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ESPN analyst urges Bears to be patient in 2026 NFL Draft for 2 reasons
TL;DR
ESPN analyst Ben Solak advises the Chicago Bears to be patient with their 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He suggests they should only consider trading up if a key player unexpectedly falls down the board.
Key points
- Chicago Bears own the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Bears are making a playoff run, leading to a lower draft position
- ESPN analyst Ben Solak advises to stick and pick at No. 25
Ben SolakChicago Bears
ESPN analyst urges Bears to be patient in 2026 NFL Draft for 2 reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears own the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With their first pick down the board a bit, the Bears are going to miss out on a few key players.
Of course, it's due to the Bears making a playoff run, so this is a good problem to have. But what should the Bears do with the 25th pick a bit down the board?
ESPN analyst Ben Solak is urging the Bears to do something that might not be exciting, but is the right move: stick and pick at No. 25. However, if a player is falling down the board, a trade-up could be in the cards.
Bears urged to stand pat at No. 25 unless a player falls
"A lot of positions could use a developmental starter, so let the board fall to you - unless a splash player at defensive tackle or edge rusher is gettable," Solak writes.
Coming into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears desperately need more help at edge rusher and defensive tackle. Fortunately, the edge rusher class is solid, and a decent player should make it to the Bears' pick.
Akheem Mesidor and Keldrick Faulk both have a chance to make it to the Bears' first round pick, while Cashius Howell and Zion Young should be available at this pick.
Regarding interior defensive linemen, the chance that Caleb Banks and Peter Woods make it to this pick is decent. Kayden McDonald is also a name to watch along the interior of the defensive line.
More:Â Zion Young predicted to land with Bears in 2026 NFL Draft
Q&A
Why should the Chicago Bears be patient in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears are advised to be patient because they own the 25th pick and may miss out on key players, but sticking with the pick could be beneficial unless a top player falls.
Who is the ESPN analyst recommending patience for the Bears in the draft?
ESPN analyst Ben Solak is the one urging the Chicago Bears to be patient with their 2026 NFL Draft strategy.
What is the significance of the Bears' 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 25th overall pick is significant as it reflects the Bears' playoff run, which has led them to a lower draft position, impacting their access to top talent.
