5 Must-Watch Defensive Tackles for the Bears at the NFL Combine

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5 Must-Watch Defensive Tackles for the Bears at the NFL Combine

The Chicago Bears head into the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine with a significant emphasis on strengthening their defensive front, with the defensive tackle position being a paramount concern. Following a 2025 season marred by struggles in both run defense and pass rush, the Bears are looking to the 2026 NFL Draft class to find impactful solutions. Armed with the 25th overall pick and potentially other early selections, the team aims to address critical needs along the defensive line, seeking talent that can immediately elevate their performance.

Having strategically overhauled their offensive line during the 2025 offseason, the Bears' attention now shifts to mirroring that dedication on the defensive side of the ball. This includes fortifying the interior defensive line and addressing edge rushing capabilities. Fortunately for Chicago, the 2026 draft class appears to be rich with talent at various defensive positions, offering ample opportunities to fill these voids. The NFL Combine serves as an invaluable platform, allowing the Bears' brass to closely observe, interact with, and assess some of the top defensive tackle prospects available, facilitating informed decision-making for the draft.

Amidst a deep pool of potential draftees, five defensive tackles stand out as particularly intriguing prospects for the Bears. These players possess the traits and potential to make an immediate impact, capable of addressing the team's most pressing defensive deficiencies. Securing a blue-chip defensive tackle in the first round, especially with their current draft capital, could prove to be a transformative move, significantly bolstering both run-stopping ability and interior pass-rush effectiveness.

Peter Woods: A First-Round Talent with High Upside

Peter Woods is widely regarded as a first-round talent, projecting as a player who could be selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft. The opportunity to play alongside an established Pro Bowl talent like Montez Sweat would present an ideal scenario for a young defensive lineman looking to establish his career in the NFL. During his 2025 season with Clemson, Woods recorded 30 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a pass breakup, showcasing his production. Scouting reports highlight him as a young interior defender with significant room for physical development as he matures. While not exclusively a one-gap or two-gap specialist, Woods demonstrates versatility and capability in various defensive schemes. He exhibits good lower-body explosiveness at the point of contact, maintaining synchronized hand and footwork to navigate around blockers effectively. Scouts describe him more as an "active brawler" than a "double-team eating tree stump." His shorter arm length can pose a challenge, allowing offensive linemen to get into his frame and forcing him to work harder at the point of attack. However, his ability to overcome blocks and win reps as the play progresses is considered impressive. While he may lack the elite quickness for immediate solo rush success, Woods functions effectively as part of a collective pass rush designed to collapse the pocket. His 2024 game tape is often cited as a better indicator of his potential, suggesting he has the makings of a solid starter in an even-front defense.

Kayden McDonald: A Run-Stopping Specialist

Another potential first-round option for the Bears at defensive tackle is Kayden McDonald. In 2025, McDonald was a standout player on one of college football's most formidable defenses at Ohio State. He has established himself as a talented run defender, utilizing natural leverage and delivering impactful initial contact. McDonald displays quickness in locating ball carriers, playing through blocks, and rallying to the football. While his technique requires refinement, and he might not be a natural "drain-clogger" against double teams, he consistently produced a high tackle rate from the interior defensive line. Scouts believe quicker hand strikes would enhance his efficiency and lead to earlier wins at the line of scrimmage. His pass-rush value is considered limited, suggesting his primary contribution will be disrupting centers and guards as an even-front nose tackle with starting potential.

Caleb Banks: Traits Abound, Polish Needed

Similar to Woods and McDonald, Caleb Banks is expected to be a first-round selection, though there's a possibility he could slip into the second round. Regardless of where he lands, Banks has the potential to make an immediate impact for the Bears. Banks missed some playing time during the 2025 season, making his medical evaluations at the combine particularly crucial. If cleared, he represents a significant consideration for the Bears. His draft stock would likely be considerably higher had he remained healthy throughout the entire season. Observing Banks at the combine is essential for teams evaluating his physical tools and medical status. Scouts note his big frame and long limbs, characterizing him as an interior defender whose play requires more polish to consistently leverage his physical traits. Banks possesses a quick first step and can stun or control single blockers with timely and accurate hand strikes, but he needs to improve his disengagement speed to increase his tackle volume. His high center of gravity can make him susceptible to displacement by double teams, suggesting a potential move to defensive end in an odd-front scheme might benefit him as a run defender. Like a skilled grappler still learning submission techniques, Banks is in the process of unlocking his full physical advantages to translate them into sacks.

Lee Hunter: A Powerful Space-Eater

Lee Hunter could provide the Bears with much-needed quarterback pressure, particularly against less formidable offensive lines, while also significantly improving their run defense. As a potential second-round selection, Hunter warrants close examination at the combine. Scouts describe Hunter as a nose tackle capable of playing "two-gapping" in both odd and even fronts. He possesses the requisite size, strength, and length to compete in the trenches but needs to refine his block take-on technique to maintain a stronger anchor. While he may not consistently win in the gaps, Hunter demonstrates the ability to stack and shed blocks from single opponents or slide and stabilize his run fits against zone schemes. His girth and length are particularly advantageous when aligned over the center as a run defender. He lacks the quickness and refined pass-rush skills to be a primary factor on passing downs, but his power can disrupt the pocket. Hunter projects as an early-down "space-eater" capable of making interior offensive linemen work diligently for their assigned gaps.

Dominique Orange: "Big Citrus" for Chicago?

The Chicago Bears, with their iconic navy and orange uniforms, could be an ideal landing spot for a prospect nicknamed "Big Citrus." Beyond being a highly-rated draft prospect, Dominique Orange could significantly boost Chicago's ability to generate pressure, stop the run, and improve the defense overall. Available in the late second or early third round, Orange presents an intriguing option for the Bears. Scouts characterize him as a sturdy nose tackle who can disrupt the middle of the field with his first-step quickness and powerful take-on ability. His quick reaction time makes him difficult to reach-block in zone schemes, and he possesses the anchor strength to control the "A-gaps" against double teams. While he may occasionally get "bounced around" on initial contact, Orange excels at recovery and winning the final phase of the rep. His pass-rushing contributions are considered minimal, but his substantial value against the run is expected to attract significant interest from NFL teams.

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