Chicago Bears Load Up on Defense in ESPN Day 2 Mock Draft

ESPN’s Day 2 mock draft has the Chicago Bears loading up on defense, signaling a clear strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bryan Perez·April 24, 2026

The Chicago Bears may have addressed a major need with Dillon Thieneman in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but if ESPN’s latest Day 2 mock draft is any indication, Ryan Poles is just getting started rebuilding the defense.

In Round 2, ESPN has the Bears pivoting to the pass rush and a center of the future, while circling back in Round 3 to the defensive line.

Bears Double Down on Defense with Gabe Jacas at No. 57

ESPN has the Bears opening Day 2 by selecting Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas at No. 57 overall.

"The Bears went defense in Round 1, and they can stay there in Round 2 with Jacas," Matt Miller wrote. "At 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds, he plays with big-time power and racked up 26.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons."

After passing on an edge rusher in Round 1, this selection makes a ton of sense. The Bears get a high-upside pass rusher who can rotate early with Austin Booker and potentially develop into a full-time starter opposite Montez Sweat.

Chicago Lands Top Center Prospect Sam Hecht at No. 60

With their second pick in Round 2, the Bears pivot to the offensive line, selecting Kansas State center Sam Hecht at No. 60 overall.

This might be the most intriguing pick of the group.

"Waiting until Round 3 to grab a center might be possible given the depth of this class, but the Bears jump on Hecht here," Miller wrote. "He's my top center and is an elite run blocker."

This pick immediately aligns with the Bears' needs, too. Garrett Bradbury will serve as a bridge at center for 2026, but he's playing on an expiring contract. There's no long-term solution at the position following Drew Dalman's retirement, making Hect the kind of player who can evolve into a fixture on the offensive line.

It might be a bit early to draft a center, but in this year's class of prospects, the theme must be to just get your guy.

Bears Continue Defensive Build with Domonique Orange at No. 89

Chicago closes out ESPN’s Day 2 projection by returning to the defensive line with Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange at No. 89 overall.

This pick reinforces a clear theme: build the defense.

Orange would bring size and interior presence to a defensive line that still needs depth and physicality. He isn’t as polished as some of the defensive linemen already off the board. But his upside and strength profile still make him a logical Day 2 target.