We’re less than a week away from the 2026 NFL Draft. In the coming days I’ll publish my final first round mock draft and 7 round Bears mock draft. I this piece, I’ll tell you what I’m looking for with each pick the Bears have.

First Round

The Bears have the 25th pick in the first round. It’s been years since they’ve picked this low. Speculation of what they will do with this pick has run the gamut. Edge Rusher, Defensive Tackle, Safety, Offensive Tackle. At one point or another, each of these positions have been the favorite at #25.

Offensive Tackle seems to be the current favorite, but I, personally, think it’s a smokescreen. I think they’re trying to entice some team to overpay to move up and grab one of the remaining tackles with a first round grade.

If last year taught me anything, it’s that this Bears regime will play their cards close to the chest. Only late in the process last year, did tight end start to become a focus of speculation, and even then everyone had the wrong one going to Chicago.

I think we could be in for another surprise pick this year, hopefully it will work out as well as Colston Loveland did.

This is what I’m looking for in the first round:

If He’s There, Take Him:

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The likelihood of Thieneman being on the board at #25 is very, very remote and I’m not advocating for the Bears to trade up for him. They have too few picks to spend draft capital on a non-premium position, even if that player is as perfect a fit as I think Thieneman is.

That being said, if he’s somehow on the board at #25, I feel like the Bears have to take him. He’s perfect for what they want to do on defense. He’s equally adept at playing in the box or in deep coverage. He gives them the versatility, along with Coby Bryant and Kyler Gordon to disguise their coverages and give opposing quarterbacks headaches.

I’m Pounding the Table for:

Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

This could be any cornerback, but Johnson is my personal favorite. Tennessee’s Colton Hood or South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse would be fine picks as well. Ideally, the Bears would trade down a bit and then take a corner, but make no mistake, I have first round grades on all three of these players.

I think corner could be the draft day surprise the Bears are waiting to spring. They have a need, Tyrique Stevenson has been too erratic, and the end of the first into the early second round is the sweet spot for cornerback value in this draft.

I believe that any of these three corners would have a bigger impact on the Bears 2026 season, and beyond, than any edge rusher or defensive tackle or safety they could draft in this spot.

As for Johnson, he’s my #3 CB behind only LSU’s Mansoor Delane & Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy. He’s got decent size and length to go with plus athleticism and versatility. He doesn’t just rely on that athleticism, though, he’s got near flawless technique.

Not only do I think Johnson can lock down the CB2 role as a rookie, but he’s got CB1 and Pro Bowl upside.

Not Great Scheme Fits, but Great Players:

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

McDonald is a one dimensional defensive tackle, but he’s elite at that one dimension. He’s the premier run stuffer in this class. He won’t offer much on passing downs, but he can help the Bears defense force more obvious passing downs

McNeil-Warren is a bigger, faster Jaquan Brisker clone. An old school box safety, middle of the field enforcer with the best “Peanut Punch” since the man, himself, Charles Tillman.

EMW doesn’t offer the versatility that some other safeties will, but he’ll be a tone setter for the Bears defense.

In Ben Johnson, I Trust:

Any offensive player, whether it’s an offensive tackle, wide receiver or shockingly another tight end or a guard. Our head coach has earned our trust after last year’s drafting masterclass. He hit on every single offensive pick last year.

Colston Loveland was an absolute home run, even though many questioned it, including our own fanbase. Luther Burden III fell into our laps, but Ben didn’t hesitate, even if it wasn’t a pressing need and I envision Burden becoming our top WR this season. Ozzy Trapilo was establishing himself as the long term answer at left tackle before his unfortunate injury and Kyle Monangai was an absolute steal in the seventh round.

If Ben Johnson wants a particular offensive player, who are we, as fans and pundits, to question him?

I’m Out On:

All the edge rushers. The Bears deficiencies at rushing the quarterback are well documented and I know edge is a need, and I expect them to draft one at some point, but I have questions about every single one of them that could be available at #25.

• Keldric Faulk, Auburn- Excellent size and length, with the frame to add more muscle. Has all the traits to be a great defensive end, but the production just hasn’t matched the traits. He’s got youth on his side, but I just can’t help thinking he’s this year’s Shemar Stewart.
• Akeem Mesidor, Miami- If only he was 2-3 years younger, I’d be pounding the table for him. Of course, if he were, he would be long gone before the Bears go on the clock. Maybe the most polished edge rusher in the class, but he’ll be thirty years old when his rookie contract expires, assuming a fifth year option, and nearly past his prime.
• TJ Parker, Clemson- Prototypical size and length and he put up great numbers in 2024, but his production fell off a cliff in 2025. Has a limited arsenal of pass rush moves and doesn’t have the athleticism to compensate when blockers take those away.
• Zion Young, Missouri- It would seem Dennis Allen designed him in a lab to play defensive end for him, but I’m underwhelmed. He’s a solid run defender and edge setter, but the Bears have those already. His pass rush arsenal is limited, though.

