With the NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up, it's now Pro Day season for the Chicago Bears and teams across the league. This is a crucial time for prospects who either skipped Indianapolis or didn’t receive an invite. Pro Days offer them a platform to showcase their talents in front of scouts and coaches nationwide.
The Bears have their eyes on Clemson, home to two standout defensive linemen who could bolster their defense: edge rusher T.J. Parker and interior lineman Peter Woods. Both are projected to be early picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, making them hot commodities.
While Bears' GM Ryan Poles, assistant GM Jeff King, and director of player personnel Trey Koziol are attending Oklahoma’s Pro Day, the team ensured they had representation at Clemson. This strategic move highlights the importance of Parker and Woods in potentially upgrading their defensive front.
Parker, coming off his junior year, recorded 37 tackles, five sacks, three fumble recoveries, and a pass defensed. Though these numbers dipped from his impressive sophomore season, where he tallied 57 tackles, 11 sacks, and six fumble recoveries, his potential remains evident.
Woods, on the other hand, wrapped up his junior season with 30 tackles, two sacks, and a pass defensed. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, Woods is a formidable presence in the interior, having previously posted 26 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble in his sophomore year.
Currently, the Bears have added Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street through free agency, but these acquisitions are seen as depth moves. They don't rule out the possibility of drafting a top-tier defensive lineman.
The Bears' defense struggled last season, ranking 27th in both run defense, allowing 134.5 yards per game, and quarterback pressure rate at 31.6%. Addressing these issues is paramount, and Pro Days are a key part of that strategy as Poles and his team continue their nationwide scouting mission. The focus on defensive line prospects is evident as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to fortify their defensive unit.