Breaking down Chicago Bears picks in Dane Brugler's 7-round mock draft

Q: What are the Chicago Bears' draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Chicago Bears have four picks in the Top 89, including the 25th overall pick and two second-round selections.

Q: Who is Dane Brugler and what is his mock draft for the Bears?

Dane Brugler is a sports analyst from The Athletic who released a seven-round mock draft detailing how the Bears can address their biggest needs.

Q: What position needs are the Chicago Bears looking to address in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears are focusing on shoring up their biggest needs, particularly in the trenches, according to the latest mock draft.

Q: How many picks do the Chicago Bears have in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Chicago Bears have three picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, including one first-round pick and two second-round picks.

Breaking down Chicago Bears picks in Dane Brugler's 7-round mock draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears are finalizing their draft preparations before welcoming a new group of rookies to the roster.

The Bears are primed to add some playmakers to their roster with four picks in the Top 89, including the 25th overall pick and a pair of second rounders. There are some important position needs to address in this draft, and general manager Ryan Poles has the resources to get it done.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler released his seven-round mock draft with just about a week until the NFL draft. For the Bears, they shored up their biggest needs with their first four selections, addressing the trenches in a big way. We're breaking down The Athletic's latest mock:

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

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

Sep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss

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

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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

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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

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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

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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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

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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.

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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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

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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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

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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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

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Round 1, Pick 25: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

After not addressing the edge rusher position during free agency, the NFL draft presents the perfect opportunity to land a young, impact player. While it's a deep group that GM Ryan Poles has discussed this offseason, if the right guy is available at No. 25, it wouldn't be a complete surprise to see Chicago forgo other positions. T.J. Parker would be a nice addition to a room that features former Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker.

Brugler's takeaway: "Parker is still learning how to unlock counter maneuvers, but he offers a reliable foundation built on leveraged power and a consistent motor that helps him make plays as a rusher and run defender. He projects as a solid NFL starter, similar to Jabaal Sheard."

Round 2, Pick 57: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

The Bears spent the offseason shoring up depth along the defensive interior with the additions of Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street and James Lynch, but they're still in need of an impact player who could develop into a starter. Domonique Orange would be a solid replacement for Andrew Billings, who departed this offseason, and help shore up a Chicago run defense that allowed more than 134 yards per game in 2025.

Brugler's takeaway: "Orange is an ineffective pass rusher but has the frame and play strength to be an immovable, stout nose when he wants to be. He projects best as a one-technique or shade in a 4-3 scheme."

Round 2, Pick 60: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

The Bears lost both starting safeties from last season with All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leaving in free agency. Chicago did land an impact safety in Super Bowl winner Coby Bryant, who should help fill that ballhawking role left by Byard , but they're still in need of a starter opposite him. Some have Jalon Kilgore projected more as a nickel cornerback, but he's also a solid option to fill that safety void for the Bears.

Brugler's takeaway: "Kilgore is a tough eval when projecting him at a position other than nickel, but his size, athletic talent and ball-hawking skills should give teams confidence to make that bet. There is a high-risk, high-reward scenario waiting for the team that chases his upside."

Round 3, Pick 89: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

One of the biggest blows of the offseason was the shocking retirement of center Drew Dalman, leaving Chicago in a bind at what was once a position of strength. The Bears didn't wait long to make a trade with the New England Patriots for Garrett Bradbury, but he's not considered the long-term answer. Jake Slaughter would be a huge get for Chicago in the third round, where he'd have a year to learn behind Bradbury and establish himself as the long-term option at center.

Brugler's takeaway: "Slaughter doesn’t have overwhelming traits, but he consistently does his job using controlled movements, stout strength and veteran processing skills. With his makeup, he should compete for starting center snaps as a rookie."

Round 4, Pick 129: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

Chicago battled injuries at cornerback last season with top corners Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon missing most of the season while Terell Smith missed the entire year. Following Pro Bowler Nahshon Wright's departure in free agency, it never hurts to shore up the secondary. Ephesians Prysock would be a good fit for the room, alongside last year's fifth-round rookie Zah Frazier, who makes his return after missing his entire rookie season.

Brugler's takeaway: "Prysock has rare physical traits that are hard to find at the position, although he is still learning how to maximize those tools in coverage. He will appeal to both press-heavy and zone-based schemes as a developmental dart throw."

Round 7, Pick 239: Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky

The Bears forgo drafting an offensive tackle in this mock draft, instead doubling down on interior offensive linemen. While Joe Thuney has proven to be an impactful offensive lineman for Chicago in just one year, he won't be playing forever, so it's never a bad idea to start thinking about the future. Jager Burton has experience at guard and center, which gives him versatility along the offensive line.

Brugler's takeaway: "Burton needs to continue developing his sustain skills and the mental aspects of the position, but he is a quick-win blocker with position flexibility across the interior. He offers intriguing value for zone-based schemes on Day 3."

Round 7, Pick 241: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington

The Bears have made it a concerted effort to shore up the interior defensive line this offseason, and they continue to do it in this mock draft scenario with Anterio Thompson. With Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett set to start, taking a swing on Thompson in the seventh round would give him time to develop behind two veterans.

Brugler's takeaway: "Thompson needs to develop better consistency, but his upfield quickness, raw strength and special teams impact (three blocked punts in college) are intriguing qualities that can be further developed."

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Breaking down Chicago Bears picks in Dane Brugler's 7-round mock draft

Breaking down Chicago Bears picks in Dane Brugler's 7-round mock draft

TL;DR

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Round 1, Pick 25: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Round 2, Pick 57: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Round 2, Pick 60: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

Round 3, Pick 89: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

Round 4, Pick 129: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

Round 7, Pick 239: Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky

Round 7, Pick 241: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington

Q&A

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