Unlike Ben Johnson, Dennis Allen hasn’t earned my trust yet, at least not when it comes to judging talent. Faulk, Parker and Young all fit the profile that Allen prefers, but I’m not sure any of them will have the impact on the Bears defense worthy of this lofty a pick.

I think the Bears will…

Assuming Thieneman is off the board, and he should be, I think a trade down is very plausible and I also think cornerback could be the surprise pick. The Bears have been very quiet in scouting corners, almost too quiet, for a position that is a definite need. I think they’re lurking, stealthily eyeing corners and waiting to pounce.

As I said, my personal preference is Johnson, but I think Hood or Cisse could be in play, as well, especially after a trade down.

If they stay at #25, I’m not taking corner out of the equation, but I think the likely picks could also include Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods or an offensive tackle, whichever one Ben Johnson prefers, provided they’re still available, of course.

Second Round

The Bears have the 57th and 60th picks in the second round. Obviously, what they do with their first pick impacts what they will do here, but one thing I’m nearly sure of is, regardless of whether they trade down in the first round, I think they will likely move one of these picks. They need some middle round picks, they currently don’t have a fifth or sixth rounder.

Here’s who I’m watching in the second round:

If He’s There, Take Him:

Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida

Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

I love Lawrence. I actually have him ranked higher than most of the edge rushers I listed in the first round. He’s a polished pass rusher with a deep arsenal of moves. Athletic enough to hound scrambling quarterbacks and chase down ball carriers.

His slender frame makes him only an average edge setter and run defender, so he might not fit the Dennis Allen mold, but if the Bears want pass rush juice, he’s got it.

Jacas is the more likely of the two to still be on the clock, and while he doesn’t stand out in any one area, he’s solid in everything you can ask of an edge rusher. He may never reach All Pro status, but he’ll be a solid defensive end for many years.

I’m Pounding the Table for:

Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

The best center in the class, hands down, in my opinion. The most NFL ready and the highest ceiling, too. A perfect scheme fit for the Bears, as well.

If they want him, and I have reason to believe there is interest, they have to use one of these picks on him, because he will not last until the 89th pick.

Not a Great Scheme Fit, but a Very Good Player:

AJ Haulcy, S, LSU

Much like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Haulcy is more of an old school box safety than a versatile coverage player. Big hitter, middle of the field enforcer and tone setter.

In Ben Johnson, I Trust:

Offensive skill positions. I think tackle is off the table here, even if they don’t take one in the first round. There’s just none that are worthy of a second round pick, in my opinion.

Wide Receiver and Running Back are a different story, however. I fully expect the Bears to add another receiver in this draft, and if Ben Johnson wants one here, let him have it.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bears add another running back, either, but it would be a surprise if they go for one this early. Like everything on the offensive side of the ball, though, I’m trusting Ben Johnson.

I’m Out on:

Defensive tackles. Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton is the only one in this range that I think is a fit for the Bears, but I think the second round is a bit rich for him. While an explosive pass rusher, he just gets pushed around too much in the run game.

I think the Bears will…

It’s hard for me to fathom the Bears taking a center this early in the draft, but I do believe there is genuine interest in Hecht and there is no way he’ll last until the Bears third round pick. I think he’s a definite possibility here.

Obviously, edge is a possibility if the board falls their way and I wouldn’t rule out a receiver here. USC safety Kamari Ramsey and Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II are names to watch, as well, depending on what the Bears did with their first pick.

Third Round

The Bears have the 89th pick in the third round. There’s still some pretty good players, at positions of need for the Bears, that could make an impact in 2026. This pick depends, of course, on what the Bears have done with their first three.

I’m Pounding the Table for:

Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

If the Bears haven’t taken a safety yet, I will be screaming for Kilgore. Outside of Dillon Thieneman, I think Kilgore is the best scheme fit for the Bears. While he excels as a box safety and a tight end neutralizer, he also has the versatility to play deep coverage. He’d be a great complement to Coby Bryant.

For some reason the draft simulators have Stribling as a fifth or sixth rounder, but draft analysts have him much higher. So do I, and I have reason to believe the Bears do too.

In fact, I’m not entirely sure he’s still on the board when the Bears pick in the third round, but I sure hope he is. He’s a big, physical receiver with the speed to take the top off a defense. He also fits the Ben Johnson philosophy of “no block, no rock”, he’s probably the best blocking receiver in this class.

If the Bears haven’t drafted an edge rusher yet, Moore is the guy I want. Instant pass rush juice. He might be a liability against the run, but the tools are there, hopefully coaching can maximize his talent.

