Chicago Bears Address Biggest Needs in ESPN’s Full 7-Round Mock Draft

If ESPN has its latest seven-round mock draft mapped out correctly, the Chicago Bears are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear objective. Fix the defensive front, stabilize the secondary, and continue building around Caleb Williams without forcing offense early.

Miller’s full seven-round mock draft offers a blueprint that feels grounded in how general manager Ryan Poles has historically approached roster construction.

Unlike recent Bears draft classes, it's not a flashy draft haul. Instead, it's a functional, roster-building approach.

And it leans heavily into fixing what still holds this team back.

Round 1: Peter Woods Gives Bears a Needed Presence Inside

Miller sends Peter Woods to the Chicago Bears at No. 25, a pick that aligns directly with the Bears’ most obvious roster weakness.

Interior defensive line remains one of the thinnest spots on the depth chart after free agency. Woods isn't a finished product, but the traits are what matter here. His first-step explosiveness and raw power profile him as a potential high-end three-technique, which is the engine of any successful front in today’s NFL.

Miller notes that Woods may ultimately be a better pro than college player. That evaluation tracks with league-wide scouting sentiment, where upside often outweighs inconsistent college tape in this range of the draft.

If Woods is the pick, he'd benefit from learning under the mentorship of Grady Jarrett with the hope that he'd eventually form a game-wrecking tandem alongside Gervon Dexter.

Round 2: Secondary Overhaul Continues

The second round is where Miller aggressively addresses the backend.

At No. 57, the Bears land A.J. Haulcy, a physical safety with proven ball production. Haulcy recorded 10 career interceptions in college, which reflects the kind of playmaking Chicago must replace after losing Kevin Byard in free agency.

The need is real. Chicago entered the offseason with uncertainty at safety before adding Coby Bryant. Even with Bryant in the fold, the Bears still need a long-term answer alongside him.

Just three picks later at No. 60, Miller doubles down with Malik Muhammad. Muhammad brings verified speed at 4.42 in the forty-yard dash and has been a multi-year starter at Texas.

It's a pairing that signals a full commitment to rebuilding depth and competition in the secondary after offseason losses, which in addition to Byard include Jaquan Brisker and Nahshon Wright.

Round 3: Supporting Caleb Williams Still Matters

Even in a defense-heavy start, Miller does not ignore the most important piece of the franchise.

At No. 89, the Bears select UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell, a slot weapon with speed and route discipline. The logic is simple: Continue stacking reliable targets around Williams.

Adding a receiver who can separate quickly and operate underneath fits what the Bears lost after trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Bell’s profile as a slot option complements bigger perimeter targets and gives the offense another outlet in high-volume passing situations.

Bell ended the 2025 season with 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Day 3: Depth and Development

The later rounds reflect Poles’ typical approach. He targets traits, builds depth, and puts his faith in the coaching staff. Here's who Miller sends to Chicago:

• No. 129: Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin
• No. 239: David Gusta, DT, Kentucky
• No. 241: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

The Chicago Bears add bodies to the front seven and create competition across the defense. None of these picks are projected starters on Day 1, but ya never know.

Remember: Kyle Monangai was a seventh-round pick in 2025.

The Bears' Bottom Line

ESPN's mock draft is a lot like most Bears mock drafts this year. It doesn't have flash, but it adds to the foundation of the roster.

The Bears come away with:

• A potential long-term answer at three-technique
• Two defensive backs who can compete immediately
• Another weapon for Caleb Williams
• Depth across the defensive front

That formula mirrors how successful teams build sustainable contenders. It starts inside. It extends to the secondary. And it never loses sight of the quarterback.

If this Chicago Bears mock draft comes to fruition in April, it would be difficult to argue that the Chicago Bears didn't land a fantastic haul.