Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft Preview

The Chicago Bears were something of a surprise for the league this season. First-year Head Coach Ben Johnson turned a 5-12 team that finished last in the NFC North into a playoff-bound, 11-6 division champion. 

Much of Chicago’s success was built on an offensive revamp — fueled by great sophomore-season progress from QB Caleb Williams and contributions from a strong rookie class. But a lot of the veterans who glued the Bears’ defense together are now gone, and they’ll need to find quick replacements to create a short-term championship window. 

Bears Draft Picks:

• Round 1: Pick 25 
• Round 2: Pick 57 
• Round 2: Pick 60 – from Bills 
• Round 3: Pick 89 
• Round 4: Pick 129 – from Rams 
• Round 7: Pick 239 – from Eagles
• Round 7: Pick 241

Bears Positions of Need: 

Safety: Losing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leaves Chicago’s safety room wholly depleted, and although signing Seattle’s Coby Bryant fills a gap, they’ll still need at least one more startable safety.

Linebacker: New acquisition Devin Bush should gel in the middle of the Bears’ defense alongside T.J. Edwards, but they’ll still be in the hunt for another off-ball linebacker to replace Tremaine Edmunds. 

Edge: Austin Booker is only 23 and showed progress last season, but with Montez Sweat, the position group’s headliner, coming off a down year, Chicago is seeking more sack production. 

Key Targets for Bears: 

Dillon Thieneman – S – Oregon

The Bears were torched from deep on numerous occasions last year, especially in the playoffs. Thieneman is a rangy prospect who helps them address the need for speed, and he has the ball skills to compensate for the loss of Byard’s production in coverage. If the Bears can land him with the 25th pick, it would be a homerun of a selection.

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Zion Young – EDGE – Mizzou 

Young is a relentless edge defender who can disrupt the backfield, get after the QB, and set the edge. He isn’t afraid to dip his nose in the trenches and has a sky-high ceiling. The Bears could use all of those traits. Young would be another option at No. 25; ESPN’s Field Yates mocked Young to Chicago in a recent mock draft, suggesting there’s a solid chance he’s available.

Harold Perkins Jr – LB – LSU 

Perkins Jr started his college career as a positionally versatile, game-wrecking talent, but an ACL injury fully derailed an inconsistent 2025 season. But his rare ability to defend in the slot while also being dangerous as a blitzer could pique Ryan Poles’ interest. As a fourth-round value pick, the Bears would be wise to draft him.