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  "path": "/bears/2026/04/24/nfl-draft-bears-round-2-players-available-edge-rusher-defensive-tackle-offensive-cornerback-wide-receiver-ryan-poles-general-manager",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-24T10:30:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears\" target=\"_blank\" >Bears</a> general manager Ryan Poles is being more aggressive than ever in highlighting exactly the kind of player that fits the Bears in the <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/04/23/2026-nfl-draft-bears-pick-oregon-s-dillon-thieneman-at-no-25\" target=\"_blank\" >NFL Draft</a>. If they don’t, he said, they’re off his draft list.</p><p>In the moments after the first round ended Thursday night, Poles looked at those remaining players and thought, for a moment, that Friday's crop looked thin. He reminded himself, though, that these things tend to work out.</p><p>“It feels really thin, but that's a good thing,” Poles said. “I think it's a really good things because we're really selective of who we want. Now, there's some historical numbers that I have that makes me feel confident that there's gonna be guys that we like still available to us. Thankfully the numbers are high enough where I'll be able to sleep a little bit [Thursday] night.\"</p><p>Here are players at the Bears’ positions of need — edge rusher, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver — that could be available Friday when the Bears pick at No. 57 and 60 in Round 2:</p><h3>Edge rusher</h3><p>Clemson’s <b>T.J. Parker,</b> Texas A&M’s <b>Cashius Howell</b> and Missouri’s <b>Zion Young</b> highlight the best remaining defensive ends. They all have their flaws — Parker had five sacks last year and Howell has short arms — but that’s easier to overlook on Day 2 and 3 of the draft. Other edge rushers who will be picked Friday include Oklahoma’s <b>R. Mason Thomas</b> and Illinois’ <b>Gabe Jacas</b>.</p><h3>Defensive tackle</h3><p>Ohio State’s <b>Kayden McDonald</b> is only 21 and probably the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in the draft. Texas Tech’s <b>Lee Hunter</b> can stop the run but is a more skilled pass-rusher than McDonald. NFL Network ranks McDonald No.33 and Hunter No. 41. Georgia's <b>Christen Miller</b> and Missouri’s <b>Chris McClellan</b> are other candidates to be picked.</p><h3>Offensive tackle</h3><p>The Bears could find their next starting left tackle just down Green Bay Road, where Northwestern’s <b>Caleb Tiernan</b> toiled his whole college career. At 6-7, 323 pounds, he’s got a similar build to that of Ozzy Trapilo, who is expected to miss most — if not all — the season with a patellar tendon injury.<br>Mulleted Iowa redhead <b>Gennings Dunker</b>, who can play all five spots on the line, is available, too.</p><h3>Cornerback</h3><p>If the Bears want to find someone to challenge Tyrique Stevenson for the starting job, cornerback is the deepest position left on the board. NFL Network top-100 cornerbacks still available include the Tennessee duo of <b>Colton Hood</b> and <b>Jermod McCoy</b>, South Carolina’s duo of <b>Brandon Cisse</b> and <b>Jalon Kilgore</b>, Clemson's <b>Avieon Terell, </b>Indiana’s <b>D’Angelo Ponds</b>, Miami’s <b>Keionte Scott</b>, Georgia’s <b>Daylen Everette</b>, Washington’s <b>Tacario Davis</b>, Arkansas’ <b>Julian Neal</b>, Arizona State’s <b>Keith Abney II</b> and Florida’s <b>Devin Moore</b>.</p><h3>Wide receiver</h3><p>The Bears can improve upon Kalif Raymond as their third wide receiver. Washington’s <b>Denzel Boston</b>, Clemson’s <b>Antonio Williams</b> and Notre Dame’s <b>Malachi Fields</b> are atop the list of best remaining wideouts.</p>",
  "title": "NFL Draft: Best players available for the Bears to pick Day 2",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-24T10:30:34.236Z"
}