Entering the 2026 NFL season, it was very clear what the top position of need was for the Chicago Bears- edge rusher. Then came the season opener, when Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who has been the definition of "mid" through the first three years of his career, shredded them for 361 yards passing.
While they have gotten home to the opposing quarterback, racking up five sacks through the first two games, it is only a middle-of-the-pack showing. Montez Sweat is obviously, with apologies to Evander Holyfield, "the real deal." He's a tour de force, but he needs help.
The Bears could very easily use their first round selection on an edge rusher, and most likely, they'll be picking somewhere in the middle, or later portion of the round.
Here are three edge rushers who might be available when they're on the board.
Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
A five-star recruit who was ranked #2 in the state of Alabama and #28 nationally, he was as blue chip as it gets coming out og high school in 2023.
Given how deep Bama's front is, he didn't get his chance until last year, after redshirting in 2024. He racked up nine sacks and 45 pressures last term, adding 34 run stoppagess and three forced fumbles. And in the words of Frank Sinatra, "the best is yet to come."
Quincy Rhodes, Arkansas
If you're going for an upside/potential kind of pick, then this is absolutely the way to go. At SEC Media Day, Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield discussed the upside of Rhodes, as well as just how far he's come thus far. He noted the weight he put on.
"His body has already changed in the short time with our new strength and conditioning staff," Silverfield said.
"We’re seeing him take steps in the right direction in a leadership role. We’re going to continue to push him." An all-SEC second team selection last season, this year he could easily develop into first team, and then, maybe who knows, All-American?
Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
He's been a top rated prospect for awhile now, so there is certainly a lot of good tape available on him. To employ the very over-used buzz-phrase, he truly "sets the edge." One could say he even makes sure that no one "breaks outside contain."
But seriously folks, Uiagalelei brings the pressure even when he isn't racking up TFLs or sacks. He's an absolutle monster on passing downs, but still needs work on run downs.
He's got too many missed tackles on his CV, but if cleans that up, we're talking definite first round material.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Three EDGE Prospects that could fit in well with the Chicago Bears
