It's September, so nobody should be locking the Chicago Bears into a particular prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft just yet. But it's already becoming fairly easy to identify one position that could demand Ryan Poles' attention next spring.
Edge rusher.
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling released his latest 2027 NFL mock draft Thursday and has the Bears selecting Oregon edge defender Matayo Uiagalelei with the No. 27 overall pick.
And after what Chicago's defense showed in Week 1, the logic behind the pick isn't difficult to understand.
Matayo Uiagalelei would address a clear Bears need
Chicago opened the season with a spectacular 59-37 victory over Carolina, but the final score didn't hide the problems on defense.
The Panthers accumulated 478 total yards, while Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns. The Bears eventually pulled away because Caleb Williams and the offense were nearly unstoppable, producing a franchise-record 59 points in a season opener.
Easterling believes upgrading the defensive front should be one of Chicago's priorities, and specifically identified the trenches as an area where the Bears need more impact players. He pointed to Uiagalelei's athleticism and versatility as traits that could translate to Chicago's defense.
Photo by Dan Morrison
It's also not the first time Athlon Sports has connected Uiagalelei to the Bears. An earlier June mock draft projected the Oregon defender to Chicago at No. 16, describing him as a potential every-down complement to Montez Sweat.
It's a connection that makes even more sense after Week 1.
Sweat recorded Chicago's first sack of the season against Carolina, but the Bears need more consistent disruption from their defensive front if they're going to support what could become one of the NFL's best offenses.
There's obviously a lot of football remaining before the Bears' actual 2027 draft needs come into focus. Players will emerge, needs will change, and Chicago's eventual draft position is anyone's guess. Still, the concept behind this selection is worth remembering.
The Bears spent Week 1 showing everyone how dangerous their offense can be. If Poles eventually surrounds that offense with another legitimate difference-maker off the edge, Chicago could become an even more complete team.
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