In years past, when I did the perfect Bears mock draft, it was rather easy because I had a pretty good idea what the Bears were going to do in the first round. I might not have had the exact player, but I knew the position.
This year is different. Maybe it’s because the Bears aren’t picking anywhere near the top ten, so it’s hard to zero in on one or two specific players.
The fact is, the Bears can go in several different directions with their first pick, so I felt the need to do different versions of the “perfect “ draft.
Scenario 1
The Bears Get Lucky
In this scenario, the one player that I think is a perfect fit, no brainer pick, is available when the Bears go on the clock at pick #25.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon. Ali Gradischer/ Getty Images
Round 1, Pick #25
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The possibility of this happening is slim. I think Thieneman will be long gone by the time the Bears go on the clock, but I have seen mock drafts by well respected pundits that have him still on the board, so there is a chance.
Thieneman is a perfect fit. Versatile and athletic. He’d give Dennis Allen and Al Harris another chess piece to play with in the Bears secondary. He’s the only player, barring even bigger miracles, that could be on the board at 25 that would make me not even consider trading down.
Bears trade pick #57 to Philadelphia in exchange for picks #68, #114 & 2027 Sixth.
The Bears only have 7 picks in this draft, so it is imperative that they add more. Keeping their first round pick increases the likelihood that one of their two second rounders gets dealt. Honestly, I think this is possible no matter what happens in the first, since these two picks are so close together. Good opportunity to add some early day three capital.
Round 2, Pick #60
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Jacas isn’t an elite athlete. Nothing he does jumps out as being particularly elite, but he’s a relentless, tough & physical player that will leave opposing offensive players knowing they’ve been in a war. He will never lead the league in sacks, but he’ll be a very solid addition to the Bears defensive front.
Round 3, Pick #68
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Can’t pass up the value here. Fields doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s a very good route runner and excels at contested catches. Another weapon for Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams, that should steal a few, much needed, completions for Williams.
Round 3, Pick #89
Brian Parker II, IOL, Duke
The Bears could announce him as a guard or tackle, but Parker really is their future starting center. He has the positional versatility to offer depth all across the offensive line while he hones his craft at the pivot.
Round 4, Pick #114
LT Overton, DT, Alabama
The Bears love versatility on their defense and Overton offers that. He has the ability to line up anywhere on the defensive line, from edge to nose tackle. Probably best suited as a 3 tech, but Dennis Allen will use him multiple ways.
Bears trade picks #129 & 241 to Tennessee in exchange for picks #142 & 184.
This move gives the Bears picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. Since there was no one on the board at #129 that I felt like the Bears needed to have, I made the deal.
Bears trade pick #142 to Washington in exchange for picks #147 & 209.
Bears flip their recently acquired fifth rounder to Washington, who wanted to get ahead of division rival NY. They added an extra sixth rounder.
Round 5, Pick #147
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Thought the Bears might target a corner earlier, but the board didn’t cooperate. Everette is a pretty good get in the fifth round. He’s a sturdy, well built player that is faster than he sometimes appears. With good coaching, he could become a solid starter.
Round 6, Pick #184
Ahmaad Moses, S, SMU
Moses lacks the length to be a deep safety, but he offers depth as a box safety and nickel corner. He also adds special teams value, which is important in the later rounds.
Round 6, Pick #209
Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy
Heidenreich is a Swiss Army knife for Ben Johnson’s offense. He offers depth in the running back room and as a slot receiver. Not the greatest athlete, but his toughness and mentality makes up for it.
Round 7, Pick #239
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Bears won’t get much out of World during his rookie season, as he’s recovering from a torn ACL, but he’s got tremendous upside for a seventh round pick.
Scenario 2
Trading Down in the First
In this scenario, that one perfect fit is gone and the Bears move down the board instead of deciding between imperfect fits.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State. Jevone Moore/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Bears trade pick #25 to Las Vegas in exchange for picks #36 & 67.
Oregon safety, Dillon Thieneman, is off the board, so the Bears are open for business. Vegas wants to jump ahead of a few teams to land a stud offensive tackle to protect their new franchise QB, so they overpay a bit and the Bears benefit.
Round 2, Pick #36
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
I’ll be honest, I’d consider Johnson at #25, too. He’s vaulted up my rankings, I have him as my #3 corner, behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane & Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy.
Johnson has flawless technique and discipline with the speed and versatility that the Bears should love. He’ll lock down the CB2 position and vastly improve the Bears pass defense.
Round 2, Pick #57
AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
The Bears finish revamping their secondary with this pick. Haulcy is a bigger safety that will complement free agent signee, Coby Bryant. More of a box safety thumper, Haulcy does have the versatility for coverage, as well.
Bears trade pick #60 to Cleveland in exchange for picks #70 & 107.
As I stated in Scenario 1, I think it’s highly likely that the Bears trade one of their two second rounders, regardless of what happens in the first round, to add some more draft capital.
The Bears now have three third round picks and two fourth rounders.
Round 3, Pick #67
Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
I’m not sure the Bears would target a center this early, and I’m not sure if Hecht makes it to round three, but I would love this pick.
Hecht is, hands down, the top center in the class, in my opinion. He’d challenge Garrett Bradbury for the starting role immediately and he’d anchor the Bears offensive line for the next decade.
Bears trade pick #70 to Baltimore in exchange for picks #80 & #115.
Just keep adding draft capital. Bears now have three fourth rounders.
Round 3, Pick #80
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Can’t afford to wait any longer on a player that I think Ben Johnson has to absolutely love. Big, fast receiver that can win at all levels of the defense. The best part? Stribling is the best blocking receiver in the class. No block, no rock.
Round 3, Pick #89
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
DDS has ideal size and length for a Bears defensive end. He’s an excellent run defender and edge setter, though a bit one dimensional as a pass rusher. There are better pass rushers available, but I think Dennis Allen will love DDS.
Round 4, Pick #107
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Had to start off Day Three with a bang. Critics point out Singleton’s lack of vision, but he has elite home run speed and receiving skills. Sounds a bit like D’Andre Swift, only much, much faster.
Round 4, Pick #115
LT Overton, DT, Alabama
I spoke about Overton in Scenario 1, it’s the versatility that attracts me and I believe will attract the Bears.
