As the NFL Combine gets underway, the Chicago Bears are keen to build on last year’s draft successes by identifying emerging talent capable of stepping into starting roles. With limited salary cap flexibility this offseason, the Bears are expected to rely heavily on the draft to strengthen key defensive positions, particularly focusing on edge rusher, safety, cornerback, and defensive tackle spots. The team’s primary goal is to address weaknesses that became evident during the 2025 season, especially concerning defensive tackle Grady Jarrett‘s underwhelming performance.
Top Candidate for the Bears’ Defensive Line in Next Year’s Draft
According to Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport, the Bears has their eyes set on Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller as a prime target for the 2026 NFL Draft. Davenport noted that while the Bears might target an edge rusher or linebacker with their first-round pick, they could opt to bolster their defensive interior in the second round by securing a player like Miller.
Davenport explained,
“The Bears could use help at just about every position group on that side of the ball, from edge-rusher to safety. It wouldn’t be a stunner to see an edge-rusher or linebacker be the team’s first choice at No. 25, but they could circle back in Round 2 and improve the middle of the defensive front with a player such as Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller.”
Standing 6’4″ and weighing 310 pounds, Miller may be considered slightly undersized for a nose tackle role, and his college stats were not dominant. However, he brings a blend of speed and athleticism and has demonstrated versatility by playing at various spots along the defensive line.
Addressing the Deficiencies Left by Grady Jarrett
Miller’s skill set as a strong run defender could be especially valuable for Chicago’s defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league last season—27th in rushing yards allowed per game, conceding 134.5 yards on the ground. Miller recorded 23 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks last year playing for the Bulldogs. Although not known for elite pass-rushing capabilities, his ability to stop the run aligns with the Bears’ urgent need to shore up their defensive front.
Grady Jarrett, who signed a three-year deal with the Bears ahead of the 2025 season, failed to meet expectations due to inconsistent play and early health struggles. Chicago’s defensive line generally fell short, intensifying the pressure on coaching staff and management to find reliable replacements or complementary talent.
Potential Benefits of Drafting Christen Miller
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen could develop Miller over the next couple of seasons, which would provide stability to the defensive tackle position without expending a first-round pick. Considering Jarrett has become a costly disappointment, Miller offers a potential remedy to the team’s defensive woes.
“After a disappointing 2025 from tackle Grady Jarrett, Miller would be a welcome addition—especially after the Jarrett signing produced less-than-ideal results last year,”
Davenport said.
Given these circumstances, the 2026 draft presents an opportunity for Chicago to correct a recent misstep by adding a defensively sound player like Miller, who may alleviate some of the pressure placed on the Bears’ defensive front and enhance overall team performance moving forward.
