New mock draft has Bears all gas and no brakes on one side of the ball

The Chicago Bears could go a lot of ways in the 2026 NFL draft, but they do have a few particular needs as well. Dane Brugler of The Athletic went through an exercise of making every selection in the 2026 NFL draft.

Considering he is one of the leading draft experts, his seven-round mock could be the most accurate for players available at selections. Who did he have the Bears taking?

Who does Dane Brugler give the Chicago Bears in his 7-round mock draft?

1 (25) - T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

This is a commonly mocked selection for the Bears. The top three safeties were off the board by this selection, Keldric Faulk was gone, and Brugler did not have an interior defensive lineman get taken until the second round. This is the best value selection based on how the board fell.

2 (57) - Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

This is an excellent fit. They could take Kayden McDonald in the first round, but that may have been a reach. Now, they get Orange, who brings similar run-defending qualities. The Bears take down two of their biggest needs in the first two picks.

2 (60) - Jalen Kilgore, S, South Carolina

This would make it a slam dunk draft. In whatever order, the team has to address safety and both defensive line spots. You can argue that they got great value at every pick and that Kilgore is better than any defensive line prospect available after Orange. The board broke perfectly for them.

3 (89) - Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

Again, the board breaks their way and fills another need. Garrett Bradbury will start, but Slaughter brings competition and some chances to get on the field down the road. There are no centers that deserve a selection before this, so they get one of the best in an area where they should go.

4 (129) - Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

This is a swing on size, speed, and traits in the fourth round. It makes sense because Ryan Poles loves to take a swing on potential cornerbacks in these mid rounds. Prysock would compete with Terrell Smith, another former pick in this range.

7 (239) - Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky

Burton could get work at center as well, showing that the Bears are not messing around with building up their interior. Fans will appreciate committing to the trenches.

7 (241) - Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington

Another commitment to the trenches will be well-received.

Overall, this draft could not have gone much better, and Bears fans should hope the board breaks this way on draft night.

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