Bears trade picks #129 & 239 to NY Giants in exchange for picks #145 & 193.
Bears drop down into the fifth round to turn one of their seventh rounders into a sixth.
Round 5, Pick #145
Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
Cuevas fills that Durham Smythe, blocking tight end role, with more receiving upside.
Round 6, Pick #193
Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
More depth for the secondary and special teams value.
Round 7, Pick #241
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Just like in Scenario 1, the Bears take a seventh round flyer on an injured offensive tackle with tremendous upside.
Scenario 3
Stick and Pick
In this scenario, that one perfect fit is gone and the Bears can’t find an acceptable trade down, so they stay at #25 and take the top player on their board, or in this case, my board.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson. Associated Press
Round 1, Pick #25
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods’ stock has been slipping, not only am I now sure he’ll be on the board when the Bears go on the clock, some are projecting him to fall into the second round. I’m beginning to wonder if the Bears might actually have a shot at him with the 57th pick.
That’s the thing, I still like him and I think he’s a great fit for the Bears. 2025 was a down year for him, and apparently he didn’t test well at his Pro Day, but watch the 2024 tape. Peter Woods is an explosive, athletic disruptor on the defensive line. Stout against the run and with some pass rushing juice.
Bears trade pick #57 to Arizona in exchange for picks #65 & 143.
As I stated in the two previous scenarios, I feel it’s very likely that the Bears move one of their second rounders to add some more picks. Here they get a fifth rounder from Arizona.
Round 2, Pick #60
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
I was deciding between a corner and a safety with this pick, I went with Muhammad because I think I can still get a quality safety later, whereas the corners start taking a drop off.
Muhammad has excellent length and speed. Great technique in man to man coverage. Needs to add some muscle mass to compete with bigger, more physical receivers.
Round 3, Pick #65
Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
Great football IQ and character. Versatile player, some may view him as a corner, but the Bears will use him mainly at safety.
He’s an older prospect, with an ACL injury on his resume, which gives me pause, but I think the talent and passion will outweigh that.
Bears trade pick #89 to Philadelphia in exchange for picks #98 & 137.
Bears add another fourth round pick to move down nine spots.
Round 3, Pick #98
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
The trade down from #89 cost the Bears a shot at De’Zhaun Stribling, who I think is their preferred target. Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II was available, but there’s character concerns, so I think the Bears will pass. I settled on Thompson.
Thompson is pure speed. Vastly undersized, so his usage will be limited, but he’ll strike fear in defensive secondaries every time he steps onto the field.
Round 4, Pick #129
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Bears get their future starting center. Slaughter is a highly intelligent player that makes up for lacking athleticism with his football IQ and awareness. Could stand to add some muscle mass to his frame.
Round 4, Pick #137
Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
He’s a little undersized, by Dennis Allen standards, but Josephs has the frame to bulk up. He’s got ideal length to be an edge setting defensive end for the Bears. Pass rush needs refinement.
Round 5, Pick #143
Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
Excellent athlete for his size. Has shown inconsistency, but his highs show the tantalizing upside. Developmental tackle that could be the swing tackle or possibly starting left tackle, eventually, if Ozzy Trapilo can’t return to form after his injury.
Round 7, Pick #239
Eric McAllister, WR, TCU
More speed for the Bears offense. McAllister is just a deep vertical threat at this point, but coaching could develop him into a more complete receiver.
Round 7, Pick #241
DJ Rogers, TE, TCU
Still developing tight end prospect. Has shown the strength to be a competent blocker and the speed to be a threat in the passing game.
Last week, I did a Bears mock draft where I had the Bears trading out of the first round. It was a lot of fun. I was actually able to accumulate three extra picks for this draft and two more for next year. On top of that, I was able to get a pretty stellar haul for the Bears.
This time, I decided to try a mock draft where the Bears move up in the first round. This was tougher. First, I had to figure out who we would trade up for. The top edge rushers, like David Bailey and Rueben Bain, would cost too much for the Bears to move into range for. Corner was a possibility, but I decided that safety Dillon Thieneman was the most plausible target.
To ensure I got Thieneman, I figured I had to get in front of division rivals, Detroit and Minnesota, picking 17th & 18th, respectively. Luckily, there was a very likely trade partner sitting at #16 in the New York Jets.
Round 1, Pick #16
Ali Gradischer/ Getty Images
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
I traded the 25th pick and the second of the Bears two second rounders, #60, to the Jets to move up in front of the Vikings and Lions, who are both possible landing spots for Thieneman.
Thieneman is a perfect fit for the Bears defense and the price was moderate.
Round 2, Pick #62
Peter G Aiken/ Getty Images
Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
After giving up one of our second rounders in the deal to get Thieneman, I wanted to try get another Day Two pick, somehow. Denver offered the best deal, giving me pick #62 & pick #108 for pick #57 & #239. It wasn’t a day two pick, but an early fourth rounder. Hopefully, I can add some more picks later.
At #62, I was happy to see Hecht still on the board. He’s the top center in the class, in my opinion, and the only one capable of wresting the starting job away from Garrett Bradbury in his rookie season.
Round 3, Pick #89
Brian Bahr/ Getty Images
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
I had a little luck on my side here. I was looking to possibly trade back from here to add some extra picks, but when I saw that Halton had slipped and was still on the board, I quickly shifted.
Halton is a perfect scheme fit for the Bears defensive line. Explosive and athletic, a true disruptor on the line of scrimmage.
Round 4, Pick #108
Ric Tapia/ Getty Images
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
With the pick I acquired from Denver, I grabbed a defensive end that is physically everything Dennis Allen could want. He’s long and tall and a plus run defender. His ceiling as a pass rusher is low, but he could be a solid part of the Bears defensive end rotation.
Round 4, Pick #129
M Anthony Nesmith/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
I couldn’t find a decent trade to add more picks, so I stuck here and took the best player on my board.
Masses has great ball skills and has been very productive. Not a great tackler or run defender, but those ball skills give him a shot at taking over the CB2 role.
Round 7, Pick #241
Mark J Rebilas/ Imagn Images
Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
With the Bears last pick, I decided to go with a developmental offensive lineman. Mahlman can serve as depth at both tackle and guard.
Synopsis
I got a decent draft haul here. Thieneman is a day one starter, Halton and Dennis-Sutton will be part of the defensive line rotation and Hecht and Masses should eventually be starters.
