Bears 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Chicago goes with a surprise position in the first-round with a new take on the best player available plan
The Chicago Bears continue to be a hard team to predict with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and the team’s BPA approach means we can’t rule out any position as an option.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off next Thursday and the Chicago Bears continue to be a fascinating study with what the team should do with the 25th overall pick in the first-round.
The Bears are committed to the best player available approach that leans on selecting the highest-graded player. Since none of us are in the draft meetings in Chicago, it makes things incredibly harder to predict what the team could do.
Experts continue to lean toward the idea that the Bears will address a major need (DE, LT, S) with their first-round selection. But, what if the Bears avoid all of those positions entirely on Day 1 of the draft. Well, this seven-round mock draft explores that scenario using the new A to Z Sports Mock Draft Simulator.
Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: Going with the true BPA approach on Day 1
Round 1, pick 25: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Over the past few days, I’ve seen more Bears fans warming up to the idea of drafting an outside cornerback in the first-round. It is a sneaky need for the team. Jaylon Johnson has Pro Bowl potential every year but is coming off a disappointing season heavily impacted by injuries. Opposite him, the Bears let Nahshon Wright walk in free agency with Tyrique Stevenson and Zah Frazier as the next players in line to step up.
The Bears could, in theory, look to add a top outside corner in the first-round to ease all doubts about the position. I’ve seen Avieon Terrell and Colton Hood mentioned as options. My pick would be Chris Johnson, who should easily be considered a first-round prospect. His ball skills, character, run support, and special teams willingness are all traits that set him apart in my mind.
Round 2, pick 57: Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State
The run on DEs was a significant one between picks 25-57 which is something the Bears will have to consider, even if general manager Ryan Poles believes it’s a deep class at the position. In fear of missing out on more options, I pulled the trigger here on Dani Dennis-Sutton, who was the top EDGE on the board.
Dennis-Sutton has a long and powerful frame to fit the traits Dennis Allen looks for off the edge. His 1.63 10-yard-split also matches the numbers former DA edge rusher prospects recorded. Dane Brugler of The Athletic said Dennis-Sutton is viewed more as a high-floor player than a high-ceiling, which makes him a safe prospect.
TRADE – Round 3, pick 67: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
I’m still in the mindset that the Bears move back from one of the two second-round picks. In this mock, I traded the 60th overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for the 67th overall pick and the 134th overall pick in the fourth-round. Even after moving back, I still land a perfect fit in Gracen Halton.
Halton would thrive early in his career in a rotational role where a defense can weaponize his speed. He would be perfect in Chicago rotating behind Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett for a year before growing into a more consistent role in 2027.
Round 3, pick 89: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Ben Johnson finally gets on the board in the third-round to draft the only wide receiver that’s had a confirmed 30 visit with the team in De’Zhaun Stribling. Stribling is quickly rising up draft board according to the latest draft intel, so landing him at pick 89 is great value for the Bears and likely the floor for selecting him.
Stribling has the pro-mindset, speed, and willingness to block that head coach Ben Johnson would love to add to his offense.
Round 4, pick 129: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
The fourth-round continues to be the sweet spot for a defensive back. After already landing a corner in the first-round, now is the time to land another starting safety to pair with Coby Bryant.
Jalon Kilgore is a solid fit to start off Day 3. Brugler considers him a high risk, high reward bet with outstanding athletic traits. He has the ability to play that big-nickel role with long arms and an aggressive mentality in the run game.
Round 4, pick 134 (via LV): Markel Bell, OT, Miami
This round usually has been a solid spot to pick up a future starter at center, but I missed out on Parker Brailsford and Logan Jones. Instead, I’m going with an offensive tackle prospect that really intrigues me in this range.
Markell Bell is criminally underrated after allowing zero sacks in 2025 with a 6-9, 346-pound frame and an insane wingspan. Bell even has impressive mobility for his size and gives Chicago a young offensive tackle to work with, without using a first-round pick.
Round 7, pick 239: Jager Burton, C, Kentucky
The Bears have done their homework on the centers more than any other position in the pre-draft process, including some late Day 3 names. Jager Burton is one the team brought in for a 30 visit who has experience at both guard positions and obviously at center. He’s not a mauler in the run game, but he is a quick athlete that can get out in front of the running back in a zone-based offense.
Round 7, pick 241: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
The Bears have a few different directions to take with their final pick and really it’s going to be a depth spot. Defensive end, safety, and running back are three positions to consider. I’m also not ruling out the Bears drafting another tight end to replace Durham Smythe. Will Kacmarek is one of the top blocking tight ends in the class who looks to punish opposing defenders. Johnson would love a guy like that.