Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft Guide

The Chicago Bears are coming off one of the most exciting seasons in franchise history. After years of struggling to find a franchise quarterback, they have one in Caleb Williams. However, this team is more than just a superstar QB. GM Ryan Poles was able to nail last year’s draft, getting Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Ozzy Trapilo. If the team can get more solid contributors in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially on defense, this team could be positioned as one of the favorites in the NFC.

Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft Picks

The Chicago Bears have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

• Round 1: No. 25
• Round 2: No. 57
• Round 2: No. 60 (from Bills)
• Round 3: No. 89
• Round 4: No. 129 (from Rams)
• Round 7: No. 239 (from Eagles through Jaguars and Browns)
• Round 7: No. 241

The Chicago Bears do not have a ton of draft capital in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, what they do have is very good. Thanks to the DJ Moore trade, they have four picks in the top 100. Their ability to move around the draft may be limited given the lack of day three picks, but the Bears will likely take the premium capital over day three depth.

Team Needs

If the Chicago Bears are going to be successful in 2026, they need to improve their pass rush. While they have built depth on the defensive line through free agency, they need a dynamic player on the inside and the edge. Safety isn’t a pressing need but they don’t have long term options on the roster at this moment.

On offense, wide receiver is a sneaky need. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are in theory a great wide receiver duo. However, Odunze hasn’t put it together for a full season albeit due to injuries. Burden had a great rookie year but improvement is rarely linear. Picking up another skill player could help make this offense extremely lethal.

Bears 7-Round Mock Draft

A quick note about the mock draft. I am avoiding trades for my own sanity. It doesn’t matter what crazy offer I’m given, I’m ignoring it.

• Round 1: No. 25: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
• Round 2: No. 57: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
• Round 2: No. 60: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
• Round 3: No. 89: DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
• Round 4: No. 129: OT JC Davis, Illinois
• Round 7: No. 239: EDGE George Gumbs Jr., Florida
• Round 7: No. 241: DT David Gusta, Kentucky

Mock Draft Analysis

On paper, I love this haul for the Chicago Bears. Howell has had an extremely productive college career at Bowling Green and Texas A&M. He could become the perfect complement opposite Montez Sweat. Rodriguez could be a week 1 starter with the departure of Tremaine Edmunds. Fields can also step right into the void left by Moore.

From there, I have Poles adding depth pieces on the defensive and offensive line. Trapilo’s injury complicates the tackle position so more bodies is always a good solution. Can the Chicago Bears nail the 2026 NFL Draft and defend their NFC North crown?