With the Chicago Bears first slated to pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they are in a much different position than they are used to. Owning a later pick in the first round is quite refreshing, but also sets the stage for so many possibilities.
By now, most Bears fans know what this team should be focused on when it comes to positional needs.
But what happens if and when they do go after some of these more intriguing positions? What about the guys who currently occupy roster spots within these rooms?
For some positions, the ramifications are far greater. For others, not so much. But let's look at a few veterans whose roles could change significantly, should Ryan Poles address certain positions early on.
The Chicago Bears could create competition and depth at key positions in the 2026 NFL Draft
First up, how about the guy who now seemingly owns his old starting position once more?
Braxton Jones, OT
The Bears brought back Braxton Jones, who will very likely be their starting left tackle for 2026. The big question becomes, then, what do they do beyond this coming season? Is it Ozzy Trapilo once he's healthy?
A lot of Bears media voices and fans are getting much warmer to the idea of this team going offensive tackle in the first round. Kadyn Proctor is a popular and polarizing name, for example.
If they happen to do just that, then Jones will immediately be put on notice. He'll have strict competition for that starting gig.
If Chicago decided to go with another Day 2 offensive tackle, though, Jones would still have competition. But, in all likelihood, the real competition would come between this rookie and Trapilo in 2027.
Kalif Raymond, WR
This isn't something Bears fans are talking about much, but remember who the head coach is. Ben Johnson isn't going to pass up the opportunity for excellent value when it comes to offensive playmakers, even though he's already got a few.
Kalif Raymond is much more of a special teams guy than anything, although he's capable of being the team's WR3. Johnson did play a major part in getting him to Chicago.
With such a deep class at wide receiver, I would not be shocked to see the Bears take one on Day 2, if the value is there. Should the Bears take a wide receiver in either Round 2 or Round 3, then Raymond is almost guaranteed to be the WR4 and mostly a special teams contributor.
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE
This is no secret. The Bears need a pass rusher. Dayo Odeyingbo was last year's "prized" free agent at the position, but even before his season-ending injury, Odeyingbo looked nothing like a starter.
If the Bears appease the fan base and take a pass rusher on Day 1 or Day 2, then of course, Odeyingbo has immediate competition. But even more interesting is that the Bears can easily get out of his contract after only 2 years, which would mean he's cut in 2027. In that scenario, the Bears save $15 million against the cap.
So, if Poles goes with an edge rusher, then you can almost guarantee Odeyingbo's fate is sealed. He's a goner after 2026.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB
Speaking of a player who might be gone after 2026, Tyrique Stevenson is in a position to put on a show this coming season. He's still slotted in as the starter opposite Jaylon Johnson, but he's entering a contract year and is as polarizing a player as anyone on this Bears roster.
Fans have long been tired of his inconsistencies. Yet, just when we've completely written him off, Stevenson will come up with a big play in a crucial moment and reel some of us back in.
Chicago very well could go cornerback with one of their four top-100 picks. If they do, then that very clearly means they're looking for a Stevenson replacement.
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Creating competition for the former Miami standout, though, is a great thing for this defense. Sending a message and being able to get the best out of him, in a contract year, is a win-win situation for all involved.