New 2026 NFL Mock Draft Has Chicago Bears Trading Out of First Round
A new 2026 NFL mock draft explores a scenario where the Chicago Bears trade out of the first round and add multiple picks to reshape their roster.
The Chicago Bears are in an interesting position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Holding the No. 25 overall pick gives general manager Ryan Poles access to first-round talent. But it also puts the Bears in the sweet spot for a potential trade-down, a strategy Poles has used before when the board presents the right opportunity.
A recent seven-round mock draft from Sports Illustrated explores exactly that possibility, projecting Chicago to move out of the first round entirely in order to collect additional draft capital.
And for a roster that still has several areas to address, the concept isn’t as far-fetched as it might initially sound.
Why Trading Down Could Make Sense for the Bears
The Bears’ offseason has already reshaped several parts of the roster. Chicago added players like linebacker Devin Bush, safety Coby Bryant, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore in free agency. But the team still has multiple long-term questions.
The pass rush needs help opposite Montez Sweat. The offensive line still has uncertainty at left tackle. And depth along the defensive front remains a priority.
Instead of targeting one player at No. 25, trading down would allow Chicago to add multiple prospects who can contribute right away.
That’s the logic behind the SI's mock draft.
Building Talent Across Chicago's Defense
After moving out of the first round (Chicago trades the 25th and a fourth-rounder to Vegas for the 36th and a third-rounder), this mock draft has the Bears attacking several key areas of need across the roster, starting with Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter at No. 36 overall.
"Luckily for the Bears, the 2026 NFL draft is considered to be a deep one at their biggest positions of need, and that includes defensive tackle," Bears on SI's Pete Martuneac wrote. "Lee Hunter helped anchor one of the best defensive lines in the nation in 2025, and at No. 36 overall is a great value pick for Chicago. Don't let a shockingly poor NFL Combine performance make you forget Hunter's dominance at the Senior Bowl, where he proved to be nearly unstoppable while going up against some of the best NFL draft prospects."
As for the Bears' next second-rounder at No. 57 overall? Martuneac sends Chicago a local prospect Gabe Jacas, a productive defensive end from Illinois.
"He consistently plays through the whistle with a violent demeanor, but his status as an Illinois team captain proves that he's also a thoughtful leader and a smart defender," Martuneac wrote. "I could see Jacas immediately challenging Austin Booker for the DE2 spot in training camp."
The Chicago Bears' second-round mock draft haul concludes with Missouri linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
Three potential starters on defense? That's quite the day at the mock draft office for Ryan Poles.
A Strategy That Fits Ryan Poles’ NFL Draft Philosophy
Trading down has been a recurring theme during Poles’ tenure as Chicago’s general manager.
Rather than forcing a pick simply because of draft position, Poles has shown a willingness to move around the board if it allows the team to maximize value.
That mindset could become particularly relevant this year.
If the top edge rushers and offensive tackles are already off the board when Chicago is on the clock at No. 25, the Bears may decide the better move is collecting more assets instead of reaching for a player.
The Bears Still Have Plenty of 2026 NFL Draft Options
Of course, mock drafts are simply projections. Chicago could just as easily stay put and select the best player available.
But scenarios like this highlight the flexibility the Bears have entering the draft.
With quarterback Caleb Williams firmly established as the franchise centerpiece and a defense undergoing a transformation, Chicago’s front office has several paths it could take when the draft weekend arrives.
Trading out of the first round like this Chicago Bears mock draft projected would be a bold move. But if it leads to a deeper, more balanced roster, it’s a strategy that could ultimately pay off for the Bears in the long run.
