With three weeks remaining until the Chicago Bears make their decision with the 25th overall pick, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the team impresses with their 2026 NFL Draft.
Last year, they came away with four really solid starters on the roster from the 2025 NFL Draft class. This year, they have seven picks with four of them coming in the first three rounds, so they will need to nail those picks.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been preaching the idea that the team will pick the best player available in the draft, so while defense might be the focus, there will be some offensive players selected. Who will Poles pick with his seven selections in the draft?
Round 1, Pick 25: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
McDonald just came in for a visit with the Bears and would give this defense everything they need. Even if he's not an elite pass rusher at the tackle position, he doesn't need to be, as Gervon Dexter would take care of that. McDonald is one of the best run stoppers in this draft, and Chicago would be crazy not to take the best player available at this spot.
Round 2, Pick 57: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Every Bears fan is screaming for an edge rusher, and Thomas would be able to help with that. He has produced 15.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in the last three years, so he can get to the quarterback while making plays. Montez Sweat and Austin Booker will most likely still be the starters, but Thomas is a perfect rotational pass rusher on this defense.
Round 2, Pick 60: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
It might be a bit too high to go on a wide receiver for the Bears, but Williams is a great talent that would be hard to pass up on in the second round. He's been productive with great hands over the years with the Tigers and would make the perfect number three receiver on the team with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.
Round 3, Pick 89: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Chicago would be taking a risk by waiting until the third round for a safety, but it pays off as Smith can easily be a Day 1 starter on the team. Aside from needing work on run support, he is great at everything else, as Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can easily develop him into a full-time starter alongside the new signing Coby Bryant.
Round 4, Pick 129: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
It worked out pretty well last year when the Bears selected a Boston College offensive tackle in Ozzy Trapilo, so why not take another one? Also, Poles went to Boston College as an offensive lineman, so he might have some insights on Bowry. Bears need depth on the line, and this would be a solid pick for them.
Round 7, Pick 239: Eric McAlister, WR, TCU
Going back to the "best player available" mindset, so let's go with another wide receiver, McAlister, who finished last season with 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, McAlister has good size to play on the outside and gives the Bears more depth at wide receiver.
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Round 7, Pick 241: Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
The Bears went to Oklahoma's Pro Day, so there's a chance they got a glimpse at Daniels there. Last season, he had 53 tackles and three pass deflections for the Sooners. Chicago could use depth at linebacker, so it makes sense to take a chance on Daniels with their final pick.