Off the radar Big Ten prospect should be near the top of Bears' draft board

While most of the attention in the 2026 NFL Draft is going to be on defense for the Chicago Bears, that doesn't mean other offensive positions won't get any attention.

After the shocking retirement of center Drew Dalman, the Bears traded for Garrett Bradbury, who appears to be the new starter for the 2026 season. Many are wondering what will happen after this upcoming season, though, and whether Chicago could select another center in the NFL Draft.

The Bears have been linked to some key names, including Iowa's Logan Jones and Kansas State's Sam Hecht. There's one other prospect who hasn't been attached to Chicago throughout the draft process and who probably should be considered more highly.

What about Indiana center Pat Coogan for the Bears in 2026 NFL Draft?

Last season was a memorable one for Coogan with the Hoosiers, as he was selected to the All-Big Ten second team and won the Offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl. He played a key role in helping Indiana win the school's first-ever national championship after they defeated the Miami Hurricanes.

Coogan ended the season with allowing just 10 pressures, zero quarterback hits, and zero sacks in 483 pass blocking snaps. Pro Football Focus graded him out as the 14th-best center in the nation out of 307 with a 76.8.

Going into the draft, Coogan is expected to be a Day 3 pick and could go anywhere between the fourth and seventh rounds. This would honestly be a great pick for the Bears and should be near the top of the draft board.

Of course, there are other needs they have to address with edge rusher, safety, and linebacker, but finding the future starter at center will be big in this draft. This class is deep with good depth centers to pick and develop for a year or two before starting.

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Bears fans shouldn't sleep on the idea that Coogan would be a great pick for them and is probably better than his Day 3 projection. This might end up being the steal of the draft if Chicago gets him.