Mock draft season is rolling strong in the early part of the offseason with a consenus about who the Chicago Bears will be targeting in the NFL Draft.
Many experts believe the focus will be on defense, as they look to improve their pass rush and secondary. The Bears had only 35 sacks this season, fewer than six teams in the NFL in 2025, and they will also have multiple players in the secondary become free agents, including Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Chicago might have to use the draft to find some replacements in the second round and see if they can bring in a formidable sidekick to Montez Sweat. The good news is that there will be plenty of options for the Bears in the NFL Draft to get it done, and they might even exceed expectations.
New mock draft shows Bears' first two rounds of selections
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller broke down the first two rounds of his 2026 NFL mock draft. Starting with the 25th overall pick, Miller likes the Bears to take Missouri edge rusher Zion Young.
"The Bears made a run to the divisional round of the playoffs and won the NFC North in Year 2 of the Caleb Williams era. Now general manager Ryan Poles has to plug holes and continue to develop a defense that needs a pass-rushing threat opposite Montez Sweat at defensive end. The 6-foot-5, 262-pound Young is more of a three-down edge setter than a sudden pass rusher, but he uses a long-arm move to set up tackles and establish the corner in the run game. Young needs to develop a secondary pass-rush move with a better plan, but the traits are there for him to be a solid starter in a 4-3 defense."
Young had a breakout 2025 season that saw him rack up 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles on the season with the Tigers. He made quite an impression on folks at the Senior Bowl, showing off his physicality and quickness off the line.
The Bears need another edge rusher, with Dayo Odeyingbo already a bust of a signing after one season, and Austin Booker looking good but not earning the Bears' confidence that he's the guy. Put Young and Sweat on each edge, and Chicago will be set.
Next up is the 57th overall pick in the NFL Draft, and Miller has the Bears taking LSU safety A.J. Haulcy.
"The Bears need more playmakers on defense, and with Jaquan Brisker set to hit free agency, there's room to add a safety early. Haulcy's eight interceptions over the past two seasons would translate to Chicago's opportunistic defense."
Haulcy finished last year with 89 tackles, four pass deflections, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He never recorded a season in which he made fewer than 74 tackles.
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Chicago will more likely cut a deal with Byard in free agency, but Brisker could be gone, as he wasn't consistent enough to prove his worth. Haulcy could step in and fill Brisker's role and achieve the same level of production.