The Chicago Bears are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on enhancing their roster under head coach Ben Johnson. Key player changes include the loss of several contributors and the addition of new talent.
Key points
Chicago Bears preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft
Head coach Ben Johnson in second year
Lost key players including Drew Dalman and DJ Moore
Added new players like Coby Bryant and Devin Bush
Opportunity to upgrade at left tackle and center
Chicago Bears
Predicting the Bears' starting offense before 2026 NFL Draft
TheĀ 2026 NFL DraftĀ is almost here, and theĀ Chicago BearsĀ are gearing up for another important draft, where they'll look to shore up the roster under second-year head coach Ben Johnson.
When looking at this offense, there aren't a lot of concerns. In fact, we could be looking at the starting lineup for Week 1 right now. But there is an opportunity to upgrade at left tackle, as well as find the center of the future beyond Bradbury. Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, weāre projecting what the Bears starting offense will look like:
Q&A
Who are the key players the Chicago Bears lost before the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears lost center Drew Dalman, wide receiver DJ Moore, safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
What new players have the Chicago Bears added ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears added safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush, receiver Kalif Raymond, and center Garrett Bradbury.
What positions are the Chicago Bears looking to upgrade before the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears are looking to upgrade at left tackle and find a long-term solution at center beyond Garrett Bradbury.
How is the Chicago Bears' starting offense projected to look for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season?
The Bears' starting offense for Week 1 is projected to be solid, with few concerns despite recent roster changes.
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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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
The Bears appear to have found their franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, who had a breakout year in his sophomore season and first year with head coach Ben Johnson. Williams established himself as one of the NFL's most clutch quarterbacks, leading an NFL-record seven fourth-quarter comebacks in 2025. He also set the franchise single-season passing record (3,942 yards) and fell just shy of becoming the Bears' first 4,000-yard passer. Williams still needs to improve in the short passing game, but there's no denying he has the potential to be one of the NFL's best.
RB D'Andre Swift
There were plenty of doubts surrounding D'Andre Swift heading into the 2025 season, but he proved doubters wrong as part of a 1-2 punch with rookie Kyle Monangai on the league's third-best rushing attack. Reunited with Ben Johnson, Swift had a career year where he totaled 1,087 rushing yards on 223 carries with nine touchdowns. He also proved to be a weapon in the passing game with 34 receptions for 299 yards and a score. Swift is heading into the final year of his contract, where the expectation is he'll once again serve as the starter with Monangai complementing him.
With DJ Moore being traded to the Buffalo Bills, Rome Odunze is now the unquestioned No. 1 receiver on the Bears. Odunze got off to a hot start last season, with 20 receptions for 296 yards and five touchdowns, but he fell off while dealing with a foot injury. Odunze finished with 44 receptions, 661 yards and six touchdowns after missing the final five regular-season games with that stress fracture and made his return during the postseason. But Odunze admitted that his 2025 season was "absolutely" an underachievement.
The Bears didn't go into the 2025 NFL Draft looking to draft a wide receiver. But when Luther Burden III was there in the second round, they couldn't pass up on his talent, and it's already payed off for Chicago. While it took Burden some time to get going on offense, amid an abundance of talent on offense, he showcased himself as a dangerous downfield weapon in just one year with Ben Johnson. Burden totaled 47 catches on 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns. Burden is the reason why the Bears were able to trade DJ Moore, land a second-round pick and free up $16.5 million in salary cap space.
While there were some initial hesitations about Chicago's decision to draft Colston Loveland at 10th overall last year, the rookie tight end put those thoughts to bed with a mini-breakout year where he showed his potential to be one of the league's most impactful tight ends. Loveland led the team in receptions (58) and receiving yards (713), and he really didn't even get going until midway through the 2025 season. More than that, Loveland showed up in big moments down the stretch, where he proved to be Caleb Williams' most dependable weapon.
For the second straight offseason, the Bears will have a competition at left tackle featuring some familiar faces. After re-signing both Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet, they'll compete alongside newcomer Jedrick Wills Jr. for that job. Right now, Jones gets the nod given his experience as a three-year starter and the fact that he should be healthy this season. His biggest competition just might be Wills, who took off last season to get his body right, and Chicago might also turn to the NFL draft to add a young player with the 25th pick. So this projection could certainly change.
Joe Thuney was the best addition (not named Ben Johnson) for the Bears last offseason, and he proved to be worth the fourth-round pick and money as one of the league's best interior lineman. Thuney earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods along one of the NFL's best offensive lines while also winning the inaugural "Protector of the Year" award for the best offensive lineman. Thuney now reunites with his former North Carolina State teammate Garrett Bradbury along the interior.
C Garrett Bradbury
Following Drew Dalman's surprising retirement, the Bears were left with a massive hole at one of the most important positions on offense. While many expected Chicago to try to make a splash for Tyler Linderbaum, the Bears went the cheaper and safer route to add an affordable veteran center for Ben Johnson's offense. Bradbury, who spent six years with the Minnesota Vikings, started all 17 games for the New England Patriots last season, where he didn't allow a sack or commit a penalty. This doesn't necessarily mean the Bears won't add another center in the NFL draft for the future.
The Bears acquired Jonah Jackson last offseason in a trade with the Rams as part of the overhaul of the interior offensive line. While he was under-looked on the offensive line, he had an overall solid season at right guard. Jackson allowed just three sacks and committed just five penalties in 1,133 snaps. Ryan Poles said he wants to keep Jackson at right guard alongside Darnell Wright to keep consistency on the right side.
RT Darnell Wright
Darnell Wright continues to bring consistency to the right tackle position, and he's establishing himself as one of the most promising right tackles in the NFL. Last season, Wright allowed just three sacks in 1,074 sacks, but he allowed a whopping 11 penalties, which he needs to clean up. But he proved to be vital to the success of one of the league's best offensive lines en route to Second-Team All-Pro honors. Wright is eligible for a contract extension this season, and he's certainly played himself into a new deal. Chicago recently picked up his fifth-year option.
