The 2026 NFL Draft is two days away from kicking off with the first-round and the Chicago Bears remain one of the most unpredictable teams, not only with the 25th overall pick, but throughout the entire weekend.

Based on what we learned from general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears process will be based on simply finding good football players to add to the roster with a slight emphasis on needs.

That means basically any position is on the table for Chicago throughout the draft, although obvious needs like S, DL, and C will surely be addressed at some point. So, let’s take up the challenge of predicting what the Bears do in the draft and let’s get bold.

1. Bears select a defensive back with the 25th overall pick in the first-round

The closer we get to the draft, the louder the buzz gets surrounding the offensive tackle position, which will likely have two separate runs in the first 20-25 picks. That doesn’t bode well for Chicago’s chances of landing a top offensive tackle. For context, in our A to Z Sports mock draft video, five OTs came off the board before the 25th overall pick along with some top DEs potentially on Chicago’s radar.

If that comes to fruition on Thursday, I fully see Chicago selecting a defensive back with the 25th overall pick. That could be a new starting safety in Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or Treydan Stukes or a new starting outside cornerback in Colton Hood or Chris Johnson.

I think there’s solid value at both positions compared to getting the 6/7th ranked offensive tackle or picking through the leftover edge rushers. For those wanting a DT, I have my concerns about all three top options (Kayden McDonald, Peter Woods, and Caleb Banks) and I believe pick 25 is too rich for Christen Miller.

Here is every INT and FF by #Toledo FS Emmanuel McNeil-Warren during his college career: pic.twitter.com/B9JPhlTDvH

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 31, 2026

2. Bears come out of Day 2 without a single edge rusher addition

I’m going to take it a step further with the edge rusher conversation. I could see the Bears passing on the position with not only the 25th overall pick, but also with all three current Day 2 selections. And that’s not because I see the Bears missing out on every possible option within the first two days of the draft.

Poles has talked highly about wanting to give Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner a second chance to prove themselves after suffering season-ending injuries in 2025. The Bears are also excited to see what Austin Booker can do in a full 17-game season.

When it comes to specifically edge rushers, I can see the Bears waiting out the position until Day 3 and capitalizing on the depth in this class. However, I do believe the Bears will add an interior defensive lineman on Day 2 (Gracen Halton).

3. Ben Johnson adds not one, but two, new weapons to his offense (not including OL)

Everyone expects the Bears to go defense heavy in this draft and I agree with that logic. I also can’t see Ben Johnson standing by all weekend and not attempting to make some additions to his offense. Which is why I predict Johnson will add not one, but two, new weapons to the offense not including offensive lineman (i.e. long-term center).

I’d lean more toward the Bears adding a wide receiver on Day 2 (Germie Bernard or De’Zhaun Stribling) and a tight end on Day 3 (Will Kacmarek or Nate Boerkircher). However, I wouldn’t rule out Chicago adding another running back to take over the RB3 job behind D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai or even a Day 2 option that could eventually replace Swift in 2027.