Here’s the problem, though, I wasn’t able to address certain positions I would have liked to because I just didn’t have enough picks. I would have liked a wide receiver and/or a running back, but with limited picks and only one after the fourth round, I had to prioritize other areas.
Never say never, but I would highly doubt that the Bears would make the sort of first round trade that I did here.
Thus far, all of my mock drafts have been pretty straightforward. No trades. That changes here. I got wild with this one, 11 total trades! Four teams traded completely out of the first round.
Let’s get crazy and let’s have some fun:
#1 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
No need to get crazy, yet. This pick is locked.
#2 NEW YORK JETS
Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
Ben Jackson/ Getty Images
I think Reese’s versatility is what sells the Jets, even if they’ll use him primarily as an edge rusher.
#3 ARIZONA CARDINALS
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Doug Murray/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
No trade here, but still a curveball. Cardinals go with a running back in the top five.
#4 CINCINNATI BENGALS (from Tennessee)
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
John E Moore III/ Getty Images
Bengals trade the 10th & 41st picks to Tennessee to move up six spots and get, perhaps, the best pure edge in the class.
#5 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (from NY Giants)
Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami-Fl
Associated Press
Chiefs trade the 9th & 40th picks to jump up and land their disruptive edge rusher.
#6 CLEVELAND BROWNS
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami-Fl
Megan Briggs/ Getty Images
Browns stay put and land the top offensive lineman in the class.
#7 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Tom Hauck/ Getty Images
Washington loses out on the top edge rushers, but Downs is a great consolation prize.
#8 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Bruce Yeung/ Getty Images
Saints stay put and get a RAC weapon for Tyler Shough.
#9 NEW YORK GIANTS (from Kansas City)
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Tom Hauck/ Getty Images
Giants added an extra second rounder and still got the receiver I’ve mocked to them at #5.
#10 TENNESSEE TITANS (from Cincinnati)
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Ric Tapia/ Getty Images
Titans also added an extra second and they landed the best linebacker in the class.
#11 MIAMI DOLPHINS
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Derick E Hingle/ Getty Images
Even in my get crazy mock draft, I still have Miami getting Delane at #11. Must be fate.
#12 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (from Dallas)
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Ali Gradischer/ Getty Images
Vikings traded the 18th & 49th picks to Dallas to move up six spots to ensure they landed Thieneman.
#13 CAROLINA PANTHERS (from LA Rams)
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Bryan Lynn/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Panthers trade the 19th & 51st picks to the Rams to jump up and land, perhaps, the best cornerback in the class.
#14 BALTIMORE RAVENS
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Corine Solberg/ Getty Images
Ravens land another long sought weapon for their offense.
#15 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Michael Chang/ Getty Images
Tampa goes with physical specimen with enticing traits but underwhelming production.
#16 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from NY Jets)
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Rich von Biberstein/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Eagles trade the 23rd & 54th picks to New York to move up and grab the eventual successor to Hall of Famer Lane Johnson.
#17 DETROIT LIONS
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Ric Tapia/ Getty Images
Lions see themselves get jumped for a couple players they might be targeting, but they land a possible replacement for Taylor Decker.
#18 DALLAS COWBOYS (from Minnesota)
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Katie Devaney/ Getty Images
Cowboys added an extra second rounder to move down six spots, where they landed a new CB1.
#19 LOS ANGELES RAMS (from Carolina)
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Chris Leduc/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rams added an extra second rounder by trading down and then land the massive offensive tackle from Alabama.
#20 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from Dallas)
Akeem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami-Fl
Chris Arjoon/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Patriots trade the 31st & 63rd picks to Dallas to move up for, perhaps, the best pass rusher in the class.
#21 PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Steve Nurenberg/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Steelers stay in state and grab the best interior offensive lineman in the class.
#22 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (from LA Chargers)
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Randy Litzinger/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Niners trade the 27th & 58th picks to LA to move up and secure the freakishly athletic tight end.
#23 NEW YORK JETS (from Philadelphia)
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Associated Press
Jets added an extra second rounder to move down seven spots. There they land a disruptive force for their defensive line.
#24 CLEVELAND BROWNS
Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
Kevin Langley/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Browns added an offensive lineman earlier and now they get another weapon for whoever plays quarterback.
#25 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (from Chicago)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Aaron M Sprecher/ Getty Images
Raiders trade the 36th pick & a 2027 second rounder to Chicago to move back into the first round and get a protector for their new franchise quarterback.
#26 NEW YORK GIANTS (from Buffalo)
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Associated Press
The Giants move back into the first round by trading the 37th pick & a 2027 second rounder to Buffalo. They get a stud linebacker and eventual leader for their defense.
#27 ARIZONA CARDINALS (from LA Chargers via San Francisco)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Kevin C Cox/ Getty Images
Cardinals trade the 34th & 65th picks to LA, to move back into the first round and get that all important fifth year option on what could be their new franchise quarterback.
#28 HOUSTON TEXANS
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Texans stay put and continue to revamp their offensive line.
#29 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Cory Knowlton/ ISI Photos via Getty Images
Chiefs lost both starting cornerbacks this offseason, they use their second first rounder on one.
#30 MIAMI DOLPHINS
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Ed Zurga/ Getty Images
Dolphins use the pick they received for Jaylen Waddle to draft a replacement.
#31 DALLAS COWBOYS (from New England)
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Joe Buvid/ Getty Images
After their second trade down in the first round, Dallas adds an edge rusher.
#32 DALLAS COWBOYS (from Seattle)
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Jason Mowry/ Getty Images
Cowboys aren’t done! They trade the 49th & 63rd picks to Seattle for a third first rounder. They use it on a massive, run stuffing defensive tackle.
BonusPicks
Here’s the first picks for the multiple teams that didn’t have a first rounder:
#34 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (from Arizona)
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Jeffrey Vest/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After two trade downs that took them out of the first round, but gave them an extra second rounder & an extra third, the Chargers take an anchor for their defensive line.
#36 CHICAGO BEARS (from Las Vegas)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Associated Press
Bears added a 2027 second rounder to move out of the first round, with their first pick the nab the hard hitting safety from Toledo.
