Chicago Bears NFL Draft Preview: Dark horse first-round candidates who could be in play with the 25th overall pick

The majority of that is due to the fact that I don’t view left tackle as an immediate need as most people, even after Johnson’s comments. The Bears have three capable 2026 options in Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr., and Theo Benedet to hold down the spot until the staff can get a firm look at Ozzy Trapilo post-injury. If Kadyn Proctor somehow falls to the Bears’ pick, I could see it. But, with Lomu, it would be surprising given he’s more upside than anything and faced subpar competition in college.

3. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

If the Bears really want to throw people off in the first-round, outside cornerback is a position to watch. Chicago already has large contracts tied up with two cornerbacks in Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon with an open spot up for grabs at the other outside position. The Bears can fully eliminate any concerns there by snagging a top CB.

Chris Johnson has rapidly risen up draft boards and now viewed as the CB2/3 depending on how you rank him and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy. Johnson is super instinctive and showcases CB1 traits both in man and zone. However, he has his limitations against the run and against bigger-bodied wide receivers.

2. Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona

Treydan Stukes is generating more first-round buzz the closer we get to Draft Day and it’s all warranted. Stukes is a super versatile player that can play big-nickel or deep safety for any scheme. He has it all between his versatility, ball skills, and overall athleticism. Teams might honestly have him ranked higher than Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as the S3.

The Bears have an obvious need at the safety position to replace Jaquan Brisker after signing Coby Bryant to replace Kevin Byard III. Stukes can play that hybrid role in Dennis Allen’s scheme and be another chess piece in the secondary.

1. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Another cornerback name to watch, and REALLY keep in mind is Colton Hood. As much as I like Chris Johnson, Hood is the one that would be the top dark horse for Chicago. Hood is a scrappy player that embraces press-man duties with the ability to operate on an island and a reliable tackler on the outside.

Having him on the outside, Gordon in the slot, and Johnson shadowing opposing No. 1 wide receivers would give Chicago easily the best CB trio in the league.