Bears Hosting Top Draft Prospects for Defensive Overhaul

Chicago's GM Ryan Poles targets defensive line in pre-draft visits

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:35pm

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With the 2026 NFL Draft just four weeks away, the Chicago Bears are hosting top defensive prospects for pre-draft visits, signaling their intent to bolster their defensive line. The team is bringing in Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and Missouri defensive end Zion Young for Top 30 visits, hinting at their draft strategy.

Why it matters

The Bears hold the 25th overall pick in the draft and need to address their defensive line, which has been a weakness in recent seasons. These visits indicate that GM Ryan Poles is focused on upgrading the trenches through the draft, a key part of his plan to build a championship-caliber roster.

The details

McDonald and Young are both projected to be selected in the 20s or early 30s of the draft, making them viable options for the Bears at No. 25. McDonald is seen as a safe, high-floor prospect, while Young has more upside but needs some technical refinement. The Bears could also look to trade up for Young if he starts to slip down the board, as he fits the mold of the type of defensive end that head coach Dennis Allen prefers.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just four weeks away.
  • The Bears are hosting their Top 30 pre-draft visits.

The players

Kayden McDonald

An Ohio State defensive tackle projected to be selected in the 20s or early 30s of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Zion Young

A Missouri defensive end who could be a target for the Bears, either at No. 25 or potentially via a trade-up.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who is focused on upgrading the team's defensive line through the draft.

Dennis Allen

The head coach of the Chicago Bears, who is known to prefer a certain type of defensive end profile that Zion Young may fit.

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What they’re saying

“While it's true that the Bears did not draft a single prospect with whom they held a Top 30 visit in Ben Johnson's first year as head coach, one draft is a small sample size, and it would be premature to say that Poles has no intention of selecting these players. I see these first two Top 30 visits as an indication of the opposite intention.”

— Pete Martuneac, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Bears will continue their pre-draft visits and evaluations, with the 2026 NFL Draft set to take place in just four weeks. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team targets defensive line help with their first-round pick or potentially trades up to secure one of their top targets.

The takeaway

Ryan Poles and the Bears are clearly focused on upgrading their defensive line through the draft, as evidenced by their pre-draft visits with top prospects Kayden McDonald and Zion Young. This signals a commitment to building a championship-caliber defense, which will be crucial to the team's long-term success.