Bears Must Avoid These 2 Players in 2026 NFL Draft

Chicago's focus should be on shoring up the defensive interior, not adding more offensive weapons.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp, overlapping planes in navy blue, orange, and white, representing the Chicago Bears' need to focus on strengthening their defensive line in the upcoming draft.The Bears' 2026 draft strategy must prioritize reinforcing the defensive interior over adding more offensive weapons.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears have made significant strides this offseason, but they must be strategic in the 2026 NFL Draft to continue their progress. Two players the team should avoid are Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, as drafting them would not address the team's most pressing needs.

Why it matters

The Bears have built a solid foundation, but they need to focus on strengthening the defensive interior to support their young quarterback Caleb Williams. Drafting players like Simpson or Sadiq, while tempting, would be a misallocation of resources that could undermine the team's long-term structure.

The details

The Bears have made key defensive additions in free agency, including linebacker Devin Bush and safety Coby Bryant, to shore up their aggressive scheme. However, the lack of a consistent interior pass-rushing presence remains a concern. Drafting a disruptive force at the three-technique could be the missing piece to elevate the entire defense. Selecting a high-profile quarterback like Simpson or a luxury tight end like Sadiq would create redundancy and distract from the team's primary needs.

  • The Bears entered the 2026 NFL Free Agency period with a clear focus on improving their defense.
  • The sudden retirement of center Drew Dalman forced the Bears to trade for veteran Garrett Bradbury to stabilize the offensive line.

The players

Ty Simpson

An Alabama quarterback with a productive season and a polished understanding of pro-style concepts, but drafting him would create unnecessary noise and distraction for the Bears' offense built around Caleb Williams.

Kenyon Sadiq

A tight end with an impressive athletic profile, but the Bears already have a strong tight end room with Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, and they need to prioritize reinforcing the defensive interior over adding more offensive weapons.

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What they’re saying

“Drafting Simpson would be a misallocation of resources. It would take away from positions that demand immediate attention, particularly along the defensive interior.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author

“Investing a premium pick in a luxury position while the defensive interior remains unsettled would be a strategic misstep.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author

The takeaway

The Bears have made significant progress this offseason, but they must remain disciplined in the 2026 NFL Draft and avoid the temptation of high-profile players who do not address their most pressing needs. Strengthening the defensive interior should be the top priority to support their young quarterback and take the next step towards becoming a true contender in the NFC North.