5 must-watch edge rushers for Bears at NFL combine

The Chicago Bears have some big needs to fill along the defensive trenches this offseason, both defensive tackle and edge rusher. But after being one of the NFL's worst pass rush units, Chicago could look to pair Montez Sweat with a promising rookie.

Anything else is just an extra cherry on top for a team looking to take the next step. The Bears fixing these needs could be the difference in making the Super Bowl. Chicago won the NFC North and a wild-card playoff game with these holes. Just think how good could they be if they were to overhaul the defensive trenches like they did with the offensive line last offseason.

With the NFL Scouting Combine taking place this week, there are plenty of edge rushers that Ryan Poles, Ben Johnson, and their scouts will be watching. These five are going to be must-watch.

David Bailey, Texas Tech

Sometimes, it doesn't hurt to take a look at players who may be out of your range. For one, you can see what true talent looks like at the position you're scouting for that year. There is also the outside chance that a trade-up is in order. David Bailey is one of those players. Chicago would likely have to trade in the top 10 to get him, but it's worth checking in on him in case he somehow fell far enough.

Scouting report: "Bailey is extremely hard for linemen to stay in front of. He moves like a slashing two guard, blending explosiveness and fluidity to slip, bend and flow around blocks from multiple angles. His leverage and lower-body flexion create game-over scenarios once he reaches pocket depth with even a minor lead. He can be stalled when a blocker latches his hands in deep, but Bailey’s elusiveness and suddenness make clean clamps a relative rarity. He’s instinctive with natural mid-rush counters, but he must continue developing hand usage and crafting rush plans for when protection shifts his way. Teams can run at Bailey due to his lack of anchor and take-on presence, but his work-around quickness will also lead to tackles for loss. His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite. His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside." -- Lance Zierlein

Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

There is a chance that Cashius Howell is available for the Bears with the 25th overall pick. The Texas A&M edge rusher is a talent that will step into the NFL and give his new team new life on the defensive line. While playing for the Aggies in 2025, Howell had 11.5 sacks, six pass deflections, one forced fumble, and 31 tackles. Howell is more known for his pass rush ability than his run stopping ability, but he's a great all-around talent.

Scouting report: "Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential. As a run defender he’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter. Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum." -- Lance Zierlein

T.J. Parker, Clemson

T.J. Parker had a down year compared to his junior year, but he still recovered three fumbles and had five sacks. Whenever he is involved with a defensive line, he can create chaos with his ability to rush the passer. Expect Parker to be a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Scouting report: "Powerful edge defender with NFL length whose 2025 tape might be closer to his pro projection than his gaudy 2024 numbers. Parker’s hand work is above average in both phases. He strikes early to set very firm edges, then sheds quickly to finish tackles. Average short-area burst limits his ability to pursue the run in space and threaten tackles in a race to the top of the rush. He can long-arm tackles into the pocket when he catches them right, but he fails to find quick solutions when that approach stalls. His rush production will be muted until he expands his approach but improvement is likely. Parker profiles as an average to above-average starter." -- Lance Zierlein

Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Akheem Mesidor gained something that not many players did in 2025, and that's incredible big-game experience. Miami lost in the National Championship to Indiana, but it will still serve all of the Hurricanes players well as they look to become NFL stars. The Bears would be wise to take a look at Mesidor at the combine.

Scouting report: "Mesidor is an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox. He bursts upfield and can shrink the corner while punishing oversetting tackles with inside counters. He strings moves together with effortless mid-rush adjustments, utilizing harmonious hands and feet to carve efficient tracks into the pocket. He’s a problem for guards when reduced inside, too. His urgency shows up in run defense, where he uses play strength and short-area quickness to disrupt blocking schemes and stay around the football. He won’t be as long as most edge-setters and his anchor at the point is just average. The talent and motor are obvious, but his age and injury history could push some teams to discount his grade below what the tape shows." -- Lance Zierlein

LT Overton, Alabama

LT Overton is coming from a place that breeds outstanding pass rushers like nobody else at Alabama. He may be someone that the Bears can snag with their second-round picks at 57th overall. Overton's versatility will make him worth watching at the combine.

Scouting report: "Overton is a slow-twitch end with impressive power and a consistently rugged demeanor. He has long arms and plays with the anchor/leverage that helps him secure his gap. However, he rarely gains early positional advantages and isn’t going to be a gap-shooter. He lacks range in pursuit and won’t threaten tackles to the corner with his get-off as an edge rusher. Overton’s play strength and leverage create power on the edge, but power won’t trump production. Adding mass and moving inside to 3-technique could be in his best interest." -- Lance Zierlein

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL combine: Must-watch edge rushers for Bears