it remains.
The Chicago Bears didn’t draft a single edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft. Not one.
MORE: Chicago Bears’ Dillon Thieneman Pick Lands Among ESPN’s Favorites
For a defensive front that struggled to generate consistent pressure last season, that’s a gamble. Chicago added depth pieces elsewhere, but the lack of a true pass-rushing presence opposite Montez Sweat continues to cap the ceiling of Dennis Allen’s defense.
As NFL.com noted, there are still veteran options available on the market, including Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, and Cameron Jordan. But each comes with age, injury history, or declining production concerns.
Still, standing pat isn’t a viable option. The Bears need juice off the edge, no matter how much confidence they have in the development of their younger options on the roster.
Left Tackle: A Temporary Solution at Best
Equally concerning is the offensive line, specifically at left tackle.
Chicago bypassed the position entirely in the draft, leaving Braxton Jones and Jedrick Wills to compete for the starting job. That’s not exactly a confidence-inspiring duo for a team trying to protect a young franchise quarterback.
There’s some hope in Ozzy Trapilo, but his timeline and readiness remain uncertain. For now, this looks like a patchwork solution rather than a long-term answer.
Center Battle Could Define the Offensive Line
One of the more intriguing post-draft developments is at center.
Second-round pick Logan Jones enters the mix alongside veteran Garrett Bradbury in what should be a legitimate training camp competition.
MORE: Chicago Bears Target Supersized CB in Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Jones brings long-term upside and fits the athletic profile Chicago covets. Bradbury offers experience and short-term stability. How this battle unfolds could shape the interior of the offensive line for years to come.
Tight End Usage Suddenly a Question Mark
The addition of third-round pick Sam Roush adds another layer of intrigue to an already crowded tight end room.
Colston Loveland is clearly the top option, but what happens next?
Veteran Cole Kmet suddenly finds himself in a potentially reduced role. Roush is likely to have a pre-defined package of plays and should help on special teams, but the Bears need more than that from him to justify his third-round draft status.
The Bears' Bottom Line
The Bears deserve credit for adding talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially with impact players like Dillon Thieneman and Logan Jones. But roster construction isn’t about checking most of the boxes. It’s about checking the right ones.
And right now, two of the biggest ones—edge rusher and left tackle—are still unchecked.
If Ryan Poles wants this team to take the next step in 2026, the work isn’t done yet.
