Windy City Gridiron
With college football season on the horizon, some of us are keeping an eye on prospects we might be interested in heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. For simplicity, we’ve narrowed the categories down to players we are obviously keeping an eye on for Chicago, players we’ve mostly ruled out as prospects for Chicago, and then finally players we are just still undecided about.
Jacob: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Given the Bears’ lack of a proven high-end starter at running back, the most popular 2026 draft prospect being tied to the organization is Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. He’s the consensus top running back in the class, and when you turn on the tape, it’s not hard to see why.
Love is a shifty runner who makes smart cuts in space and has the foot speed to make defenders miss. Additionally, he’s a tough, powerful back who fights hard for every yard he gets and keeps his legs churning through contact with tackles. He has the breakaway speed to be a home-run hitter in the NFL, and he’s a good receiving back with soft hands out of the backfield.
It’s not a matter of whether or not Love’s a good fit for the Bears. Judging by his 2024 season, he certainly is. Rather, it’s a matter of whether he’ll be available for whenever they pick in the first round. Ashton Jeanty went in the top ten in the 2025 NFL Draft, and I don’t think Love is too far behind as a prospect.
Josh: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Uigalelei had 10.5 sacks in the Big Ten in 2024, behind only JT Tuimoloau and Abdul Carter. The converted tight end is 6’5” and 270lbs with an explosive first step and a true desire to be involved in every play. He’s got power and motor as well as adequate bend and agility. He currently relies on physical traits and attitude to rush the passer, but part of that is because to date those have been sufficient.
I’ll be watching to see if he layers technique on top of potential this season. He also needs work on his field awareness, because while he has an instinct for the ball, he does need refinement in assessing plays. These notes aren’t intended as criticisms, because he is on track to be an easy Top 50 pick. However, if he can add even a small amount of additional development in 2025, he will be on track to be a terror in the NFL.
Jacob: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
As an individual prospect, regardless of scheme, I quite like David Bailey. He was a pass-rushing artist during his time at Stanford, and I expect more of the same for him at Texas Tech. He’s explosive off the snap, fluid moving around in space and demonstrates a high power with active hands rushing the passer. If you want pass-rushing lightning in a bottle, he’s...
