The Chicago Bears hold the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to enhance their roster. They may focus on positions like edge rusher, defensive tackle, or secondary, and could consider trading their pick.
Key points
Bears hold the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Focus on enhancing roster under head coach Ben Johnson
Potential targets include edge rusher, defensive tackle, and secondary
Bears have four selections in the Top 89
Trading options may be considered
Chicago BearsNFL
Predicting the Bears' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft has arrived, and the Chicago Bears have the 25th overall pick, where they'll be looking to add an impact contributor to bolster the roster under second-year head coach Ben Johnson.
For the first time in four years, the Bears will not be selecting in the Top 10, which means a lot is going to happen and a lot of prospects will be off the board long before Chicago is on the clock -- barring a trade. But depending on how the board falls, the Bears could still have some options to upgrade in the trenches, be it edge rusher, defensive tackle or left tackle, or in the secondary, with safety or cornerback.
Then there's the possibility of trading back (or even trading up). But it's important to remember that Chicago has four selections in the Top 89, so there will be opportunities to add several impact players between the first two days.
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
Q&A
What is the Chicago Bears' draft position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Chicago Bears have the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Which positions might the Bears target with their first-round pick?
The Bears could target edge rusher, defensive tackle, left tackle, safety, or cornerback.
How many total picks do the Bears have in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears have four selections in the Top 89 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Is there a possibility for the Bears to trade their draft pick?
Yes, the Bears may consider trading back or even trading up during the draft.
Related Articles
NFL
Dallas Cowboys linked to major WR shake-up before 2026 NFL Draft
Dallas Cowboys could shake up their WR roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Preview
United States Women’s National Team announce two friendlies against Brazil
USWNT announces two friendlies against Brazil in June 2025
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
EXCLUSIVE | Marcel Desailly on Enzo Fernández: ‘He is overworked. That creates creative chaos in the Chelsea team.’
Marcel Desailly: Enzo Fernández is overworked, causing chaos at Chelsea.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Feature
Tall Boyz, Part 3: Goin’ Deep
Exploring top wide receiver prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft with elite athleticism.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Braves' JR Ritchie's first pitch in MLB went as poorly as it possibly could've
Braves' JR Ritchie allows home run on first MLB pitch
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Transfer
Texas A&M will reportedly host Loyola Marymount transfer forward
Texas A&M is hosting Loyola Marymount transfer Jalen Shelley for a visit this weekend.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
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
Best Chicago Bears draft pick from every year since 2016
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
Ahead of the draft, our Bears Wire staff is taking a crack at predicting what Chicago does with its first-round selection at 25th overall. And it shouldn't come as a surprise that we all can't seem to agree, varying between prospects and position groups.
Alyssa Barbieri: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
I kept going back and forth between my final prediction, mostly because I have no idea how the first round is going to shake out before the Bears are on the clock at No. 25. In an ideal world, Kadyn Proctor falls to Chicago and they land a potential franchise left tackle to shore up the offensive line for Caleb Williams. Proctor has impressive size and length, as well as ability, to be a formidable force in the trenches. But he has been inconsistent in pass protection with his technique.
With Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the year, the Bears could very well find a short-term solution in the battle between Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet and Jedrick Wills Jr. But if the opportunity presents itself to upgrade at a premium position, you have to take it. Plus, Ben Johnson is "heavily involved" in the draft process, according to Brad Biggs, so you know he'd be pushing for an impact offensive tackle to be a cornerstone on the offense for the foreseeable future. So while I'm picking Proctor, if any of the top offensive tackles fall, that would be my best bet. But a disruptive edge rusher would be a nice consolation prize.
Brendan Sugrue: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Now that draft day is finally here, it feels like the Bears have zeroed in on a couple of positions to focus on in the first round: offensive tackle and edge rusher. If Ben Johnson had his way, the Bears would find a way to land one of the premier players available on the offensive line, but chances are many of them will have been picked already. While a move up can’t be ruled out, I believe that drops Auburn’s Keldric Faulk right in their laps.
Faulk is the prototypical Dennis Allen defensive end. He has a big and long frame and is just 20 years old. His best football is ahead of him, and Faulk can be molded into a weapon off the defensive line. Though he wouldn’t be my first choice given some concerns about his production (just two sacks and five tackles for loss in 2025), Faulk makes a lot of sense for the Bears in this spot.
Mike Pendleton: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
I have put Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in nearly every mock draft I have done for this network leading up to Thursday. For the fans of the movie ‘Draft Day’ EMW is my version of Vontae Mack. He plays very similarly to Jaquan Brisker, and if he can just be healthier for the Bears than Brisker was, it would be quite the transition as the latter departed in free agency. Chicago has to address the defense in several areas early in the draft, but McNeil-Warren can not be a player they pass on if he is on the board at pick 25. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, no matter what.
Vincent Parise: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Bears have a handful of major needs, and most of them come in the trenches. If they go with a left tackle, center, edge rusher, or interior defensive lineman, it should shock nobody. Anything else would be a bit surprising. There are lots of lineman on both sides of the ball that will be taken in the 20s. Kayden McDonald, a defensive lineman for Ohio State, makes a lot of sense for the Bears. He would help create a better pass rush, but he’d also help them improve their run defense in every way. In his final year of college ball, he finished with 65 total tackles, 9 for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. A potential game breaker like that would do wonders for the defense.
The need to add in the trenches outweighs any other need for this team headed into the 2026-27 season. And if you've heard Ryan Poles talk about Akheem Mesidor he loves his production, leadership and maturity. He will come into the league at 25 years old, with experience, and ready to go. He won't be an all-pro type guy, but a solid 8.0 to 12.0 sack guy who will take pressure off Montez Sweat, and he brings a good balance against the run game. He's everything the Bears could ask for and someone who can immediately contribute.