With their offense more or less locked in for 2026 (aside from some offensive line depth), the Chicago Bears look poised to use the majority of their top four picks in Rounds 1-3 on the defensive side of the ball. At least, that’s what you’d expect. (Aside from offensive tackle, it’s hard to think of a position they’d consider taking inside of a defensive one.)
But what do they prioritize? And which guys fit what Dennis Allen’s defense wants?
Here’s a stab at answering those questions with an all-defense,
three-round mock that should land likely impact players at several major positions of need.
No. 25 — Christen Miller, DT (Georgia)
3-technique is probably the biggest area of need for this defense—even more so than an edge rusher. Miller can play just about anywhere on the defensive line, but his best role might well be as an explosive player, one-gap slasher. He also has strong hands and the ability to stack and shed, clogging things up even when he can’t make the play. As much as Kayden McDonald (rightfully) gets praise for his run defense, Miller’s 88.1 run-stopping grade last year ranked 10th among interior defenders last season, and he has more juice as a pass-rusher. translates from Day 1, even if the actual production (four career sacks) isn’t there. Miller’s job is to be disruptive and let the guys behind him eat. He can do that.
No. 57 — Treydan Stukes, CB (Arizona)
This is probably a generous one. His size-speed ratio at 6’1”, 190 pounds and running a 4.3 is going to get him drafted by someone before pick 57, as long as his medicals keep checking out following his 2024 ACL tear. Stukes’ ability to read quarterbacks, jump throwing lanes, and rotate between nickel and safety slots offers a potentially valuable chess piece for a defense in need of versatility. Also, Allen loves his big cornerbacks.
No. 60 — Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE (Penn State)
ESPN’s Jordan Reid calls Dennis-Sutton a “versatile prospect who checks a lot of the boxes for a Dennis Allen-led defense.” At 6’5”, 256 pounds, 33.5-inch arms, and historic testing for his size, he has all the measureables you want out of an edge (minus maybe the weight). With 23.5 career sacks and seven forced fumbles, he fits into the take-the-ball-away ethos. The upside is there as a toolsy, explosive edge for the team that mines it.
No. 89 — Anthony Hill Jr., LB (Texas)
Good linebackers are aplenty in this draft, and the Bears certainly need some bodies there. He’s young, having just turned 21. He’s fast, relentless, and disruptive as a blitzer, with 17 sacks in three years. He put up 113 tackles and 17 TFLs as a sophomore, earned back-to-back All-American nods, and should be a three-phase player early in his career. Plus, with Devin Bush, T.J. Edwards, and Jack Sanborn in the fold, you don’t have to start him immediately. If he plays the way he’s capable, he’ll find himself on the field anyway.
