PFF 3-Round 2026 Mock Draft Bolsters Chicago Bears’ Defense at 3 Key Spots

The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 NFL Draft with clear defensive needs despite a strong 2025 season.

In its latest mock draft, Pro Football Focus sends three defenders to Chicago in the first three rounds. The theme is obvious: fix the middle, add juice off the edge, and strengthen the secondary.

At No. 25 overall, PFF projects the Bears to select Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. The reasoning is straightforward.

No Bears defensive tackle earned a 55.0 or higher PFF run-defense grade in 2025. It's a glaring issue for a playoff team. It's an even bigger issue for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

MORE: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Land 3 Plays in NFL’s Top 10 of 2025

McDonald dominated against the run in his final college season at Ohio State. He led all FBS defensive tackles with a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade. It's the kind of production that can address Chicago’s biggest weakness inside.

Indeed, McDonald will not transform the pass rush. He offers limited upside as a pocket penetrator. However, he plugs gaps, absorbs double teams, and frees linebackers to flow downhill.

That skill set matters in the NFC North. Detroit and Green Bay attack defenses with physical run games, and the Vikings aren't far behind. Chicago must control the interior to win those matchups.

In Round 2 of this Bears mock draft, PFF connects Chicago to Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore at No. 57. Moore brings explosiveness and bend off the edge.

Chicago relied heavily on Montez Sweat for pressure in 2025, and the defense needs a consistent secondary threat opposite him. Moore could develop into that piece.

"Moore is far more active and engaged as a rusher than he is as a run defender," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report. "He has the ability to set firm edges, but his approach against the run can lack urgency. Against the pass, Moore is a bull-rush aficionado, piling up pressures and sacks. He’s strong through the top of the rush but needs to prove he can consistently stress long, well-anchored tackles. When it’s time to finish, he tackles with reliable technique and timing. If Moore cranks up the fire on all three downs, he can become a good full-time player. Either way, he projects as a starter capable of racking up pressures."

At No. 89 overall, PFF sends Arizona safety Genesis Smith to Chicago. Smith adds depth and versatility to the back end.

The Bears value interchangeable defensive backs who can rotate between deep and box responsibilities. Smith fits that mold.

Safety also looms as a real question mark for Chicago this offseason. Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are both unrestricted free agents. The Bears must decide whether they want to invest new contracts in one (or both) over the next few weeks. If either departs in free agency, safety will be a massive early-round need.

If this 2026 Chicago Bears mock draft comes to fruition, it will immediately improve the team's run defense. The team also adds athletic upside at premium positions.

For a roster aiming to return to the NFC Championship conversation, that blueprint makes sense.