The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world in 2025 and managed to win 11 games, capturing the NFC North title in the first year of the Ben Johnson era. This team made strides on both sides of the ball, but did tend to get 'lucky' more times than not.
Some have wondered if this team is primed for a slight regression in 2026, especially when you consider just how many good teams there are in the division. It really would not be a shock if Chicago didn't win the NFC North in 2026, but given that they did in 2026, the sky could be the limit.
The main issues remaining are on defense, and simply Caleb Williams needing to make a jump in year three. Well, our latest Bears' NFL mock draft slams the door on those defensive needs and positions the Bears for long-term success in the loaded NFC North.
Updated Chicago Bears mock draft following NFL Free Agency
25. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Bears do need another body along the defensive line. It did seem like, for a while there, Chicago could have been trying to trade for Maxx Crosby, but in the end, it might be good that they did not pull that off.
At this point, the Bears are surely looking to the NFL Draft for some defensive line help, and the versatile Peter Woods slipping to the 25th pick would be ideal for Chicago. He is a future impact starter and can line up all over the defensive line.
57. AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
Overhauling the safety room in free agency, the Bears keep that trend up and snag AJ Haulcy from LSU. The secondary did force a ton of turnovers in 2025, but the unit as a whole gave up too much through the air, and that simply cannot be the case in 2026.
60. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Signing Devin Bush in free agency, the Bears said goodbye to Tremaine Edmunds and do need another addition here. Jake Golday is a massive and athletic linebacker prospect who is a second-round-caliber player. He profiles as a future starter at the position and is one of the more notable names in a very deep linebacker class.
89. Jake Slaughter, OC, Florida
The center position got very interesting for the Bears earlier this offseason, as Drew Dalman shockingly retired, creating a massive hole right in the middle of the offensive line. On year after that unit did a total 180, Dalman's retirement thrust the unit back into uncertainty. Well, trading for Garrett Bradbury was a wise move, but they have to hedge that with a center prospect.
A hypothetical center 'room' of Bradbury and Jake Slaugher could provide Chicago with present and future stability, and given how much that position was prioritized when Johnson first arrived, it would be a shock if the position was not addressed in the draft.
129. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
How about another young running back? Kyle Monangai was stellar for Chicago in 2025, and the Bears could again try their chances at a rookie runner in 2026. In keeping with the theme of the offensive line being prioritized, Chicago's emphasis on the run game can continue to carry them to victory.
239. Harrison Wallace III, WR, Ole Miss
The Bears traded DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears and could simply fill that spot on the roster with a young wide receiver, which would continue the youth movement on offense. All of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and Colton Loveland are young playmakers here. The Bears add Harrison Wallace III from Ole Miss at pick 239.
241. DJ Campbell, OG, Texas
Chicago finishes up this mock draft with DJ Campbell, a depth piece along the offensive line to once again fortify that unit.