Is it time? Asking for a friend.
The 2026 NFL Draft cannot start soon enough. With just days, now, until all of the chaos begins, Chicago Bears fans are on the edge of their seats.
This is truly one of those drafts where nobody knows what's going to happen beyond the first overall pick. Anything goes -- and that's how NFL fans like it. We live for the chaos. We embrace it.
Now, what type of chaos or potentially unforeseen events may lead to the Bears landing some polarizing picks? That's what this is all about.
If Chicago sees any of these scenarios happen (and all are very real possibilities), we could see some notable shifts within the Bears' roster.
The Chicago Bears could see some serious value picks unfold over the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft
Jordyn Tyson's pre-draft worries turn into a draft day fall
There is not a more polarizing player in this class, right now, than former Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Maybe, Rueben Bain Jr. has an argument.
But, Tyson's medicals are a big worry for some reputable draft experts. Others, though, have no problem mocking him inside the top 10 picks. He has folks truly split.
Now, what happens if Tyson starts falling and picks no. 20 is approaching? Could Ben Johnson really resist an opportunity to get who some call the draft's most talented wide receiver?
If it becomes a legitimate possibility, I don't see how Johnson resists. And then, Chicago has Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and Tyson. Eventually, that situation will include the Bears making yet another wide receiver trade, as they did with DJ Moore.
But, for the time being, the offense would look borderline-unstoppable.
Jermod McCoy slips into the 20's
Here is another intriguing one. By all accounts, Tennessee product Jermod McCoy wouldn't surprise anyone if he were the first cornerback taken. Even though it's been over a year since he last played a football game, McCoy is simply that good.
But, because of his ACL injury and the long recovery, he may slip. If he does, and is still on the board past pick no. 20, then Dennis Allen would be licking his chops. McCoy has the goods. If he's healthy, then he'd be a no-brainer to go up a few spots and select.
At that point, then, the Bears would be looking at Tyrique Stevenson as a backup. Right now, he's a starter, of course. It'd give them either the potential of a trade or a chance to have real strong depth in that room. With Stevenson in the final year of his deal, too, it would be future-proofing the position from Poles' perspective.
Eli Stowers is still on the board at no. 60
If the Bears get to their second of two second-round picks at no. 60, and Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers is there, he'd be another weapon that Johnson would have a hard time passing on. Stowers is nearly 6-foot-4 and weighs 239 pounds. But he has the athleticism of a wide receiver and possesses excellent hands.
Some experts believe he may actually be best suited as a wide receiver. That's what makes this tricky. Let's say he's too good to pass on.
Do the Bears then try him at wide receiver? If they do, then this offense, once again, has a trio of wide receivers who could be dangerous in their own way. However, if he sticks at tight end, then you have the question of what to do with Cole Kmet. At this stage, a Kmet trade seems logical.
Connor Lew is there for the taking at no. 89
Arguably the best center in the draft, Auburn's Connor Lew is the no. 74 prospect available based on a consensus big board over at NFL Mock Draft Database. Realistically, he could fall to the back of the third at no. 89, where the Bears might have no choice but to draft him.
This would be their chance to find a long-term center after the earlier retirement of Drew Dalman this offseason. The Bears quickly traded for Garrett Bradbury, but if Lew is available at this spot, then you can pretty much assume Bradbury has an entirely new role -- a backup.
It might not be right away, but Lew has every bit of potential to take that job by the time training camp is over. It wouldn't be a bad thing, though, as having Bradbury for depth is a luxury.
Mike Washington Jr. is too hard to pass up in the 3rd round
Another potential third-round scenario is if Ben Johnson was presented with the size-speed combination of Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. sitting there at no. 89.
D'Andre Swift had a tremendous season last year, and Kyle Monangai looks like a strong no. 2 option in a split-back field. But, Swift is entering the final year of his contract, and, this is beating a dead horse, but Johnson cannot pass on guys he believes in.
Read more: 4 veterans Bears could put on notice with early 2026 NFL Draft choices
Washington's overall tools could be way too tantalizing to let pass at this point in the draft. And then, Chicago has a trio of running backs in the mix for the 2026 season. But, going into 2027, it would be very likely then if Swift is allowed to sign elsewhere.