The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world in the 2025 season, going 11-6 and winning the NFC North. The Bears proved to be one of the more fun, frisky teams in the league, but there was still a lot of meat left on the bone.
The Bears' defense was really not that special outside of the turnovers, and Caleb Williams' completion percentage took a nosedive. When you dig deeper, this 11-win team may have not quite been that good. This offseason has been an important one, as this team still did make a deep playoff run.
But the defense still needs some help, and with the 2026 NFL Draft happening later this month, the Bears do have a chance to put a stamp on this unit.
Updated Chicago Bears NFL Mock Draft as the offseason rolls on
25. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Peter Woods s a top defensive tackle prospect and someone who should be able to line up all over the defensive line for Dennis Allen, the team's defensive coordinator. Chicago needs one more impact player in this unit, and it's hard to argue that Woods isn't that player.
Games in the NFL are won in the trenches, and we saw this emphasis last offseason with the offensive line, so now it's time for the defensive line.
57. AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
The Bears did not re-sign CJ Gardner-Johnson or Kevin Byard, instead signing Cam Lewis and Coby Bryant, but the position is still a need at this point, so Chicago uses pick 57 on AJ Haulcy, a decent safety prospect from LSU. Haulcy has eight interceptions and 11 passes defended the past two seasons with the Tigers.
He also added 163 total tackles during this time and could be one of those defensive backs who is consistently filling up the depth chart. This would be a heck of a pick for Chicago, and he could probably start immediately.
60. Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
You can surely expect some sort of offensive weapon being taken by the Bears. They saw some great performances from offensive rookies in 2025, so the front office could look to find someone who could continue that in 2026. Antonio Williams might be an answer there, and with Chicago having traded DJ Moore, there is a 'spot' for a new wide receiver.
89. Connor Lew, OC, Auburn
With Drew Dalman shockingly retiring following the 2025 NFL Season, the Bears may now need a long-term solution at center. They traded for Garrett Bradbury this offseason, but another move is needed, so they snag Connor Lew from Auburn at pick 89 for a potential solution after Bradbury's time with the Bears is up.
129. Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
With Ozzy Trapilo set to be out for a while, the Bears may need to do some homework at left tackle. The logical solution for at least the 2026 season might be Taylor Decker, the former Detroit Lions' tackle who played under Johnson.
But that would not present a long-term solution, so Chicago could dip into the NFL Draft for someone like Jude Bowry, a tackle from Boston College who has experience on both sides of the offensive line.
239. Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
Adam Randall is one of the extremely interesting prospects in this year's class. He's 6-3, over 230 pounds, and is a former wide receiver turned running back. He's got the athleticism to be a receiver, obviously, but he now could become more of a threat out of the backfield.
The 4.5 forty-yard dash for someone his size is electric, and his ability to catch the ball is something that Bears' head coach Ben Johnson could immediately use on offense.
241. Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
Chicago flips back to the defensive side of the ball for some linebacker depth, finishing up this mock draft with Kendal Daniels from Oklahoma.