The Chicago Bears hold seven picks in this year’s draft. They have the 10th overall pick, 39th, 41st, 72nd, 148, 233 & 240. Thanks to what they were able to accomplish thus far in the offseason, they are not in a position where they are drafting strictly for need. They can take a “best player available” approach with all their picks.

Over the next several weeks I’ll spotlight every position group, with the exception of quarterback (the Bears won’t draft one) and specialists (aka kickers, punters and long snappers).

I have covered the offensive & defensive lines, running backs, receivers & tight ends and the secondary in previous posts. In this final post, I’ll cover linebackers.

The Bears don’t have a pressing need at linebacker. Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards are firmly entrenched as starters. However, Edwards is in the final year of his contract and Edmunds has never lived up to his and is a likely cap casualty next offseason.

Also, the departure of Jack Sanborn in free agency has left them a little thin at linebacker. The Bears could look ahead to 2026 and draft an eventual starter or just add depth for this season.

With only seven picks, they can’t draft every position, but linebacker should be under consideration.

FIRST ROUND

Georgia’s Jalon Walker isn’t exactly a scheme fit for the Bears, as he’s more of a 3-4 outside linebacker/edge rusher, but he’s good enough to strongly consider in the first round. He has the athletic chops to be either a high end edge rusher or off ball linebacker, or a hybrid of both.

Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell as projects as more of a 3-4 outside linebacker/ edge rusher and his upside is considerably lower than Walker. Even with a trade down, I’d prefer the Bears pass since there should be equal or better players available at more important positions.

DAY TWO

Day two of the draft is the most likely time the Bears could draft an eventual starter at linebacker.

UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger is a former walk on that worked himself up to an All American. He has the instinct and traits to become a solid WILL or MIKE linebacker, and he offers value on special teams as he waits for his chance to start.

Clemson’s Barrett Carter has the athleticism to become a quality WILL linebacker in the NFL.

Ole Miss’ Chris Paul Jr is a bit undersized for an NFL linebacker, but has the athleticism and traits to become a starter at WILL.

South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight is a very intelligent and passionate player. He is an elite run defender and blitzer, but struggles a bit in man to man coverage. He does have a future as a starting MIKE linebacker.

DAY THREE PROSPECTS

There will still be quality linebacker prospects with starting upside available on day three of the draft. Here’s a few names to remember:

• Smael Mondon Jr, Georgia
• Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
• Teddye Buchanan, California
• Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
• Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky
• Jay Higgins, Iowa
• Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
• Kobe King, Penn State
• Cody Simon, Ohio State

While I like the idea of the Bears getting ahead of the need at linebacker, I don’t think they should spend a first or second round pick at the position.

The third round might be the sweet spot. Schwesinger, Carter, Paul or Knight would all be fine picks that will eventually take over at MIKE or WILL.

Day three offers some enticing depth options. I’m especially intrigued by Kobe King and Cody Simon.

This wraps up my positional breakdowns for the draft. Now we wait until the Chicago Bears go on the clock on April 24.