The Chicago Bears are gearing up for another exciting NFL season, and after making waves in free agency, GM Ryan Poles is setting his sights on the upcoming NFL Draft. With seven picks, including three in the top 60, the Bears are in a solid position to bolster their roster. But for some players, especially those dealing with injuries, the draft can be an anxious time.
Take Dayo Odeyingbo, for instance. A significant signing last year, Odeyingbo didn’t quite meet expectations in Chicago and then suffered a setback with an Achilles injury. As his contract nears a point where it could be reconsidered, the Bears might be eyeing a fresh face to step in by 2027.
The Bears’ draft strategy is likely to focus on finding a dynamic edge rusher. With the dream of acquiring Maxx Crosby dashed, they’re looking for a long-term partner for Montez Sweat.
According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, there’s buzz around Chicago potentially picking Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at 25th overall. However, the Bears have options, including Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, and Clemson’s T.J.
Parker, all promising pass-rushers.
Even if the Bears opt for a different direction in the first round, trading back could allow them to snag McNeil-Warren while also eyeing talents like Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Missouri’s Zion Young, or UCF’s Malachi Lawrence. Further down the line, picks 57 or 60 could bring in players like Illinois’s Gabe Jacas or Michigan’s Derrick Moore, potentially signaling the end of Odeyingbo’s tenure in Chicago.
Odeyingbo’s journey with the Bears started with a three-year, $48 million contract, banking on his growth from his Colts days. Despite showing improvement in his pass-rush win rate, he struggled to make a significant impact in Chicago, managing a 8.4% win rate with 10 pressures over 207 snaps before his injury against the Bengals.
With his return timeline still unclear, the Bears might consider a draft pick as a strategic move to cut ties post-2026, saving $15 million in the process. All signs point to a pivotal draft for the Bears, as they look to strengthen their pass rush and possibly usher in a new era without Odeyingbo.