ESPN’s latest 2026 NFL mock draft sends Bears reinforcement on defense

ESPN’s Field Yates sends Bears logical first-round pick in 2026 mock draft

Field Yates published a new 2026 NFL Mock Draft for ESPN on Wednesday, and he sent the Bears the kind of pass-rush help that Montez Sweat desperately needs.

At pick No. 23, the Bears land Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell.

“Coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense has exceeded expectations with an NFL-high 27 takeaways despite plenty of injuries,” Yates wrote. “But this team needs a spark on the defensive line opposite 29-year-old Montez Sweat. And at this spot, Howell would be the most explosive pass rusher on the board. He stepped into a much larger role for the Aggies this season and thrived, as his 11.5 sacks are tied for fourth most in the FBS. His ability to torque his body and turn a corner tightly is among the best in the class. The Bears are tied for the worst pass rush rate in the NFL (28.6%), so this match makes sense.”

Howell led the SEC in sacks with 11.5 and is the first Aggie to ever be named SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

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Much of what happens with the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft will depend on where they select in the first round. This mock draft is a perfect example. The Bears were able to snag a player with this much upside because they lost to the Packers, which moved them from the 31st overall pick to No. 23.

Obviously, Bears fans would prefer a later-first-round selection, even if it means missing out on a player with more pass-rushing ability.

Regardless of where Chicago ends up selecting in the first round, Bears Nation can bet it will be a player who bolsters the team’s pass rush.

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