#37 BUFFALO BILLS (from NY Giants)
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida
Peter Joneleit/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Bills also added a 2027 second rounder to move out of the first. Their first pick is a highly productive edge rusher.
#47 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Michael Wade/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Colts traded their first rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. Their first pick is a prototypical defensive end.
#48 ATLANTA FALCONS
Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Johnnie Izquierdo/ Getty Images
Falcons traded their first rounder during last year’s draft. Their first pick is another weapon for their offense.
#49 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Dallas)
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Robin Alam/ ISI Photos via Getty Images
Seahawks added an extra second rounder to move out of the first. They use their first pick on an interior offensive lineman.
#52 GREEN BAY PACKERS
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Bruce Yeung/ Getty Images
Packers traded their first rounder to acquire Micah Parsons. Their first pick is a feisty cornerback.
#56 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
David Rosenblum/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Jaguars traded their first rounder during last year’s draft. Their first pick is the Florida defensive tackle that would’ve gone in the first if not for the broken foot he suffered at the Combine.
#62 DENVER BRONCOS
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Todd Kirkland/ Getty Images
Broncos traded their first rounder for Jaylen Waddle. Their first pick is a three down tight end with tremendous pass catching upside.
We’re under a month to go until the NFL Draft and I can’t help running mock drafts. This time, I decided to see what could happen if I traded out of the first round. I ended up turning 7 picks in this draft into 10, plus two third rounders for next year. Pretty great haul, which is probably unrealistic, but fun.
Say goodbye to Chicago, Tyrique Stevenson. Hood immediately becomes CB2 for the Bears, with the potential to develop into a true lockdown corner.
Traded Pick #57 & Pick #239 to Atlanta for Pick #79, Pick #122 & 2027 Third Round Pick
Traded Pick #60 to Jacksonville for Pick #81 & Pick #88
Pick #65
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Brian Bahr/ Getty Images
Hood is a perfect fit for what Dennis Allen wants to do on the defensive line. He relies more on explosiveness and athleticism than sheer bulk. Immediate part of the rotation with his role growing throughout his rookie season.
Traded Pick #79 to Carolina for Pick #83 & Pick #159
Pick #81
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
James Black/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Fields has a similar skill set to Rome Odunze, but I just couldn’t pass up the value. Fields, Odunze, Luther Burden, Colston Loveland & Cole Kmet will give defensive coordinators nightmares.
Pick #83
Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Jacob Kupferman/ Getty Images
Kilgore is a great complement to Coby Bryant on the back end of the Bears defense. Primarily a box safety, Kilgore has the versatility that Dennis Allen loves.
Traded Pick #88 & 2027 Sixth Round Pick to Denver for Pick #108 & 2027 Third Round Pick
Pick #89
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Scott W Grau/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Moore will be a pass rushing force off the edge, though a liability against the run.
Traded Pick #108 to Jacksonville for Pick #115 & Pick #166
Pick #115
Matt Gulbin, IOL, Michigan State
Corine Solberg/ Getty Images
Gulbin offers depth at all three interior positions on the Bears offensive line and could develop into their eventual starting center.
Pick #122
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Isaiah Vazquez/ Getty Images
Slight reach here, maybe, but I love Singleton. He may lack elite vision, but he has elite speed and he’s a dual threat running back. Home run hitter that can score every time he touches the ball.
Pick #159
Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
Aaron M Sprecher/ Getty Images
York is shorter and lacks the desired length, which is why he’s available here. Talent wise, he’s as good a linebacker as there is. A defensive leader, at worst he’ll be a special teams ace.
Pick #166
Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Scott Winters/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
I couldn’t pass on the talent here. Height is severely undersized and he’ll need to add muscle mass to hold up in the NFL, but he’s a top notch pass rusher.
Pick #241
Aaron Hall, DT, Duke
go Duke.com
Hall has some traits and skills that could be developed to turn him into a serviceable run defender in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens- Baltimore didn’t break any rules in backing out of the trade for Maxx Crosby, and there might be legitimate medical concerns, but it all smells fishy. I think the Ravens saw a chance to get a comparable player at a much cheaper price and they used any excuse they could find to get out of the deal and screw the Raiders. All things considered, I’d rather have Crosby but Trey Hendrickson isn’t costing them two first round picks.
Las Vegas Raiders- Vegas got screwed, plain and simple, they can put on the happy face about being reunited with Crosby, but the fact is that those two first rounders would help them more. As great as Crosby is, he’s not a part of the Raiders future. The Raiders are in full rebuild mode, Crosby is 29, by the time Vegas is ready to contend, Crosby will be past his prime.
Quarterbacks- The QB market was interesting. Malik Willis landing in Miami was a mild surprise, I thought Arizona would make a bigger push. The fact the Cardinals are going into 2026 with Jacoby Brissett & Gardner Minshew is very surprising. Minnesota landing Kyler Murray was expected, and it’s also expected that he’ll be the week one starter over JJ McCarthy. Tua Tagovailoa landing in Atlanta makes sense, and I’ll be honest, I think he ends up being the starter over Michael Penix Jr. The Jets going with Geno Smith is mildly surprising, but it makes sense. The Jets are loaded with draft capital in 2027, when the QB class is much, much better. They’re just riding out 2026, waiting to take their shot next year. Indianapolis re-signing Daniel Jones was expected, but I can’t help thinking this is the kind of deal that gets the head coach and general manager fired. Jones has parlayed one and a half decent seasons into two big paydays. I’m convinced this one will turn out just like it did in New York. Pittsburgh and possibly Cleveland are the only two starting jobs open. The Steelers are possibly waiting on Aaron Rodgers, but I still think he might retire. I have to think that Kirk Cousins has to be on their radar. The Browns might be considering him, too. I’m not sure Cousins signs anywhere to be a backup, maybe he’ll sit out until some team needs an injury replacement.
Running Backs- Kansas City signed Kenneth Walker III & New Orleans signed Travis Etienne, those were two possible landing spots for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. What that tells me is that the Chiefs and Saints knew Love wasn’t going to make it to them at 8 or 9 in the first round, furthermore he wasn’t going to even slip into a range where they could reasonably trade up for him. I’m convinced, now, that Love is going top five. My guess is it’s between Arizona and Tennessee. I love the fit of Rico Dowdle in Pittsburgh and I think that Isaiah Pacheco is cheap replacement for David Montgomery in Detroit.
