The overwhelming consensus is that the Chicago Bears are going to go defense in the first round since they have so many issues.
They lost five starters on that side of the ball and finished in the bottom five in total defense, so it makes sense that the thought process is that the Bears will be heavy on defense. ESPNÂ Bears reporter Courtney Cronin is putting the brakes on that talk, as there is a chance the offense could be the selection in round one, as they have done in every draft since 2018.
"It's been even longer since Chicago drafted a pass rusher in Round 1 (Leonard Floyd, 2016) or a pure defensive end (Shea McClellin, 2012). Both are major needs for Dennis Allen's defense after the Bears focused on defensive tackle during free agency. Depending on how many edge rushers are off the board by the time Chicago picks at No. 25, selecting a D-end is logical, but don't rule out an offensive lineman in the first round. Ben Johnson also spoke candidly about the "uncertainty" at left tackle amid Ozzy Trapilo's ruptured patellar tendon, and the Bears were recently at Alabama's pro day getting an up-close look at Kadyn Proctor, one of the top offensive tackles in the draft."
Bears might not necessarily go defense in the first round
There has been a growing number of mock drafts that have moved offensive tackle into the first round. It seems like an odd selection, especially since Johnson just came out and praised Braxton Jones not too long ago, leaving Bears fans to believe he will start at left tackle at the start of the 2026 season.
Defense almost feels like it has to be the focus, as the Bears don't have a second starting safety, are without another stellar edge rusher with Montez Sweat gone, and must find a successor for Grady Jarrett. There are way too many holes to go with an offensive lineman in the first round.
Taking an offensive tackle on Day 2 when they have three picks between the second and third round makes more sense. The level of talent at offensive tackle by the 25th overall pick could be borderline second-round grades on linemen.
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One thing about Bears general manager Ryan Poles, though, is that he will pick the best player available. That means anything can happen.