Michael Heldman
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: General Manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
There’s no denying that the Chicago Bears need help getting to the quarterback, and Michael Heldman out of Central Michigan is exactly the type of hidden gem prospect Chicago should draft in the later rounds.
There are only four pass rushers since 2015 with a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) over 9.4/10 who also have a win rate in true pass sets (TPS) over 27.50% — Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson, Marcus Davenport, and Heldman.
Not only that, Heldman leads those four pass rushers in both RAS (9.89) and TPS (40.20%).
The Bears Must Target Michael Heldman During the 2026 NFL Draft
It’s not just cherry-picking one statistic, either. Heldman was extremely productive during his final season at Central Michigan, racking up 10.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 48 total tackles. He also boasts the second-highest true pass rush win rates (40.4) in the 2026 NFL Draft, only behind Nadame Tucker from Western Michigan.
There seems to be a theme with these Eastern and Central Michigan pass rushers, considering Crosby also attended Eastern Michigan.
He fits the prototypical Dennis Allen mold at pass rusher, standing 6’4″ and weighing 260 pounds, and fits Chicago’s urge to bring in athletic and bigger pass rushers.
If other teams haven’t caught on to the amount of upside Heldman possesses, he should be a Day 3 pick. That’s good news for the Bears, who can focus on addressing other areas of need during the early rounds (safety, defensive tackle, etc.).
Scouting Report on Heldman
Ryan Paglia of Steelers Depot provided more information on what Heldman brings as a player in his scouting report.
“In a draft class full of high-end athletes who haven’t consistently produced, Heldman is the opposite. He’s done nothing but produce, albeit at the Group of Five level. His tape won’t wow you with dominant physical traits, but he wins his matchups over and over again.
His success stems from the nonstop use of his hands. They’re active and heavy, constantly working to swipe away his opponent’s arms and generate leverage to the outside shoulder. When that doesn’t work, he doesn’t stand out. He shows the ability to work back inside and counter his opponent’s moves.
A good comparison for Heldman’s potential role is Jonathan Cooper from Ohio State. With similar measurables, both rushers lack the top-tier burst that widens their margin for error, but they win with relentless effort. Cooper entered the league as a slightly better run defender, but Heldman has time to grow in that area.”
The Bears have more success finding pass rushers in the later rounds, and Heldman could be next in line. Knowing all this information about him now, it’s not a wild guess to say Chicago has him on their radar, and he could be wearing a Bears uniform very soon.
Like every prospect, Heldman is not perfect. But the statistics and production make him an enticing choice to bolster Chicago’s pass rush.