The Chicago Bears are a fascinating team entering the 2026 NFL Draft, with many questions about what general manager Ryan Poles will do.
Many experts think the Bears will go heavy on defense in the draft. They have to address some big needs, including edge rusher, defensive tackle, safety, offensive line, and wide receiver.
There have been multiple draft prospects attached to the Bears in some capacity, but the question is whether the buzz is real. Using the smoke meter below, we take a look at three draft prospects and see whether they have a chance to land with the Bears.
Smoke Meter (1-10)
- 1 – Spark
- 2 – Flicker
- 3 – Small flame
- 4 – Steady burn
- 5 – Heating up
- 6 – Gaining heat
- 7 – Hot
- 8 – Very hot
- 9 – Blazing
- 10 – Full blaze
Kayden McDonald, DT (Ohio State) - 8
Even with all the signings the Bears have made at defensive tackle, there is still a massive gap to find the eventual successor to Grady Jarrett and a partner with Gervon Dexter for the next four to five years. Many believe Chicago is most likely going to go for a defensive tackle or edge rusher in the first round.
McDonald's name has been brought up as an option in the first round for the Bears, as he has already visited with the team. Chicago would be wise to take him if possible, and there seems to be a legit shot he's in a Bears uniform in 2026.
Peter Woods, DT (Clemson) - 7
The same can absolutely be applied to Woods, as he has been a popular name in mock drafts to land with the Bears. He will go somewhere between pick 15 and 32, but it's a matter of who values him over McDonald in the first round.
If the Bears had their choice, McDonald would most likely be the first option, and Woods would be the backup option. Absolutely count Woods as a Bear in the conversation if McDonald is gone and he drops to 25.
Read more: Bears' new seven-round mock draft has team making risky selection at pick 25
Zion Young, EDGE (Missouri) - 4
Young has been a popular name on mock drafts to be selected by the Bears after they missed out on their shot at acquiring Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Chicago must address a position that struggled, as the Bears totaled just 35 sacks last year.
There appears to be more buzz around defensive tackle being the pick and play here for the Bears. While Young instantly helps the edge rusher room, it doesn't seem as likely that they will actually address the position in the first round.
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