Mike Evans- Man, it’s going to be weird seeing Evans in a Niners uniform. I thought he’d be a Buccaneer lifer.
Jaelan Phillips- Phillips’ deal with Carolina is the reason why you shouldn’t go shopping in the free agent edge rusher market. Phillips is good, but $30 million per is a hefty price to pay for a guy with his injury history.
Now on to the mock draft:
Round One
#1 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Everything the Raiders did in free agency points to them making Mendoza their new franchise quarterback.
#2 NEW YORK JETS
Ben Jackson/ Getty Images
Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
I think Reese’s versatility will be the deciding factor for the Jets.
#3 ARIZONA CARDINALS
Megan Briggs/ Getty Images
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami-Fl
I think the Cardinals will go offensive line and right now Mauigoa is the top offensive lineman.
#4 TENNESSEE TITANS
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Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The free agency running back market tells me that Love won’t make it out of the top five & Tennessee is a natural landing spot.
#5 NEW YORK GIANTS
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Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants signed Tremaine Edmunds in free agency, so I don’t think they’ll go linebacker here. Receiver makes the most sense and Tate is the top guy.
#6 CLEVELAND BROWNS
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Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Browns have to use one of their first round picks on the offensive line. Fano is in the mix for top tackle in the class.
#7 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
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David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Bailey might be the top edge in the class and fills a need for Washington.
#8 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Associated Press
Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami-Fl
New Orleans could go receiver, but I think they’ll opt for Bain, who might be a top five talent.
#9 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
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Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Chiefs have been trying to fix their offensive line for years, Freeling is one of the fastest risers in the class.
#10 CINCINNATI BENGALS
Ric Tapia/ Getty Images
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Bengals should be taking the best defensive player available, regardless of position. That’s Styles, the star of the Combine.
#11 MIAMI DOLPHINS
Tom Hauck/ Getty Images
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Miami has cleaned house, going full rebuild. They need talent everywhere. Downs is, arguably, the best player in the class.
#12 DALLAS COWBOYS
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Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
I’ve thought Dallas might go edge here, but with Delane on the board, I think they’ll pivot.
#13 LOS ANGELES RAMS
Aaron M Sprecher/ Getty Images
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Rams addressed their biggest need, cornerback, in free agency, so now I think they’ll go offensive line. Lomu could stick at tackle or kick inside to guard.
#14 BALTIMORE RAVENS
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Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Ravens have needed a better second receiver for years. Tyson will more than fill that void.
#15 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Michael Chang/ Getty Images
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Tampa needs pass rush help. Faulk has all the tools to be a great one.
#16 NEW YORK JETS
Corine Solberg/ Getty Images
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Lemon will be a nice complement to Garrett Wilson for the Jets. Some consider him the best receiver in the draft.
#17 DETROIT LIONS
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Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Lions replace Taylor Decker with the massive tackle from Alabama.
#18 MINNESOTA VIKINGS
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Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
No matter how many mock drafts I do, I keep putting Thieneman in Minnesota, it makes too much sense.
#19 CAROLINA PANTHERS
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Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy would be the top cornerback and a top ten pick had he not missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury. The Panthers could have a formidable cornerback tandem.
#20 DALLAS COWBOYS
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Akeem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami-Fl
After passing on an edge earlier, Dallas lands what might be the best pass rusher in the class, only his age (25+) pushes him down the board.
#21 PITTSBURGH STEELERS
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Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
After acquiring Michael Pittman, I don’t see the Steelers going receiver. I’m tempted to go quarterback, but I’m not really feeling that. Instead, I’m going with the best pure guard in the class.
#22 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
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Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Chargers go with a true, run stuffing nose tackle for their defensive line.
#23 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
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Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Lane Johnson’s Hall of Fame career is winding down, Philly drafts his replacement.
#24 CLEVELAND BROWNS
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Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
After landing an offensive lineman earlier, Cleveland gets another weapon for the passing game.
#25 CHICAGO BEARS
Associated Press
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Best case scenario for Chicago. Woods is a perfect fit for the Bears defensive line.
#26 BUFFALO BILLS
Associated Press
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
After acquiring DJ Moore, I think Buffalo will go defense with their first pick. Allen is the best defensive player on the board.
#28 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
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Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
George Kittle will likely miss most of the season. Sadiq has drawn comparisons to Kittle, it seems a perfect fit.
#29 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
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Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Kansas City lost most of their secondary, Terrell is the first rebuilding block.
#30 MIAMI DOLPHINS
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KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Miami uses the pick they got for Jaylen Waddle to draft his replacement.
#31 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
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Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
New England gets a stout run defender to free up Milton Williams to rush the quarterback.
#32 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
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TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The champs add another pass rusher to their already formidable defense.
Round Two
#33 NEW YORK JETS
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
#34 ARIZONA CARDINALS
Kevin C Cox/ Getty Images
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Cardinals take a shot at landing their future franchise quarterback.
#35 TENNESSEE TITANS
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida
#36 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
#37 NEW YORK GIANTS
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
#38 HOUSTON TEXANS
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
#39 CLEVELAND BROWNS
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
#40 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
#41 CINCINNATI BENGALS
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
#42 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
#43 MIAMI DOLPHINS
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
#44 NEW YORK JETS
Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
#45 BALTIMORE RAVENS
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Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks is a first round talent, but the broken foot he suffered at the Combine pushes him into the mid second round.
#46 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
#47 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
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Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Colts use their first pick on a prototype defensive end.
#48 ATLANTA FALCONS
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Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Atlanta’s first pick is a receiver to pair with Drake London.
#49 MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
#50 DETROIT LIONS
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
#51 CAROLINA PANTHERS
Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
#52 GREEN BAY PACKERS
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Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Green Bay uses their first pick on a corner.
#53 PITTSBURGH STEELERS
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Keionte Scott, CB, Miami-Fl
Steelers get a dynamic slot cornerback.
#54 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
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AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
Philly lost Reed Blankenship in free agency, Haulcy is an upgrade.
#55 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
#56 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
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Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
The Jaguars first pick is a massive offensive tackle.
#57 CHICAGO BEARS
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Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State
Bears get their long term center.
