The Chicago Bears' offense took one massive leap after another during the 2025 season, and they ended up making an incredible run in the first year of the Ben Johnson era.
Entering the 2026 offseason, the Bears have made several significant moves, including trading away wide receiver DJ Moore. They also had to act quickly to replace center Drew Dalman, who surprised everyone by retiring out of nowhere.
The Bears have brought in some reinforcements defensively with linebacker Devin Bush replacing Tremaine Edmunds, and safeties Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis coming in to help replace all three of the Bears' most significant contributors at that position last season (Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, CJ Gardner-Johnson). There's plenty of work to be done for Bears GM Ryan Poles, but he's got the darts in the draft to make it happen. With five picks in the first four rounds, he's got to absolutely nail this draft and could absolutely load up his defense for a title run.
Chicago Bears' mock draft goes heavy on defense to make a Super Bowl run
Round 1 | 25th overall: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
If there is one prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft who feels like the ideal "buy low" player in this class, it has to be Clemson's T.J. Parker. Parker was almost unanimously considered a top-10 player going into the 2025 season, but some disappointing production caused his stock to plummet.
That could be to the Bears' advantage. He's got the size, length, and explosiveness that you look for off the edge in the NFL. He is not even 22 years old yet and is just scratching the surface of what he can be. It's obviously a risk no matter what you do in the NFL Draft, but this is a calculated risk on talent for the Bears, banking on Parker returning to (and improving upon) his 2024 form.
Get this guy impacting the quarterback off the edge and the Bears' defense will be in business.
Round 2 | 57th overall: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
Let's replace CJ Gardner-Johnson's skill set with a long-term option in Miami defensive back Keionte Scott. Although he'll be listed as a cornerback, you have to really watch Scott play to appreciate all he brings to a defense. He'll be 24 going on 25 as an NFL rookie, which is not ideal, but he's going to be able to hit the ground running as a slot player, special teams ace, and chess piece in the defensive backfield.
He has a great combination of track speed (4.33 in the 40-yard dash) and play speed, which is a huge distinction when it comes to a football prospect. You want the guys who can react and play fast, as opposed to the guys who just run well. Scott fits the former description. He's an absolute stud with toughness, ball skills, and a physical style of play that NFL coaches will covet.
He's not going to come in and take over Kyler Gordon's role, by any stretch. But this is the type of player you take and then just figure out the best spot for everyone on the field.
Round 2 | 60th overall: Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
If the Bears can come away from this draft with one of Caleb Banks, Lee Hunter, Christen Miller, or Domonique Orange, it's probably going to be considered a huge win for the defensive front. You could even throw Peter Woods into that mix.
Just one of the top defensive tackles, essentially.
Lee Hunter is going to play over the center or guard most of the time, and he's going to carve out a long NFL career for himself with his ability to defend the run and take up space. The question is whether or not he has upside in the pass rush department, which is the only reason he's falling to this point in round two.
Round 3 | 89th overall: Logan Jones, C, Iowa
The Bears were able to snag veteran and former first-round pick Garrett Bradbury to start at center this season, but with just $3.8 million in guaranteed money, that is essentially an audition with an option for next season.
It would be smart for Chicago to take advantage of the depth at center in this year's draft, especially in the later stages of Day 2. Logan Jones out of Iowa is one of the most athletic options in the class, and you know that the guys who play for Kirk Ferentz are going to come into the NFL very well-coached on the offensive line.
Round 4 | 129th overall: Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
The Bears started off this mock draft by taking Parker, but I don't think they're going to be done with just one option off the edge.
Wesley Williams is another big-bodied edge player at 289 pounds who had nearly 90 pressures over the past two seasons combined at Duke. Dennis Allen was able to be in New Orleans for a long time where he coached Cam Jordan, and there are shades of Cam Jordan in the way Williams looks and plays off the edge.
Round 7 | 239th overall: Cole Wisniewski, SAF, Texas Tech
Round 7 | 241st overall: Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan
The seventh round of the NFL Draft is all about upside and immediate impact on special teams. The Bears could take some chances on doubling up at the safety position with Cole Wisniewski, a former North Dakota State star who played one year at Texas Tech and will immediately upgrade on special teams.
Read more: Bears' Dexter Lawrence trade dream is becoming more of a reality by the day
Max Bredeson is an old-school thumper style of fullback who could give Ben Johnson some fun ideas offensively for his running game, but he can play on kick and punt coverage units and help with the new lead blocker role on kickoff returns.
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