2026 Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Analysts Project Key Needs at No. 25
With the NFL Draft just one month away, the Chicago Bears are facing critical decisions to shape their roster. Holding the 25th overall pick in the first round, General Manager Ryan Poles must decide whether to shore up the defensive front, reinforce the secondary, or invest in the offensive line. Current projections from league analysts show a divide in strategy, ranging from staying put at No. 25 to aggressively trading up to secure a top target.
First Round Projections: The Focus on Pick No. 25
Analysts are projecting several different directions for the Bears’ first-round selection. The primary focus remains on the defensive side of the ball, particularly the edge and interior line.
- Defensive Line and Edge: Some analysts believe the Bears will prioritize pass-rush talent. ESPN’s mock draft projects Peter Woods, a defensive tackle from Clemson, at No. 25. Other analysts, such as Kyle Dvorchak of NBC Sports, suggest Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker, who recorded 21.5 sacks in three years, while NFL.com’s Eric Edholm points toward Missouri edge rusher Zion Young as a primary target.
- The Secondary: Strengthening the safety position is another high priority. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com predicts the Bears will select Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, citing his versatility as both a “center fielder and box-area bandit.”
- Offensive Line: Not all projections are defensive. Some mock drafts suggest the Bears will gaze to the offensive trenches, projecting Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor as the pick at No. 25.
Trade Scenarios and Aggressive Moves
While the Bears hold the 25th pick, there is speculation that Ryan Poles may not stay there. Richie Bradshaw of Sports Illustrated suggests a trade with the Panthers to move up to the No. 19 spot. The goal of this move would be to secure Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, ensuring the team’s safety production remains stable following last season.
Later Round Outlook
Beyond the first round, mock drafts indicate a continued focus on defense and depth. Projections for the second and third rounds include:
- Round 2: Predictions include safety A.J. Haulcy at pick No. 57 per ESPN and Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas at pick No. 60.
- Round 3: USC safety Kamari Ramsey is projected as a potential pick at No. 68.
Key Takeaways: Bears 2026 Draft Outlook
| Position | Projected Player | Source/Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| DT/EDGE | Peter Woods / T.J. Parker / Zion Young | ESPN / NBC Sports / NFL.com |
| Safety | Emmanuel McNeil-Warren / Dillon Thieneman | NFL.com / Sports Illustrated |
| Offensive Tackle | Kadyn Proctor | Mock Draft Projections |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Chicago Bears pick in the first round?
The Chicago Bears are currently projected to pick at No. 25, though some analysts suggest they may trade up to No. 19.
Which defensive players are most linked to the Bears?
High-profile names include Peter Woods (DT, Clemson), T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson), Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri), and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo).
Are the Bears expected to draft an offensive player?
While much of the focus is on defense, some mock drafts project the Bears taking Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with their first-round pick.
As the draft date approaches, the Bears’ final decision will likely depend on whether Ryan Poles prioritizes immediate pass-rush impact or long-term stability in the secondary and offensive line.
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