#58 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
#59 HOUSTON TEXANS
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
#60 CHICAGO BEARS
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Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Even after signing Coby Bryant, the Bears need a starting safety. Ramsey fills that void.
#61 LOS ANGELES RAMS
Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut
#62 DENVER BRONCOS
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Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
After trading for Jaylen Waddle, Denver doesn’t have a first round pick. They use their first pick on an athletic defensive tackle.
#63 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
#64 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
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Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Seahawks draft a replacement for Kenneth Walker III.
Now that the frenzied portion of free agency has passed, we have a better idea of what areas the Bears need to address in the draft. To me, there are two areas of need; safety and the pass rush.
The Bears added one safety in free agency, Coby Bryant, and I love the move. He’s versatile, he brings a combination of skill sets to the position. The Bears also brought back Elijah Hicks, but I highly doubt they’re planning on him to be the starter, meaning the Bears need another starting safety.
The Bears did little to address their defensive line, merely adding depth pieces in Neville Gallimore & Kentavius Street and also retaining Daniel Hardy. I figured this would be the Bears approach as they had limited cap space and free agency prices can be outrageous for those positions. It also helps that it’s a good draft for defensive lineman.
With all that being said, here’s my latest Bears mock draft:
Round 1, Pick #25
Photo Credit- Associated Press
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
This is the dream scenario for me. I honestly don’t think Woods lasts until #25, but Daniel Jeremiah mocked him to the Bears and there is no draft analyst I trust more than DJ.
Woods is a perfect fit for the Bears defense that wants to rely more on quickness, explosiveness and athleticism than sheer bulk. Woods is explosive and powerful. He is a force against the run and has flashed serious upside as a pass rusher.
If Woods is there at #25, he’s a no brainer, but I have my doubts as you’ll see in my full two round mock shortly. If Woods is gone, two names to consider are Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Missouri edge Zion Young.
Round 2
The Bears have the 57th pick, but I traded it to Jacksonville for picks #81, 100 & 164. The Bears currently don’t have a fifth or sixth round pick, so this gives me a fifth to go along with three third round picks.
Pick #60
Photo Credit- Associated Press
Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
The Bears brought back D’Marco Jackson and signed Devin Bush in free agency, so linebacker wasn’t a target for me. In fact, my targets here were Missouri edge Zion Young, LSU safety AJ Haulcy and Kansas State center Sam Hecht. All three were off the board at this point.
I looked at other edge rushers, safeties and other positions but I kept coming back to Hill. He was just too good to pass up. Hill will contribute as a rookie and be the long term replacement for TJ Edwards at “MIKE”.
Round 3, Pick #81
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Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Versatility is the name of the game for the Bears new look secondary. Free agent signing Coby Bryant can play free or strong safety, Cam Lewis can play safety or nickel and Kyler Gordon can play nickel, boundary corner or safety. Add Kilgore to that group.
Kilgore is best as a box safety, playing the run and covering tight ends, but he can also play the free safety and nickel positions. He should slot into the second starting safety position alongside Bryant.
Round 3, Pick #89
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Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Moore has the size and length Dennis Allen prefers in defensive ends. He’ll be a force as a pass rusher from day one, though he needs to improve as a run defender to earn a full time position on the Bears defensive line. This is fine, the Bears have good run defending edges, they need guys that can pressure the quarterback.
Round 3, Pick #100
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Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
Speed is what Thompson is all about. His slight frame means he won’t offer much in the middle of the field or in the run game, but he can blow the top off the defense.
The Bears receiving corps is lacking that true speed threat. Thompson will have a role in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Round 4, Pick #129
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Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Center became an area of concern for Bears fans with the surprise retirement of Drew Dalman. Ryan Poles acted quickly and traded for Garrett Bradbury instead of handing out big bucks in free agency. It was the right move, in my opinion.
While Bradbury is a serviceable replacement for Dalman, most recognize him as a stop gap. He is not the Bears long term answer at center. I feel like the Bears are going to look long and hard at the centers in the 2026 draft.
Kansas State’s Sam Hecht is the top center in the class, and the Bears have done some homework on him. They’ll probably need to be prepared to use a second rounder on him, if he’s there. Unfortunately, he was off the board when the Bears picked in this mock.
There are some other decent prospects in this class like Logan Jones from Iowa, Parker Brailsford from Alabama, Connor Lew from Auburn & Brian Parker II from Duke. However, Jake Slaughter is my clear number two.
Slaughter is intelligent and a leader, which a center needs to be. He’s a tad undersized, but so are the others and Slaughter is actually bigger than most. He also demonstrates significant power. Slaughter also offers versatility, as he has the ability to play guard, if necessary, something that the others I listed cannot do.
Slaughter might not threaten Bradbury’s hold on the starting center job, but he can certainly develop into the Bears long term answer at the position.
Round 5, Pick #164
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Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Everette has good build and athleticism but he may lack the top end speed to become a starting cornerback in the NFL. He will add valuable depth to the secondary and should be a core special teams contributor.
Round 7, Pick #239
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Isaiah Nwokobia, S, SMU
Nwokobia isn’t a great athlete, but he’s smart and physical and plays with an aggressive edge. He might never crack the starting lineup, but he’s valuable depth and should be a core special teamer.
Round 7, Pick #241
Photo Credit- Mark J Rebilas/ Imagn Images
Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
Mahlman is a developmental offensive line prospect. He has good size, but shorter arms may necessitate a move inside. He isn’t an overly impressive athlete, but he’s a sound technician. He offers solid, if unspectacular, depth to the Bears offensive line.
Synopsis
This would be a decent draft haul for the Bears. As I said, Peter Woods is the perfect first round prospect for the Bears. He’ll immediately join the defensive tackle rotation and add some needed juice to the unit, taking on a bigger and bigger role as he becomes acclimated to the NFL.
Anthony Hill Jr was a surprise pick for me. I wasn’t targeting a linebacker and certainly not one that early, but he’s just too good to pass up. Depending on TJ Edwards availability to start the season, Hill could take over the “MIKE” position and never relinquish it.
Jalen Kilgore is the perfect safety prospect, outside the first round and early second round, for the Bears. He can be the thumper beside Coby Bryant but also has the versatility that Dennis Allen loves.
Derrick Moore offers serious juice as a pass rusher off the edge, something the Bears will welcome even if he’s a liability against the run at this point.
