Full Breakdown
Bears Skip Edge Rushers in 2026 Draft, Rely on Coaching and Injured Players
4/27/2026, 12:11:37 PM
Draft Decision and Roster Moves
On April 26, 2026, the Chicago Bears concluded the NFL Draft without selecting an edge rusher. Their only defensive-line addition was defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg, taken in the sixth round from Georgia Tech. The omission of any edge-rush prospect surprised observers given the position’s league-wide premium.
Coaching Rationale
Head coach Ben Johnson said the team intends to improve its coaching compared with the previous season and that the staff’s enhancements, together with the expected return of defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and hybrid lineman Shemar Turner, should strengthen the pass rush. He also noted recent growth from Montez Sweat and Austin Booker as evidence that existing pieces can be refined without new draft investments.
Personnel Overview & Contracts
Head coach Ben Johnson leads the staff. The Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract with $32 million guaranteed; he recorded one sack in eight games before a torn Achilles. Second-round pick Shemar Turner missed time after an ankle injury and a torn ACL. Veteran edge rusher Montez Sweat posted a solid season, while Austin Booker returned from injury showing tremendous growth. The only defensive rookie is sixth-round defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg.
Statistical Context
The Bears’ 2025 pass-rush ranked near the NFL bottom, prompting internal development. Odeyingbo’s contract is a high-priced gamble; Turner’s injuries keep his role uncertain.
Impact on Defensive Strategy
If Odeyingbo and Turner regain health, Chicago could field a pass rush built on home-grown talent, easing salary-cap pressure. Failure of either player would likely preserve defensive deficiencies and could force mid-season roster moves.
Criticism and Analyst Reaction
Analysts noted the draft outcome left some scratching their heads, arguing that reliance on injured players and coaching tweaks may be insufficient to close the performance gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're certainly going to coach better than we did a year ago,” — Ben Johnson, Head Coach
- “We are excited about the guys that ended up finishing the season on IR, the trajectory that they were on, both Dayo (Odeyingbo) and Shemar (Turner).” — Ben Johnson, Head Coach
- “Whether that shows up in the sack total or not, he's a very complete player, both in the run game and pass game.” — Ben Johnson, Head Coach
- “I think you saw tremendous growth from (DL Austin) Booker when we were finally able to get him back, as well.” — Ben Johnson, Head Coach
What's Next
The Bears will track Odeyingbo’s and Turner’s health throughout the offseason, evaluate their readiness at training camp, and monitor Jordan van den Berg’s development as the team’s only defensive rookie.
