Bears 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: NFL’s Ian Cunningham verdict forces Ryan Poles to take matters into his own hands
The Chicago Bears were denied two third-round compensatory draft picks by the NFL, but general manager Ryan Poles has an easy way to recoup those potential selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears got hit with a bucket of cold water late last week when the NFL finally announced the final verdict regarding the Ian Cunningham compensatory draft pick situation.
The league confirmed that the Bears will not be receiving the two third-round compensatory draft picks for developing a minority candidate into a general manager role because Cunningham was not deemed the “primary football executive” in Atlanta.
It was always going to be a losing battle for the Bears. However, there’s another way general manager Ryan Poles can take matters into his own hands to recoup those potential draft picks in 2026 and 2027.
Bears 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Ryan Poles trades down from the 25th overall pick
In this mock draft, I have the Bears trading down with the New York Jets in a similar trade the Houston Texans and New York Giants pulled off in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s the trade details.
- Bears Receive: 33rd overall pick, 103rd overall pick, 2027 third-round pick
- Jets Receive: 25th overall pick (used to select QB Ty Simpson)
It’s not quite two third-round picks like the Texans received, but the Bears still land a high fourth-round pick and a future third by trading back into the top of the second-round. Now, let’s get to the actual mock.
Round 2, pick 33 (via NYJ): Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
Going with the bold decision here by drafting Gabe Jacas over T.J. Parker, Zion Young, and Cashius Howell. Jacas’ recent workout answered the final question that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had about his fit in Chicago when it comes to his speed. He is absolutely Allen’s kind of guy and worth the reach here because he won’t be available when the Bears are up again with the 57th overall pick.
Round 2, pick 57: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Germie Bernard is the perfect WR prospect for head coach Ben Johnson to take over that WR3 role in the future. ESPN’s Ben Solak listed Bernard as the perfect second-round fit for the Bears and I can easily see why. Bernard is a “dirty-work” guy that the position that excels at blocking and is a QB-friendly target. The only elite trait Bernard has is his consistency and that’s a very desirable trait for Johnson’s offense.
Round 2, pick 60: Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona
Another perfect fit for Allen’s defense. Treydan Stukes brings some serious speed and versatility to the table and those are two traits the Bears are clearly looking to add more of to their defense. Stukes paired with Coby Bryant gives Chicago two exciting safeties to move around all over the formation.
Round 3, pick 96: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
The Bears made multiple additions to the linebacker room by re-signing D’Marco Jackson and then bringing in Devin Bush and Jack Sanborn. It still wouldn’t be a shock if the team adds another one to the room in the draft. Kyle Louis has outstanding coverage ability and could an ideal LB3 on passing downs. He’s a bit undersized but worth the gamble after making a bad miss with Ruben Hyppolite II last year.
Round 4, pick 103 (via NYJ): Bud Clark, S, TCU
I barely missed out on landing Zakee Wheatley with this selection but still land another high-upside safety in Bud Clark. Even after adding Stukes, it’s worth using the extra draft pick from the trade down on another safety to re-tool the position. Clark has more over the top range and can be a ball-hawk in coverage.
Round 4, pick 140: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
I will continue to pound the table for Tacario Davis with this selection. He’s the perfect replacement for Nahshon Wright on the outside. Ben Johnson mentioned the Bears had major issues in man coverage last season and Davis is one of the better press-man cornerbacks in the class. Plus he has the height and length qualities that Al Harris is looking for in his defensive backs.
Round 7, pick 239: Jager Burton, C, Kentucky
This time around, I waited out drafting a developmental center to eventually take over for Garrett Bradbury. Based on the confirmed 30-visits, the Bears have met with more centers than any other position. Burton is one of the late-round options the team brought in. He has the ideal size to play in the NFL and best fits in a zone-blocking run offense, while offering some guard flexibility as well.
Round 7, pick 241: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington
Anterio Thompson is another player that I will continue mocking for the Bears. The NFL really underestimated this guy not inviting him to the NFL Combine because he is a very athletic player at the defensive tackle position. Chicago needs a guy like that to develop on the interior of the defensive line to eventually step up in 2027.
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