Coming off of their return to the playoffs and a run to the Divisional Round, the Chicago Bears are trying to build off of their momentum. The 2026 NFL Draft will give the Bears an opportunity to add even more talent to their roster.
Chicago went heavy offense in the 2025 draft. Wide receiver Luther Burden, tight end Colston Loveland, Ozzy Trapilo and running back Kyle Monangai. Outside of Trapilo, who is dealing with a serious injury, all of the rising sophomores are expected to play crucial roles in 2026.
Heading into the 2026 draft, many are expecting the Bears to target defense. They finished the 2025 season ranked 29th in total defense, allowing 361.8 yards per game. Still, nothing is set in stone until Chicago turns their draft cards in.
This year’s festivities are set to take place in Pittsburgh, PA from April 23 to April 25. Who the Bears leave the draft with will shape their franchise for the foreseeable future.
Bears’ 2026 Draft picks
Chicago won’t be as active as much on day three with no picks in the fifth or sixth rounds. However, they did pick up an extra second rounder from the Buffalo Bills in their DJ Moore trade. The Bears are looking to ensure those early picks lead to impact production across the gridiron.
Round 1, Pick 25
Round 2, Pick 57
Round 2, Pick 60
Round 3, Pick 89
Round 4, Pick 129
Round 7, Pick 239
Round 7, Pick 241
Bears’ 2026 Draft needs and targets
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
EDGE: Montez Sweat is locked into one side of the defensive line. But the Bears are still looking for his running mate. Dayo Odeyingbo was expected to fill the role, but he suffered a season-ending after just eight games and one sack. Austin Booker is another name with potential, but he won’t fix Chicago’s pass rush issue alone.
The Bears have been connected to many of the top pass rushers in the class. At pick No. 25, players like Zion Young (Missouri), Kendrick Faulk (Auburn) or Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) would all make sense
SAFETY: Chicago did sign Coby Bryant in free agency. However, they saw both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leave the organization. While they have depth pieces in place, the Bears need a long-term option next to Bryant.
In terms of first-rounders, there are two safeties consistently finding themselves in early mock drafts. If either is on the board, Dillon Thienemen (Oregon) or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) should interest the franchise.
LEFT TACKLE: The Bears were hopeful Ozzy Trapilo could fill the long-term LT role. However, a ruptured patellar tendon has put his 2026 season in jeopardy. Chicago has veteran options in Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet and Jedrick Willis Jr., but head coach Ben Johnson may opt to select one of the better offensive linemen in the class.
At No. 25, they may be out of range for the biggest names. However, players like Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) or Blake Miller (Clemson) could give the Bears what they’re looking for.
WIDE RECIEVER: The Bears have plenty of needs on their roster to address. Defensive tackle or linebacker depth could be a target here as well. But after trading away Moore, Chicago could use another playmaker in their wide receiver room.
Rome Odunze and Luther Burden will undoubtedly be the starters. But behind them are players like Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker. Both have potential, but Chicago will likely look to add another pass catcher at some point this offseason. Perhaps any of their picks from the fourth to seventh round could be the answer.
Recent draft history – top picks for last five years
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
2025: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan (Rd1, pick 10)
2024: QB Caleb Williams, USC (1/1), WR Rome Odunze, Washington (1/9)
2o23: OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee (1/10)
2022: CB Kyler Gordon, Washington (2/39)
2021: QB Justin Fields (1/11)
What a difference five years makes. At the beginning of the half decade, Justin Fields was expected to lead the Bears to the promised lands. But after that experiment failed, Chicago turned to new starter Caleb Williams.
The Bears have now built their franchise around Williams. Head coach Ben Johnson was hired due to his ability to help mold the quarterback. Furthermore, adding players like Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland ensures he has plenty of potent pass catchers to throw to.
A year prior, Chicago added his right tackle in Darnell Wright. For all the changes the Bears have had across their offensive line, Wright has been a staple. He will remain a pivotal piece of any offensive success the team finds.
The first year of the Johnson era was a success for the Bears. But they aren’t looking to just be a flash in the pan. With the 2026 NFL Draft, Chicago is hoping to continue leading their franchise towards a successful future.
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