Chicago Bears Target Defense in ESPN’s Latest Two-Round 2026 Mock Draft

The Chicago Bears address two of their biggest roster needs in the latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid.

In Reid’s newest two-round projection, the Bears land Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the No. 25 overall pick and Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley at No. 57 overall.

Both selections align with key offseason questions facing the Bears as they reshape their defensive front and secondary.

Round 1: Peter Woods Addresses the Bears’ Interior Defensive Line Need

Reid believes Chicago should prioritize adding disruption along the defensive interior.

“The Bears badly need a disruptive defensive tackle, so let's give them my top-ranked player at the position," Reid wrote. "Despite not having the 2025 season that many envisioned (30 tackles and two sacks), Woods still showed plenty of Round 1 flashes. He's a bouncy athlete at 6-3, 298 pounds who fits best as a 3-technique. His ability to create quick wins from the inside as an explosive penetrator is something that is sorely lacking in Chicago.”

MORE: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Free Agency Round 1 Predictions for All 32 Picks

At 6-foot-3 and nearly 300 pounds, Woods offers the athletic profile teams covet in a modern three-technique defensive tackle.

Chicago’s defensive front has lacked consistent interior pass-rush production, and Woods’ explosiveness could immediately upgrade that area. His first-step quickness and ability to penetrate gaps make him a natural fit for the role the Bears have been searching to fill.

With Gervon Dexter coming off a career-best six-sack season in 2025, Woods would give the Bears a formidable defensive tackle tandem.

Even after a statistically modest 2025 season at Clemson, Woods’ traits continue to keep him firmly in the mid-to-late first-round conversation.

Round 2: Zakee Wheatley Helps Address Bears' Expected Safety Turnover

The Chicago Bears' secondary could undergo significant changes in free agency.

Both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. They formed a fierce starting duo for Dennis Allen's defense in 2025. To make matters worse, the Bears have zero safeties under contract.

As a result, Reid projects Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley to Chicago with the No. 57 pick.

“Safety is arguably the Bears' top need, as their top four safeties from last season are not under contract," wrote Reid. "Wheatley is an underrated free safety who can play atop the defense but isn't afraid of coming downhill in run support.”

That combination of traits could give the Bears flexibility as they rebuild the safety position in 2026 and beyond.

Wheatley finished the 2025 season with 74 tackles and one interception. He had a career-best campaign in 2024, totaling 96 tackles and three interceptions.

Why These Mock Draft Picks Make Sense for the Chicago Bears

Reid’s projection reflects the two defensive areas that many analysts expect the Bears to prioritize this offseason:

• Interior defensive line disruption
• Starting safety

Adding Woods and Wheatley would give Chicago two young defenders capable of stepping into major roles as the roster continues to evolve around quarterback Caleb Williams.

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching and free agency decisions still ahead, the Bears’ defensive needs remain one of the biggest storylines to watch.