This is an important 2026 NFL Draft for the Chicago Bears, as they have to do whatever it takes to get this franchise on the right track toward a Super Bowl, not just a playoff team.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has already hinted they will be active. They first have to create cap space, which includes potential trades involving Tremaine Edmunds, Tyson Bagent, DJ Moore, and Gervon Dexter.
Once they have the cap space to make moves, they could be spending a lot on free agents or trade assets before they get to the draft. What happens when the draft hits could be very telling of the future of the franchise. Here's a look at NFL Spin Zone writer Lou Scataglia 's four-round mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 25: Bears trade 25th overall pick and 2027 first-round pick to Raiders for Maxx Crosby
The Bears have been linked to Crosby for most of the offseason and could make a play to get him, despite the Raiders being reluctant to move him. After having just 35 sacks last year, Crosby is more than worth the two first-round picks for him as he has been a five-time Pro Bowler and has racked up 69.5 sacks in seven seasons.
Round 2, Pick 57: LT Overton, EDGE Alabama
"LT Overton is one of the many draftable pass rushers here in the 2026 NFL Draft," Scataglia said. "After making a major trade earlier in this draft for Crosby, the Bears further reinforce the defensive line here. Last offseason, we saw Chicago do a similar thing with the interior of the offensive line. Head coach Ben Johnson is clearly close to being in charge and is going to want this defensive line to be a lot more aggressive in 2026 and beyond. If they can sure that up, the Bears could emerge as a juggernaut."
Overton has racked up six sacks in the last two years with the Crimson Tide. He would make for a good developmental player for Bears defenisve coordinator Dennis Allen as Chicago needs more depth at the position.
Round 3, Pick 89: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
Crownover has been starting at right tackle for the Aggies over the last two years and brings a wealth of experience to the team. The Bears have concerns with the left tackle position, and while Crownover isn't the main solution to the problem, they get the depth they need on the offensive line.
Round 4, Pick 129: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Taafee has been a consistent player for the Longhorns over the years, racking up 70 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and one pass deflection in 2025. The Bears may not have Kevin Byard or Jaquan Bisker, so Taaffe might be a sneaky pick to win one of the starting jobs next year.
Read more: Jeremy Fowler delivers the scoop on trade market for Bears' Tremaine Edmunds