Penn State edge Dani Dennis-Sutton is also in this range, and he might better fit the Dennis Allen profile, prototypical length and an excellent run defender. I just prefer Moore because he’s better at getting after the quarterback.

Bad Scheme Fit, but Really Good Player:

R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Twitchy, explosive pass rusher, but he is smaller than Dennis Allen prefers for defensive ends. More of an outside/ rush linebacker, so not at all a great scheme fit, but he can get after the quarterback.

I’m out on:

Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

Thompson is pure speed, one of the fastest players in the class, a threat to score every time he touches the ball. But, he’s so small. He’s a non factor in the run game. He’ll get killed in the middle of the field. I just get Johnny Knox vibes from him. He might light it up, now and then, but one big hit could end his career.

I’m also still out on defensive tackles at this point. Even if Gracen Halton is still on the board, I think there’s better value elsewhere.

I think the Bears will…

All three of the players I’m pounding the table for are in play here, or someone else at those positions, especially Dani Dennis-Sutton.

If the Bears haven’t drafted a cornerback yet, Texas corner Malik Muhammad or Washington’s Tacario Davis could be in play. Also, if the Bears missed out on, or passed on, Sam Hecht, Duke center Brian Parker II could be a target.

Fourth Round

The Bears have pick #129 in the fourth round and, barring adding any picks in a trade, they won’t pick again until #239 in the seventh round. If there’s a pick where a reach is acceptable, it’s probably here.

I’m Pounding the Table for:

Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

I’m a big fan of Singleton. He’s got good size and excellent speed. He’s a very good receiver out of the backfield and a dangerous kick returner. The knock against him is a lack of vision, the same knock against D’Andre Swift.

And that’s who he reminds me of, a bigger version of Swift with a rocket booster strapped to his back. He’s a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.

He can be RB3 and the primary kickoff returner during his rookie season, and when Swift’s contract expires he can ascend to RB1 or RB2 and pair with Kyle Monangai to give the Bears a top running back duo, both on rookie contracts.

I’m Back in on:

Defensive tackles. I think there’s now some value at the position, as well as some really good scheme fits. SE Louisiana’s Kaleb Proctor, Louisville’s Rene Konga, Landon Robinson from Navy & Penn State’s Zane Durant are all in play here, and would be good fits.

Maybe the most intriguing player is Alabama’s LT Overton. Most sites list him as an edge, but he might fit best as a 3 tech. Versatility is what entices me. Overton has the ability to line up anywhere on the defensive line and make an impact.

Last Chance for:

A safety or center with starter upside. There will be decent players at both positions into the seventh round, but those will mostly be depth pieces. The fourth round may be the last chance to land a potential starter at each.

Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley & Indiana’s Louis Moore would be decent picks here, if the Bears haven’t drafted a safety yet.

At center, Iowa’s Logan Jones, Florida’s Jake Slaughter & Matt Gulbin from Michigan State all could eventually become starters for the Bears.

I think the Bears will…

Something tells me this is where the Bears will draft a center. I’d rather they go for Sam Hecht earlier and use this pick on someone with explosive upside.

I will be pounding the table for Singleton until this pick is made, and probably even afterwards.

If the Bears don’t go offensive tackle in the first round, this could be a spot for one. Oregon’s Isaiah World, Florida’s Austin Barber, Boston College’s Jude Bowry & Clemson’s Tristan Leigh are all in play here.

Fifth & Sixth Rounds

The Bears do not currently have a pick in either the fifth or sixth round. I think they’ll execute a trade or two to add some more picks and in the off chance they add a pick in these rounds, here’s some players I like in that range. All positions are in play here.

• Kevin Coleman Jr, WR, Missouri

• Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
• Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
• Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
• Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
• Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
• Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
• Markel Bell, OT, Miami
• Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy
• Tyler Oneydim, DT, Texas A&M
• Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan
• Trey Zuhn III, C, Texas A&M
• Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
• Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan
• Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama

Seventh Round

The Bears have picks #239 & 241 in the seventh round. These are flyers on upside. Every position, except maybe quarterback, is in play here.

I’m Pounding the Table for:

DJ Rogers, TE, TCU

Okay, so pounding the table might be a bit excessive, but I’m advocating for Rogers if the Bears haven’t gotten a tight end yet. He’s a very good blocking tight end, which the Bears need, and his upside as a receiver is enticing.

Some Other Seventh Round Options:

• Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
• Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
• Pat Coogan, C, Indiana
• Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
• Aaron Hall, DT, Duke
• Eric McAlister, WR, TCU
• Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
• Riley Mahlman, OT, Wisconsin
• Toriano Pride Jr, CB, Missouri
• Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa
• Isaiah Nwokobia, S, SMU