The Chicago Bears have played three games. There are 14 to go. It is too early to determine which direction they will go next off-season. Plenty of things can change in that amount of time. Still, fans aren't naive. They can usually tell which area of the roster will be a problem before a season begins. Sure enough, their concerns regarding the pass rush seemed well-founded. They have five sacks in three weeks, with only two in the past two games. Montez Sweat has sometimes looks invisible, while Dayo Odeyingbo isn't forcing defenses to account for him. Gervon Dexter has looked good, but Grady Jarrett has not.
Anybody with common sense can tell the pass rush will be a central focus for the Bears next spring unless Austin Booker has a breakout season once he returns from IR. That feels unlikely. The good news is that early indications suggest the 2026 draft will be rich in talented rushers. Insider Charlie Campbell of Walter Football believes there is one name the Bears may already have eyes on. It certainly fits with the new profile they prefer under Dennis Allen.
Keldric Faulk,, DE, Auburn
In 2025, Faulk had 10 tackles with two sacks and one pass batted thus far. Faulk was a beast for Auburn in 2024, with a big-time presence behind the line of scrimmage. He had seven sacks, 45 tackles, and one forced fumble. He has shown speed and power as a pass rusher while being a big-bodied lineman to defend the run. The 6-foot-6, 288-pounder has upside to develop as he gains experience. Faulk would be a great fit in Dennis Allen’s defense.
Faulk does fit what the Chicago Bears prefer.
Even before Allen arrived, it was evident the team targeted bigger, stronger defensive linemen with good length. Sweat and Dexter are two such examples. Signing Odeyingbo was the latest sign. Faulk has the physical profile that checks every box they look for. He isn't the most explosive athlete, but experts say he's a stout run defender with the quickness and first step to beat tackles as a rusher. He finished with seven sacks and 11 tackles for a loss last season. He already has two sacks in four games this year. Both came on the road against quality programs like Baylor and Oklahoma. Faulk seems to bring his best against top opponents. That is something head coach Ben Johnson will love.
The key will be where the Chicago Bears end up picking in the 1st round and whether Faulk decides to go pro. He is a junior this season.
