The Chicago Bears coaching staff doesn't have much time to devote to studying the 2026 draft class for obvious reasons. They're focused on trying to get this team to the playoffs for the first time in five years. Still, GM Ryan Poles has kept them apprised of various prospects he and his scouts are intrigued by. This makes sense, as it gives coaches a chance to jot down names they like and may want to study further once they have the time. It appears at least one player has already made a significant impression, particularly on Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen.
A source revealed to SM that the Bears' head coach and defensive coordinator are reportedly smitten with Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. After three years at Stanford, he joined the Red Raiders this season and is having arguably the best campaign of any pass rusher in recent college history. Through nine games, he has 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. There are only two games this season in which he was held without at least half a sack. The Bears coaches love his explosiveness, high motor, and elite instincts.
Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen know the situation.
While the Bears head coach is an offensive guy, his job is to recognize the needs of the entire team. Almost anybody with common sense can see that Chicago has a glaring weakness in their pass rush. Montez Sweat has been good, but outside of him, it's been lots of bad. Dayo Odeyingbo had one sack in eight games before tearing his Achilles. Dominique Robinson has never been a good rusher. Shemar Turner shifted to defensive end from defensive tackle, only to tear his ACL. Austin Booker only just returned from a knee injury, so he's still an unknown.
This team desperately needs another solution on the edge. Bailey's speed and explosiveness would be a perfect complement to Sweat. Unlike Leonard Floyd, he would come with a far more proven track record. The obvious issue for Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen is whether the Bears will be high enough in the 1st round to draft him. At the rate things are going, that may not be the case.
