Bears fans could only hope dream draft scenario becomes a perfect reality

The Chicago Bears could go a lot of different directions in the 2026 NFL draft. One player who is not discussed much but may be a good fit for the team is Mansoor Delane from LSU. Delane is expected to be gone by the 25th pick, but a dream scenario may involve acquiring him.

Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated detailed a dream scenario for all 32 teams in the NFL Draft. For the Bears, he noted that trading up and acquiring Delane is the best thing that could possibly happen.

"The Bears would fill one of their biggest needs if they can move up from No. 25 to grab the best coverage player in this draft. Currently, the Bears need a No. 2 cornerback on the opposite side of Jaylon Johnson. Delane has the upside to one day develop into a lockdown corner."
Gilbert Manzano

What is the Chicago Bears' dream scenario in the 2026 NFL draft?

This is a bit of a surprise for two reasons. First, the Bears have a lot of needs. They need a starting safety, edge rusher, and defensive tackle, and they could use depth at both center and left tackle. So, most Bears fans would likely disagree that a trade up is the best path forward for the team. They are likely best off hoping someone in a position of need falls to them in round one, so they can check that off the list before moving on to the next need in the second round.

Beyond that, of the needs listed, cornerback was not one. Yes, Tyrique Stevenson has been up and down, but he has a lot of starting experience, and the highs may make it worth taking a chance on him for one more season. While Jaylon Johnson could be gone next year, they also have Kyler Gordon, so they are not quite thin here.

Meanwhile, they would be passing on significant needs at other positions. Trading up for Rueben Bain, Dillon Thieneman, or someone in that mold would make a lot more sense than trading up for Delane.

Beyond that, the dream scenario has to involve staying at 25 and one of those players falling to them. In that case, it would likely be Keldric Faulk, Akeem Mesidor, or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. In most mock drafts, these three are gone by pick 25, and in every mock where they are not gone by 25, these three are the selection at that pick.

If Chicago can sit back and wait while one of these three players falls, they will get a steal, a value, they will cross off a need, and they will still have all of their picks to address other needs. This is the best case for the Bears.

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