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Bears Miss Edge-Rusher, Draft Safety, Lineman; Eye Rhodes 2027

4/29/2026

50 12 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bears Miss Edge-Rusher

The Bears' 2026 draft failed to add an edge-rusher, drawing criticism from GM Ryan Poles.
The defense ranked 31st in pass-rush win rate and 29th in pressure percentage, highlighting the need.
The Bears selected safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round and interior lineman Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round.
The front office remains active, targeting edge-rusher Quincy Rhodes Jr. at pick 19 in the 2027 draft.

Summary

Bears Roster Shakeup

Drew Dalman retired, leading the Bears to trade for Garrett Bradbury and draft Logan Jones at No. 57.
Chicago retained quarterbacks Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum and rookie Caleb Williams after the draft.
The team kept its two-back core, assigning Brittain Brown as RB3 over Roschon Johnson.
The secondary added Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Zah Frazier, Josh Blackwell and Malik Muhammad, releasing several veterans.

History

Historical Context

In 2000 the Bears drafted linebacker Brian Urlacher ninth overall, helping lift Chicago’s defense to a 13-3 record in 2001, the franchise’s best season since 1986. The turnaround shows how a defender can reshape roster strategy, a lesson GM Ryan Poles faces as the 2027 draft nears with the Bears ranked 31st in pass-rush win rate and new picks Dillon Thieneman and Quincy Rhodes Jr.

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Bears Miss Edge-Rusher

The Bears' 2026 draft failed to add an edge-rusher, drawing criticism from GM Ryan Poles.
The defense ranked 31st in pass-rush win rate and 29th in pressure percentage, highlighting the need.
The Bears selected safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round and interior lineman Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round.
The front office remains active, targeting edge-rusher Quincy Rhodes Jr. at pick 19 in the 2027 draft.

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