There is no way to know for sure who a team will draft months before the event happens. So many things have to go a certain way. There are too many variables. Yet, from observing how the Chicago Bears have operated and identifying their needs going into 2026, it isn't difficult to surmise who they might target next spring. Here's a recap of what we know.
- The Bears pass rush is one of the worst in the NFL
- Their edge rush situation is weak outside of Montez Sweat
- Dennis Allen prefers bigger defensive ends for his system
Factor all of these things in, and then add their persistent presence at Ohio State games and you start to see who they're probably looking at. Multiple scouts attended the Penn State game this weekend, and the timing felt perfect, as it was a breakout performance for Kenyatta Jackson. The 6'6, 265-lb defensive end had two sacks and two tackles for a loss in a 38-14 drubbing of the Nittany Lions. He now has 4.5 sacks in his last five games, all against Big Ten opponents. If ever there was a specific player that screamed "Bears!" in this class, it's him.
The Chicago Bears better hope Jackson's tear doesn't get out of control.
If he does too well, there is a strong chance the Ohio State standout could vault himself all the way into the top 10. Right now, the Chicago Bears are nowhere close to picking in that range. Initially, experts saw Jackson as a day two pick. While he possesses an abundance of physical talent, his production on the field wasn't reflecting that. That has started changing. Players like him go early in the draft when they check both boxes. No doubt the Bears are hoping he stays under the radar just enough to give them a chance.
Then again, head coach Ben Johnson would probably prefer to make it irrelevant by getting to the playoffs. Such a scenario makes landing Jackson unlikely at this rate. Then again, he might get overshadowed by more hyped teammates, such as Caleb Downs, Arvel Reese, and Kayden McDonald.
