Bears bold predictions before 2026 NFL Draft

It was not too surprising to see DJ Moore get traded earlier this offseason.

Moore took a big step back during the first year of Johnson’s tenure in Chicago. He only managed 50 receptions for 682 receiving yards and six touchdowns. It was Moore’s worst career season in terms of yards and receptions.

The departure of Moore does create an opportunity for the Bears to add another young wide receiver. But they are not guaranteed to invest at that position.

Remember, the Bears will return Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III as their top receivers in 2026. That is on top of their excellent pair of tight ends in Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet.

Chicago could still use one or two more pieces on top of those players. But those guys might already be on the roster.

Bears fans have not forgotten that Jahdae Walker was sneaky good in 2025. He made the most of his 10 targets on the season, hauling in six receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns. It is easy to fantasize about what he could do with a 17-game sample size.

The Bears also signed Kalif Raymond, who projects to play the same return specialist/WR4 role he did with the Lions.

With all of that said, fans should not be shocked if Chicago neglects the wide receiver position during the draft.

The Bears trade up for a defensive player in the first round

The smartest move Chicago could make in the draft is trading down in the first round. But that doesn’t mean Chicago will go that route.

It would also be reasonable to trade up in the draft to land a playmaker on defense. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell made the case for why Chicago could make an aggressive trade in part to frustrate one division rival. He suggested the Bears should trade up to the 16th overall pick, moving just ahead of the Lions.

“By the Jimmy Johnson chart, packaging No. 25 with the 60th pick they landed from the Bills should be enough to get the Bears up to No. 16, where the Jets could be interested in trading down and adding more selections. They would also jump the Lions in the process, a division rival who should be looking at edge rushers with their first selection,” Barnwell wrote. “There’s nothing wrong with staying put and holding on to both second-rounders, of course, but this could be an opportunity for Poles to both hit his biggest position of need and steal an opportunity away from a divisional foe in the process.”

If Chicago did make such a trade, it would almost certainly be for an elite defensive player. Prospects like edge rusher Akheem Mesidor (Miami) or safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) could make sense in a trade up.

Bears fans might have mixed opinions on such a move.

Chicago will not add a rookie left tackle during the draft

This prediction might be even more unpopular than trading up.

Chicago’s offensive tackle situation is becoming a problem. Ozzy Trapilo’s season-ending injury merits some concern in 2026, as there’s no telling when he will return.

But there are solutions already on the roster. The Bears re-signed Braxton Jones to a one-year deal during NFL free agency. They also brought in Jedrick Wills for some depth at tackle.

After those moves, the Bears have Jones, Wills, Darnell Wright, and Theo Benedet at offensive tackle. Chicago could still add a few more bodies for training camp this summer, but they have enough talent to survive an NFL season.

Ultimately, making some upgrades on defense may just be more important than adding another tackle.

If Chicago’s front office agrees, then they won’t use a draft pick on a rookie left tackle. Nor will they add one as an undrafted free agent following the draft.