A new mock draft from Sports Illustrated has the Chicago Bears doing something bold with their first-round pick.
While it may sound extreme on the surface, it is far from unprecedented under Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Since Poles took the job back in 2022, he's been known to work some magic via the draft, infamously trading away the Bears' first-round pick in 2024, which led to the Bears drafting star quarterback Caleb Williams.
At present, the Bears are holding onto seven separate picks in this year's draft. Unfortunately, the Bears got the short end of the stick when it comes to compensatory picks this season, and that leaves a sizable gap of picks between the fourth and seventh rounds. This means there are two full rounds of the draft during which the Bears will remain stagnant. It's a situation that can drown a team at the draft.
A first-round trade is not just possible, it fits Poles’ track record
The core idea of this mock is that the Bears trade their 25th overall pick and a fourth rounder to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a second, third, and a fourth round selection. This is exactly the type of move that Poles is known for, and with the Bears already struggling to reestablish a defensive presence, additional draft picks are nearly invaluable.
Sports Illustrated publishes several mock drafts leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. That volume of mocks makes it easy to dismiss each individual scenario, but some carry more weight than others based on how teams have historically operated. Poles is known to make a splash at the draft, and his record has so far been excellent.
Poles emphasizes a preference for flexibility and volume, as he's shown in previous seasons. With the defense lacking due to multiple free agent departures, it's highly likely the Bears will draft to fill several gaps. The Bears have been on the lookout for a pass rusher for nigh on a century, and rumors of drafting one in the wake of the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes are abound.
Read more: Bears really should rethink potential trade idea with Cole Kmet involved
A single first-round pick can certainly fill a hole in any position, but several picks would assist the roster on several fronts. This mock draft isn't purveying a wild idea; it's entertaining a decent likelihood. If there's one consistent theme throughout Ryan Poles' tenure in Chicago, it is his willingness to prioritize roster depth over draft day headlines.
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