The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, with the Chicago Bears picking 25th overall. An AI named Grok has generated predictions for the first round following the trade of Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft is approaching
Chicago Bears will pick 25th overall
AI named Grok predicts first round picks
Dexter Lawrence traded to Cincinnati Bengals
Draft predictions are influenced by player trades
Chicago BearsNew York GiantsCincinnati Bengals
2026 NFL mock draft: AI predicts 1st round after Dexter Lawrence trade
The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and it's shaping up to be another exciting, unexpected first round to kick things off in Pittsburgh. For the first time in four years, the Chicago Bears won't need selecting in the Top 10, as they're slated to pick 25th overall.
We've been sharing our weekly mock drafts throughout this pre-draft process, where we've tried to pin down realistic scenarios. But everyone's thought process when it comes into assembling mocks is different, which makes it exciting with any given week. So we're trying something new, letting the computer make the picks.
In this exercise, we let Grok do the selecting in the first round, and the results were expected and surprising in these projections after the New York Giants traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Here were the first round results:
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Q&A
What impact does the Dexter Lawrence trade have on the 2026 NFL Draft?
The trade of Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals has influenced the draft predictions, as teams adjust their strategies based on player movements.
Where will the Chicago Bears pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Chicago Bears are slated to pick 25th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What is Grok and how does it predict NFL draft picks?
Grok is an AI tool used to generate predictions for NFL draft picks based on various data inputs and scenarios.
Who did the New York Giants trade Dexter Lawrence to?
The New York Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear
Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT
Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
1 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
1 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
2 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
3 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
4 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
5 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
6 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.
7 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
8 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
9 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
10 / 30
2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end
Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
11 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
12 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear
13 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports
14 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
15 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
16 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
17 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
18 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
19 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
20 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
21 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
22 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
23 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
24 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
25 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
26 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
27 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
28 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT
30 / 30
A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years
Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Grok: The Raiders have been stuck in QB purgatory for years. Mendoza (6-5, elite arm talent, high accuracy, and mobility) is the consensus No. 1 prospect and a clean schematic fit for their offense. He gives them a long-term franchise cornerstone with starter upside from Day 1.
Grok: New York ranked near the bottom in sacks and pressure rate last season. Bailey is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher who can win with speed and power immediately opposite existing pieces. He’s a plug-and-play difference-maker for a defense that desperately needs juice.
Grok: Arizona’s front seven was a major weakness. Reese offers rare versatility (off-ball LB or edge) with a sky-high ceiling, explosiveness, and 6.5+ sacks last season. He pairs perfectly as a pass-rush threat in a tough NFC West.
Grok: Love is a special talent (vision, burst, receiving chops, and home-run ability) who can transform the offense around their young QB. He’s worth the early investment as a three-down weapon who elevates the entire run game and passing attack.
Grok: With two top-10 picks, the Giants can afford to be aggressive. Downs is the premier safety prospect with outstanding range, instincts, tackling, and ball skills—addressing secondary needs immediately. Alternative: Mauigoa as a massive, athletic tackle to protect their QB investment long-term. Many mocks see them targeting a high-upside defender or trench piece here.
Grok: Cleveland invested heavily in the O-line this offseason but left tackle remains a question mark. Mauigoa is a massive, athletic bookend with Pro Bowl upside who can anchor the left side for years.
Grok: Tate is a polished route-runner with reliable hands and big-play ability. Pairing him with Terry McLaurin gives the Commanders a true No. 1 receiver duo and instantly upgrades the passing game.
Grok: Bain brings power, explosion, and a deep pass-rush toolbox despite shorter arms. He’s exactly the disruptive force the Saints’ front needs to generate pressure and support their scheme.
Grok: Tyson is a contested-catch monster with strong hands and yards-after-catch ability. He gives Patrick Mahomes another high-upside weapon to stretch the field and create explosive plays.
10. New York Giants (from CIN) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Grok: The Giants' second top-10 selection is a major win from the Lawrence deal. Delane stands out with length, technical soundness, and elite ball production (plenty of PBUs and INTs). He shores up the secondary and creates turnovers. With two early picks, New York can mix best player available with scheme fits—potentially another defender, offensive lineman, or skill player here.
Grok: Styles is explosive, rangy, and productive. Miami’s defense needs athleticism at linebacker; Styles provides immediate impact in coverage and against the run while offering scheme versatility.
Grok: The Cowboys’ offensive line needs reinforcement. Proctor is a powerful, technically sound left-tackle prospect who can stabilize the unit and protect their investment at quarterback.
Grok: Lemon is a tough, reliable slot/inside receiver with sure hands. He complements their existing weapons and adds another layer to an already explosive offense chasing another Super Bowl.
Grok: Fano didn’t allow a sack last season and brings elite pass-protection skills. The Ravens continue fortifying their O-line to keep Lamar Jackson upright and running lanes open.
Grok: Sadiq was a combine standout (4.39 40, 43½" vertical) and the clear top tight end. He adds a dynamic receiving threat and after-the-catch ability to their offense.
16. New York Jets (via IND) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Grok: The Jets still lack depth at receiver. Cooper (nearly 1,000 yards + 13 TDs last season) is a big-play threat who gives their QB a legitimate second option alongside Garrett Wilson.
Grok: Freeling is a ready-made left-tackle replacement with length and athleticism. He helps keep the Lions’ elite offense protected and competitive in the NFC.
Grok: McNeil-Warren’s production (5 INTs + 10 forced fumbles) jumps off the page. He brings turnover-creating instincts to a defense that needs more takeaways.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Grok: Boston is a reliable, strong-handed outside receiver with red-zone prowess. He adds depth and competition to the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
Grok: Hood is long, physical, and productive in coverage. He adds depth and competition to the Chiefs’ secondary.
30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN) – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Grok: Simpson is accurate, mobile, and decisive with limited starting experience but high upside. He provides a high-ceiling backup/developmental piece behind Tua.
Grok: Seattle grabs late-round value at tackle or edge. An athletic offensive lineman here continues their O-line rebuild and adds depth for Sam Darnold.
