10 players the Bears could pick in first round of 2026 NFL Draft

2. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kadyn Proctor is a very intriguing prospect on the offensive line due to his massive build and strength, but there are questions about his arm length. Working with an offensive line coach such as Chicago's Dan Roushar should give the team an opportunity to maximize his potential as a possible left tackle, with the possibility he could move inside to guard.

3. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Sep 27, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood (8) scores a touchdown after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Colton Hood is young and a project in development coming into the draft, but his raw and potential and talent are more than enough to justify his selection at this pick. With what defensive backs coach Al Harris proved he could do with other talent last year, Hood is coming off a season at Tennessee that has elevated him in conversations as a first-round pick, allowing just one touchdown in over 450 coverage snaps.

4. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) celebrates a stop as Auburn Tigers take on South Alabama Jaguars at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Auburn Tigers lead South Alabama Jaguars 28-9 at halftime.

He's not the best pure pass rusher in this class, but Kendric Faulk has versatility as an edge defender and uses his power to assert himself on the defensive line. Faulk's style of play will also allow the coaching staff to use him in multiple roles and situations, especially in his run defense. While he had only 2 sacks this past year, he did have 9 in his 2024 collegiate season.

5. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive lineman TJ Parker (DL55) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Another player that can help establish the defensive edge for Chicago, T.J. Parker also saw a dip in his production from the 2024 season to last year, where he finished with six sacks compared to the 12 he had in 2024. In his three seasons at Clemson, Parker totaled 24 sacks, so he has a knack of getting after the quarterback, but will have to grow his game in order to become a full-time starter.

6. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (OL33) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Bears have proven they're not afraid to take the best player available, regardless of position, and they may show their brashness by going offensive tackle early. Caleb Lomu projects as a reliable starter in the NFL, given his great athleticism at the position and his success in pass-protection, which is everything that Chicago needs with Ozzy Trapilo out for most of the upcoming season.

7. Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) looks on before a play against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

Zion Young's name has climbed into the first round in several rumors and given his high-motor and relentlessness at the position, he's an intriguing fit for the Bears. He had the best sack total of his collegiate career last season, totaling eight for the Missouri Tigers while also putting together 32 hurries and 17 quarterback hits. Young also plays with emotion, which could build a chip on his shoulder that drives him to want to become great at the next level.

8. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Oct 5, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) warms up against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors before the game at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images

Chris Johnson had four interceptions last season for San Diego State, and he graded out as the second-best cornerback in college football last year on the PFF scale. He excels in zone coverage more than man, and if put in the right situation behind Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, Chris Johnson would be a surprise selection at this spot, but his playmaking abilities warrant taking a shot on him.

9. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.

Chicago has to rebuild their entire defensive line, and when it comes to defensive tackle, Kayden McDonald should be the first name on every team's draft board. His superior play as a run stopper would help significantly improve the Bears defense from last season, while also opening up lanes for his teammates out on the edge.

10. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Oct 25, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is tackled by Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

If the Bears want to go with a safety, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a name that has continued to be thrown out as a fit for them and he fills a void immediately. An ability to make plays as a ballhawk safety in the secondary, McNeil-Warren is also very violent and fun to watch when he plays downhill, and graded out as the second-best safety in college on PFF's grading scale last year. McNeil-Warren has great size, length, and athleticism, while his violent nature of play should make him an immediate fan favorite in Chicago.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 10 players the Bears could select in the first round