As the Chicago Bears gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, all eyes are on the potential bolstering of their defensive line. With Jeremy Garrett at the helm as the defensive line coach, there’s a clear focus on adding explosive talent to the roster. Garrett, who has a knack for developing dynamic athletes, is likely to steer the Bears towards prospects who can disrupt offenses with their speed and power.
Garrett’s track record speaks volumes. From his early days with the Cleveland Browns working with Myles Garrett to his stints at Liberty and Auburn, Garrett has consistently molded players into explosive forces. Now, he’s set to bring that expertise to Chicago, and the draft presents a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Potential Draft Targets
EDGE Keldric Faulk (Auburn)
Standing tall at 6'6" and weighing 285 lbs, Keldric Faulk is a powerhouse on the edge. Despite facing coaching upheavals at Auburn, Faulk showcased his potential with impressive flashes of athleticism.
His long arms and knock-back power make him a formidable opponent for any offensive tackle. While he may not possess the lightning speed of some of his peers, his blend of size and agility is rare.
Garrett’s previous experience with Faulk could give the Bears an edge in unlocking his full potential.
EDGE Akheem Mesidor (Miami)
Akheem Mesidor is a relentless force off the edge, boasting 17.5 sacks in 2025. His combination of power, quickness, and relentless effort makes him a nightmare for offensive lines.
Despite being slightly older, Mesidor’s skill set is undeniable. If the Bears snag him at #25, they’ll be getting a player ready to make an immediate impact.
EDGE Malachi Lawrence (UCF)
Though lighter for an edge rusher, Malachi Lawrence compensates with an explosive first step and a deep repertoire of moves. His stamina and instinct allow him to pressure quarterbacks consistently. While his power might be average due to his frame, his potential to add weight and refine his technique makes him an intriguing prospect for the Bears’ pass rush.
DT Peter Woods (Clemson)
Peter Woods might be the gamble the Bears are willing to take. With a solid build and the power to shed blocks, Woods flashes the explosiveness needed to penetrate the backfield. His inconsistency has kept him from being a top-10 lock, but with Garrett’s guidance, Woods could develop into a dominant force.
DT Caleb Banks (Florida)
Compared to Gervon Dexter but with more explosiveness, Caleb Banks is an exciting prospect. His ideal size, length, and power make him a potential game-changer.
After recovering from an injury that cut his 2025 season short, Banks showed at the Senior Bowl that he’s ready to take the next step. His upside as a pass rusher is something the Bears can’t ignore.
DT Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M)
Texas A&M has a storied history of producing top-tier defensive linemen, and Tyler Onyedim could be the next in line. Built as a classic three-technique rusher, Onyedim’s raw explosiveness is evident.
While his sack numbers might not jump off the page, his ability to tackle for loss highlights his potential. With Garrett’s mentorship, Onyedim could refine his technique and become a key player in the Bears’ defensive front.
Conclusion
The Bears are poised to make significant strides in the upcoming draft, focusing on injecting explosiveness into their defensive line. With Jeremy Garrett’s expertise, they have a unique opportunity to transform their defense into a formidable unit. Fans should be excited about the potential additions and the havoc they could wreak on opposing offenses.