Why the Bears could pull off a first-round surprise in the 2026 NFL Draft that completely goes against expectations
The Chicago Bears have been heavily linked to defensive linemen, offensive tackles, and safeties in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but what if the team’s BPA approach leads them to select a different position entirely?
NFL Draft experts have been locked in on the idea of the Chicago Bears drafting a defensive lineman, offensive tackle, or one of the top two safeties with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
All three are positions of need for the Bears, but general manager Ryan Poles made it known the team’s best player available approach could result in the team targeting another position that isn’t considered a major need.
“Philosophically that’s something Ben (Johnson) and I are aligned on, it’s best player available,” Poles explained at the NFL Annual Meeting. “I think where we can get in trouble, we start forcing things because of need. I think that is when we can start having issues. Take the best player available.”
Since making those comments, experts continued linking the Bears to the same three positions. What if Poles slightly revealed his hand and showed the Bears could pull off a first-round surprise by selecting a position no one is expecting.
Making the case for the Chicago Bears to draft a cornerback in the first-round
One position worth focusing on is cornerback. The Bears already have two corners locked up in Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, two players that dealt with lingering injuries during the 2025 season that the staff is eager to see back at full health.
As for the third cornerback position, it’s a bit of an unknown after letting Nahshon Wright walk in free agency. Tyrique Stevenson, right now, is the on-paper favorite to regain the starting position on the outside with 2025 fifth-round pick Zah Frazier as a potential option to watch in training camp.
The Bears could ease all concerns about the position by targeting one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2026 class. Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy are locks to be Top-20 selections but the Bears could find themselves with a top option in the second group of cornerback options.
Two players stand out in Chris Johnson and Colton Hood. Johnson is flying up draft boards lately with multiple draft experts viewing him as the CB3 in the class. Hood perhaps is the best fit for the Bears’ defense and very similar to Jaylon Johnson.
“Wide receivers better prep for a battle when Hood aligns in press coverage. He will challenge and gets hands on them. That physical style shows up in run support, too,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen explained.
Both players have the ability to step in and immediately compete for a starting outside position in Chicago and give the Bears some long-term certainty at the position.
Everything is going to depend on the grades the Bears have on all the potential prospects. I’m just saying, if the staff feels that highly about Johnson or Hood, don’t be shocked when a cornerback gets selected 25th overall.
