The Chicago Bears are only five games into the 2026 NFL season, but it's never too early to look ahead to the NFL Draft. If Pro Football Focus' latest projection is any indication, Chicago could target an upgrade along its defensive line next offseason.
In PFF's latest 2027 NFL mock draft, analyst Gordon McGuinness projects the Bears to select Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington with the No. 23 overall pick.
The pick makes sense. Chicago's defense has struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, highlighted by Week 5's disappointing performance against the Green Bay Packers. But it also lacks a dominant interior run defender. Adding a player who could potentially do both in the NFL? That's a good strategy.
Who is Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington?
Washington (6-foot-3, 330 pounds) is a talented interior defensive lineman who brings an impressive combination of size and athleticism.
PFF currently ranks him as the No. 15 overall prospect on its 2027 NFL Draft big board, so if the first round falls this way, it would be the classic case of need meeting value.
Through five games in 2026, Washington has earned a 67.4 overall PFF grade. He's totaled 16 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss; in 2025, Washington finished with 33 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.
His athletic upside is a major selling point. Washington has been among the top five players on Bruce Feldman's annual college football Freaks List in each of the past two seasons.
That combination of physical tools and defensive-line experience makes him an interesting prospect for a team looking to improve its interior presence.
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Why Washington makes sense for the Bears
Chicago's defensive line remains an area worth monitoring as the season progresses.
The Bears have invested resources in the position, including veteran Grady Jarrett and former second-round pick Gervon Dexter, but finding consistent interior disruption remains important.
Sunday's loss to Green Bay reminded us how difficult life becomes for Chicago's secondary when opposing quarterbacks can attack downfield. And while Washington won't fix the team's pass-rush woes, he'd at least be another talented player who gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen more options.
Of course, a lot can change between October and April. Chicago's eventual draft position, the evolving roster needs, and Washington's rest-of-season performance will determine whether this projection makes sense.
PFF projects five quarterbacks in Round 1
Elsewhere in the mock draft, PFF projects Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall selection.
Five quarterbacks are projected to go in the first round, including Drew Mestemaker, Dante Moore, and Notre Dame's CJ Carr.
For the Bears, though, the most interesting takeaway is the emphasis on improving the defensive trenches. If Chicago enters the 2027 offseason still searching for more consistency up front, Washington could become a name worth remembering.
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