Brenen Thompson is a bit of a one dimensional receiver, but that dimension is huge. He’ll be the fastest player on the Bears and one of the fastest in the league.
Jake Slaughter should develop into the Bears eventual starting center.
I think the Bears got 3-4 eventual starters in this draft, two high end role players, two core special teams players and a developmental offensive lineman.
This is the third version I’ve done on this mock draft. I hadn’t published before the Rams-Chiefs trade, then the Ravens-Raiders trade happened the night after I published.
Some quick thoughts on the big trade:
I love the trade for the Raiders. Even though Maxx Crosby is a great player, he wasn’t going to help the Raiders get back into contention. The Raiders face a long rebuild and a 29 year old edge rusher, even a superstar, doesn’t fit their timeline. Now, Vegas joins the NY Jets, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys & Kansas City Chiefs as teams with multiple first round picks. They can get their franchise quarterback & someone who can help him realize his potential.
I had some hope that Crosby would end up in Chicago, but I always knew he wouldn’t and the price Baltimore paid is why. I knew the Bears would never part with two first round picks, and I thought they’d be hesitant about one. This isn’t the Ryan Pace Bears this is the Ryan Poles Bears. They value high end draft picks over high priced veterans.
Though the price was steep, I do like the trade for Baltimore, too. The Ravens were one of the more disappointing teams in 2025 and their defense was a big reason why. Baltimore was my preseason pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl and I still think they’re one of the more talented teams in the AFC. The Ravens brass obviously believes they’re a Super Bowl contender and adding Maxx Crosby might push them over the top.
Now, onto the mock draft, which, barring any more blockbuster trades on the eve of free agency, should be my last one for a couple weeks.
Raiders get their franchise quarterback.Jets get a centerpiece for their defense.Cardinals beef up their offensive line.I like the Titans to go edge here & I think Bailey has surged ahead.Giants could go receiver here, but I have them taking the star of the Combine.I have the Browns pouncing on Tate if the Giants pass.I like the Commanders to go with an edge, they’ll take the one Tennessee doesn’t.Saints need playmakers for Tyler Shough.Chiefs would love it if Love is still on the board (pun intended).Bengals have to go defense & Downs might be the best player in the draft.Dolphins could go several directions, I’ve had them taking Delane is just about every mock.Cowboys need to go defense & they should start with a pass rusher.Even after acquiring McDuffie, I wouldn’t rule out a corner for the Rams, but I have them going tackle here.With the pick they got from Baltimore, the Raiders shore up the protection for Mendoza.Buccaneers grab the super athletic tight end from Oregon.Jets went defense with their first pick, now they get another weapon for whoever plays quarterback for them.If the Lions pair Mesidor with Aidan Hutchinson that would give NFC North quarterbacks nightmares.Vikings find the perfect replacement for Harrison Smith.Panthers will have a solid cornerback tandem with McCoy & Jaycee Horn.Cowboys stay with defense with their second pick and grab a corner.Steelers need another receiver for whoever plays quarterback for them.Chargers build up their interior pass rush.Eagles draft a successor to Lane Johnson.Browns have to use one of their first round picks on the offensive line.Feels like the Bears have to go defensive line here, I think they’ll opt for the more explosive pass rusher.After acquiring DJ Moore, I don’t think the Bills will go receiver here, instead they’ll add an edge rusher.Niners need to retool their receiving corps.Texans almost have to go offensive line here.With the pick they got from the Rams, the Chiefs add a piece to their secondary.I have the Broncos replacing Alex Singleton with this pick.Patriots go with an edge rusher.Seahawks go cornerback.
Photo Credit- Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This pick is as locked in as it can get.
#2 New York Jets
Photo Credit- Ben Jackson/ Getty Images
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Is Reese a LB or an Edge? The same question was asked about Micah Parsons.
#3 Arizona Cardinals
Photo Credit- Megan Briggs/ Getty Images
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami-Fl
Mauigoa has vaulted to the top of the list of offensive linemen in this draft.
#4 Tennessee Titans
Photo Credit- John E Moore III/ Getty Images
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Bailey has been steadily rising up the board and takes over as the top pure edge rusher in the class.
#5 New York Giants
Photo Credit- Ric Tapia/ Getty Images
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Styles was the star of the NFL combine and now finds himself as a top five selection.
#6 Cleveland Browns
Photo Credit- Tom Hauck/ Getty Images
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Browns opt for a receiver with the first of their two first round picks.
#7 Washington Commanders
Photo Credit- Associated Press
Reuben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami-Fl
Bain slips a little down the board, but still goes in the top ten.
#8 New Orleans Saints
Photo Credit- Bruce Yeung/ Getty Images
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Saints need to get more weapons for Tyler Shough.
#9 Kansas City Chiefs
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Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs are salivating at the thought of adding a running back of this caliber.
#10 Cincinnati Bengals
Photo Credit- Tom Hauck/ Getty Images
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Bengals need defense and Downs might be the best overall player in this class.
#11 Miami Dolphins
Photo Credit- Derick E Hingle/ Getty Images
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Dolphins need help everywhere, they go with the top corner in the draft.
#12 Dallas Cowboys
Photo Credit- Michael Chang/ Getty Images
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Dallas needs defense at all three levels. Faulk is physically impressive with the tools to become a force.
#13 Los Angeles Rams
(from Atlanta)
Photo Credit- Aaron M Sprecher/ Getty Images
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Rams traded for Trent McDuffie, so I don’t think they’ll go cornerback here. Upgrading the offensive line will be the next priority.
#14 Baltimore Ravens
Photo Credit- Associated Press
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
More than anything, the Ravens defense let them down in 2025. Woods should change the tone.
#15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Bucs replace Cade Otton with Sadiq, a physical specimen of a tight end.
#16 New York Jets
(from Indianapolis)
Photo Credit- Corine Solberg/ Getty Images
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Jets add a tough YAC monster with their second first round pick.
#17 Detroit Lions
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Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Lions need to improve their interior offensive line, they land the top pure guard in the class.
#18 Minnesota Vikings
Photo Credit- Ali Gradischer/ Getty Images
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Vikings add a true three down safety to replace Harrison Smith.
#19 Carolina Panthers
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Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy would have been a top ten pick if he hadn’t missed the 2025 season with an ACL injury.
