Chicago Bears Address Major Defensive Needs in Dane Brugler’s Latest Mock Draft

The Chicago Bears are entering a critical stretch of the offseason, and early projections for the 2026 NFL Draft suggest a clear direction is emerging.

Across multiple mock drafts published in recent weeks, analysts continue to connect Chicago with defensive upgrades early in the draft. That trend continued in the latest two-round mock draft from The Athletic, where draft analyst Dane Brugler addressed two defensive positions that could become priorities for the Bears.

The projections highlight how Chicago’s roster needs may shift toward the defense after recent investments in the offense.

Bears Address Defensive Line in Round 1 of Latest 2026 Mock Draft

With the No. 25 overall pick, Brugler projected Chicago selecting Peter Woods, one of the most physically gifted interior defenders in the 2026 draft class.

“Woods is a frustrating study, because the talent is evident but doesn’t equate to consistent disruption,” Brugler wrote. “Still, his ‘good’ tape is enough for teams hunting interior help to consider him in the late first round.”

At 6-foot-3 and nearly 300 pounds, Woods offers the type of explosive interior presence the Bears have been searching for along the defensive front.

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Chicago’s defense struggled at times against the run and lacked a consistent interior pass rush during the 2025 season. Adding a disruptive defensive tackle would directly address both concerns.

A pairing of Woods with Gervon Dexter could give Chicago an intriguing young foundation along the defensive line.

Safety Emerges as Major Chicago Bears Draft Need in Round 2 Projection

In the second round at No. 57 overall, Brugler projected the Bears selecting LSU safety A. J. Haulcy.

“With Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker both hitting free agency, safety could be a key need for Chicago in the draft,” Brugler wrote. “Luckily for the Bears, this is a deep safety class. Haulcy, who is similar to Byard in several ways, would be good value here.”

If both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker depart in free agency, Chicago could face a significant turnover at the position.

Haulcy is widely viewed as a rangy free safety who can patrol the deep middle while still providing support against the run, a skill set that fits Dennis Allen's scheme.

How NFL Free Agency Could Change the Bears’ Draft Strategy

While mock drafts provide a useful snapshot of roster needs, Chicago’s strategy will ultimately be shaped by what happens in 2026 NFL free agency.

Several positions remain fluid for the Bears:

• Center: The retirement of Drew Dalman created an unexpected vacancy along the offensive line.
• Safety: Multiple starters could reach the open market.
• Left tackle: Depth and long-term stability remain questions.

Those decisions will determine whether the Bears prioritize defense in the early rounds or shift attention back to the offensive line.

Why Defense Could Dominate the Bears’ 2026 Draft Board

General manager Ryan Poles has spent the last two offseasons prioritizing upgrades on offense. Entering 2026, the expectation around the league is that Chicago could flip that approach and focus on strengthening the defense.

If that shift happens, the 2026 NFL Draft becomes a logical place to begin building that side of the roster. Early mock drafts, including Dane Brugler’s latest projection, suggest that defensive reinforcements could be the Bears’ primary focus.

With free agency approaching, Chicago’s needs may still evolve. But if the Bears enter the draft with holes along the defensive line and at safety, selections like Peter Woods and A.J. Haulcy could make plenty of sense.