With the Chicago Bears solely focused on making an improbable postseason run, they also need to consider the franchise's future.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears selected wide receiver Luther Burden III, who looks like a solid future number-two receiver in the league. Burden has shown some big-play ability that could make him dangerous in the future with Rome Odunze.
Despite a lovely stretch of games from veteran DJ Moore, he is still underperforming for a guy who has a contract value of $110 million. Chicago might still consider moving on from the hero of the Week 16 Green Bay Packers game to a younger, cheaper, but equally talented player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears' three-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Round 1, Pick 29: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The number one issue the Bears need to resolve is at edge rusher with Dayo Odeyingbo playing poorly in his first season and being out for the back half of the 2025 season due to a season-ending injury. Montez Sweat has been great, but outside of decent play from Austin Booker, Chicago doesn't have much of a pass rush.
Howell has size and speed that make him a perfect developmental edge-rusher for Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, after posting 11.5 sacks this season with the Aggies. Watch for the Bears to target Howell to bring in and make him a rotational guy for his rookie season, before potentially making him a full-time starter sooner than some think.
Round 2, Pick 61: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Chicago should consider moving on from Moore to save money and trade him away. That way, they can add another young receiver for Caleb Williams to develop with alongside Odunze and Burden.
Sarratt won't blow anyone away with his measurables, but he is as reliable a receiver as one can get in college football in 2025 after catching 51 passes for 687 yards and a Big Ten-leading 12 touchdowns. Bears head coach Ben Johnson can line Sarratt up wherever he wants him, and he will make him make a play like Moore does, but do it for almost $100 million less on the contract.
Read more: A Ryan Poles offseason gamble is hanging on for dear life with the Bears
Round 3, Pick 93: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Grady Jarrett was a nice free agent signing from a leadership perspective, but he has not always been healthy or as dominant as the Bears would have liked. Defensive tackle is a position the Bears should continue to focus on getting younger to learn from Jarrett.
Hunter is one of the many weapons on the Red Raiders' defense, which is one of the best units in the nation, with his 34 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The Bears can get a guy who is a great run stopper and can apply pressure on the quarterback.