#20 Dallas Cowboys
(from Green Bay)
Photo Credit- Katie Devaney/ Getty Images
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Cowboys go cornerback after getting an edge rusher earlier.
#21 Pittsburgh Steelers
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Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
Steelers get a legit running mate to pair with DK Metcalf.
#22 Los Angeles Chargers
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Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Chargers bolster their interior pass rush.
#23 Philadelphia Eagles
Photo Credit- Rich von Biberstein/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Lane Johnson’s Hall of Fame career is winding down, Freeling is his successor.
#24 Cleveland Browns
(from Jacksonville)
Photo Credit- Ric Tapia/ Getty Images
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
After going receiver earlier, the Browns address their offensive line.
#25 Chicago Bears
Photo Credit- Jason Mowry/ Getty Images
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Bears get an elite run stuffer for their defensive line.
#26 Buffalo Bills
Photo Credit- Chris Arjoon/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami-Fl
After trading for DJ Moore, the Bills shift focus to their pass rush. Mesidor might be the best pass rusher in the draft, but his age pushes him down the board.
#27 San Francisco 49ers
Photo Credit- Ed Zurga/ Getty Images
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Niners retool their receiving corps with a YAC monster.
#28 Houston Texans
Photo Credit- Chris Leduc/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Houston continues retooling their offensive line with the massive Proctor.
#29 Kansas City Chiefs
(from LA Rams)
Photo Credit- Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Chiefs use the pick they got for McDuffie to draft his replacement.
#30 Denver Broncos
Photo Credit- Associated Press
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Broncos add a Georgia defender to an already stout defense.
#31 New England Patriots
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TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Patriots go with a pass rusher to bolster their defense.
#32 Seattle Seahawks
Photo Credit- Cory Knowlton/ ISI Photos via Getty Images
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The champs bring in a corner to replace the one or two they’ll likely lose in free agency.
Photo Credit- Joe Robbins/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
I started this mock thinking I could very well go offensive tackle with this pick, but lo and behold a dream scenario presented itself.
Let me be clear, I’d be shocked if Woods is on the board when the Bears pick in the first round, but if he is it’s a slam dunk pick. No need to overthink it, Woods is exactly what the Bears defensive line needs.
Woods is a top level run defender with plenty of juice as a pass rusher. His addition would transform one of the Bears biggest weaknesses into possibly the strength of their defense.
While I still think it’s unlikely that he’ll fall to 25, it is the time of year when one can dream.
Round Two
Pick #62
Photo Credit- Brian Rothmuller/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
The Bears have pick #57, but Denver offered a deal that I accepted. I moved down five spots and exchanged our fifth round pick for an early fourth rounder.
Edge rusher and offensive tackle were considerations here, but the Bears also have a need at safety with both 2025 starters, Kevin Byard & Jaquan Brisker, slated to hit free agency.
Ramsey is an excellent coverage safety with the versatility and athleticism to play nickel corner, as well. He’s also a willing run defender but he needs to improve his tackling.
Ramsey should be able to step into a starting role on the Bears defense.
Round Three
Pick #89
Photo Credit- Isaiah Vazquez/ Getty Images
Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
The Bears need at left tackle is acute due to the injury to Ozzy Trapilo, who will likely miss most of the 2026 season. I don’t believe the Bears starting left tackle is currently on the roster, they could address this in free agency, but that gets rather pricey.
Banking on a rookie to man the blindside is a gamble, especially for one not taken in the first round, but Tiernan has an incredibly high floor for a third round prospect.
While he’s not an elite athlete by any stretch, Tiernan is technically proficient and well refined. He shouldn’t need a lengthy adjustment to the NFL.
Round Four
Pick #112
Photo Credit- Ric Tapia/ Getty Images
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
I acquired pick #108 in an earlier trade with Denver, I flipped that to Dallas in exchange for #112 & a fifth round pick (#177).
Everyone is well aware of the Bears need for pass rushers and Penn State has produced some good ones in recent years. While Dennis-Sutton isn’t on the level of Micah Parsons & Abdul Carter, he does have plenty to like about him.
His size and strength make him a plus run defender off the edge and a good power rusher in the passing game. He should be able to carve out a role as a rotational piece on the Bears defensive line.
Pick #134
Photo Credit- Matt Freed/ Associated Press
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
I traded pick #129 and one of the Bears seventh rounders (#240) to Las Vegas for this pick and another fifth rounder (#174).
Tremaine Edmunds will almost certainly not be back in 2026 and TJ Edwards might not be ready for the start of the season. The Bears could address linebacker in free agency, but I still think it’s likely they grab one in the draft, as well.
Louis is undersized by NFL linebacker standards, but I love the way he plays. He has the coverage skills of a safety and if he can bulk up a little without sacrificing that athleticism, Louis could be a day three gem for the Bears.
Round Five
Pick #174
Photo Credit- Tom Hauck/ Getty Images
Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
I traded away the Bears original fifth round pick (#163) earlier, but acquired two more fifth rounders in subsequent trades. This pick came from Las Vegas.
The Bears have a low key need at cornerback because Nahshon Wright probably priced himself out of Chicago, Tyrique Stevenson is on his last leg, if he hasn’t already worn out his welcome. Terrell Smith is coming off a torn ACL and no one knows what to expect from Zah Frazier. Also, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Jaylon Johnson becomes a cap casualty. At the very least, the Bears need depth.
Prysock has the length that will remind us of Wright, though his ball skills need a little work. His length and athleticism make him an enticing prospect in the fifth round.
Pick #177
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Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
This is the pick I acquired from Dallas.
It’s not a need, by any stretch, but Ben Johnson does love his tight ends. Roush was also the best player available at this spot.
While he doesn’t represent a threat to Cole Kmet or Colston Loveland in the pecking order, he does challenge Durham Smythe for that third tight end role.
Roush is a decent blocker and has seam splitting athleticism that could help him develop into an eventual replacement for Kmet.
Round Seven
Pick #242
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De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
The Bears are pretty set at receiver, even if they end up trading DJ Moore, but they could stand to add some depth.
Stribling is a prototypical X receiver with his size, strength & athleticism. He’s not a burner, but his long strides still make him a decent deep ball threat.
Stribling is a pretty good prospect for a seventh round pick.
Nickels and Dimes 