Dennis Allen has endured a rough season with the Chicago Bears' defense. Not only has his unit been ravaged by injuries, but most of the significant moves meant to improve it have flopped. Dayo Odeyingbo tore his Achilles, and wasn't overly effective before that. Grady Jarrett hasn't had much of an impact as well. Second round pick Shemar Turner tore his ACL. Only Nahshon Wright provided a big impact, and even he has drawbacks. It is beyond obvious that the unit needs a serious infusion of difference-makers.
With the Bears' offense looking good moving forward, most agree that the entire focus of the 2026 draft will be improving the defense. If you ask experts and fans alike, most will tell you that defensive end has to be the priority. Outside of Montez Sweat, none of their edge rushers have made an impact. However, some think the actual focus for Allen will be elsewhere.
Chicago has searched for a disruptive defensive tackle for years. Gervon Dexter has tried to fill that role, but doesn't have the explosiveness. Jarrett is too old. Without such a presence, the Bears can't get any consistent pressure on quarterbacks.
History says Dennis Allen will prioritize this.
He took over the New Orleans Saints defense in 2015. They wouldn't spend a 1st round pick on his unit until the next year. Their choice? Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. It was felt that they needed somebody who could complement Cameron Jordan on the outside. It worked out well. New Orleans jumped to 10 in points allowed by Rankins' second season, while they racked up 42 sacks. Dennis Allen repeated this strategy a few years later when the Saints selected Bryan Bresee from Clemson in 2023.
Edge rusher will be a possibility in the 1st round next April for the Bears. There is no telling how the board will fall. Sometimes a run happens that forces you to pivot elsewhere. That said, if the choice is between an interior rusher or an end and their projected value is the same, Allen will push for the defensive tackle. Odds will still be favorable they can find edge help in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. It should make for a fascinating spring that could determine Chicago's playoff future.
