The Chicago Bears head into the 2026 NFL Draft riding high after a transformative 2025 season. Under new head coach Ben Johnson, they went 11-6, captured their first NFC North title since 2018, won a Wild Card playoff game for the first time in 15 years, and pushed the Rams to overtime in the Divisional Round before falling 20-17. Caleb Williams shattered Erik Kramer’s franchise record with 3,942 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, while the offense ranked 6th in total yards per game (367.0) and 3rd in rushing. Yet the defense showed clear cracks: it finished 28th in yards allowed per game (360.0) and 22nd in sacks (just 35 total). Free agency losses have amplified the urgency.
Draft Picks
GM Ryan Poles has seven selections to work with for this coming draft:
- Round 1: No. 25 overall
- Round 2: No. 57 (own) and No. 60 (acquired from Buffalo in the D.J. Moore deal)
- Round 3: No. 89
- Round 4: No. 129 (acquired from the Rams)
- Round 7: No. 239 and No. 241
No 5th- or 6th-round picks after earlier trades for veteran help (including Joe Thuney at guard).
Positions of Greatest Need
- Edge Rusher — The Bears never landed a true star opposite Montez Sweat in free agency. Pass-rush production was middling, and they haven’t used a first-round pick on an edge defender since Leonard Floyd in 2016. A dynamic bookend would immediately juice the defense.
- Safety — Both starters from 2025 (Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard III) are gone via free agency or departure. The secondary needs range and playmaking in the back end. The Bears currently have new arrivals Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis penciled in to the safety position.
- Center / Offensive Line Depth — The Bears traded for center Garrett Bradbury in March but he is in his final contract year, and left tackle Ozzy Trapilo is recovering from a patellar tendon injury suffered in the playoffs. Protecting the franchise QB remains priority No. 1—especially after the offensive line allowed pressure that occasionally disrupted Williams’ rhythm.
Secondary needs include interior defensive line and wide receiver depth behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III (following the Moore trade).
Potential Fits at Their Spots
This draft class is deep at edge and safety—perfect timing for Chicago.
- At No. 25 (Round 1): Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M) or Peter Woods (DT, Clemson) stand out as realistic targets. Howell brings explosive first-step quickness and could start immediately opposite Sweat. Woods flashes disruptive interior presence with strength and hand usage that would upgrade the defensive line run-stopping and pass-rush rotation. ESPN Analytics actually lists both among the most likely players the Bears take at 25.
- Round 2 (Nos. 57/60): A safety with range or a developmental center could slide here. The class is loaded with athletic safeties who fit modern coverage schemes—exactly what the Bears need after the Brisker/Byard exits. A versatile interior lineman would also add competition and insurance on the offensive line.
- Day 3 (Round 3+): Value picks at defensive tackle, cornerback, or wide receiver depth are available. Late-round sleepers at linebacker or edge could provide special-teams upside and future rotation pieces.
The 2026 draft aligns beautifully with the Bears’ roster timeline. With Williams entering Year 3, a stout offensive line, and a revamped pass rush, Chicago has the foundation to contend in a tough NFC. Poles has the capital and the coaching staff to turn these mid-round selections into difference-makers.
Bears fans should be excited after one of the best and most entertaining seasons in recent memory. Draft weekend is going to be fun in the Windy City. The Draft begins Thursday, April 23rd on ESPN! Bear Down!