The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears are finalizing their draft preparations before welcoming a new group of rookies to the roster.
The Bears are primed to add some playmakers to their roster with four picks in the Top 89, including the 25th overall pick and a pair of second rounders. There are some important position needs to address in this draft, and general manager Ryan Poles has the resources to get it done.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his seven-round mock draft with just about a week until the NFL draft. For the Bears, they shored up their biggest needs with their first four selections, addressing the trenches in a big way. We’re breaking down The Athletic’s latest mock:
Round 1, Pick 25: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
After not addressing the edge rusher position during free agency, the NFL draft presents the perfect opportunity to land a young, impact player. While it’s a deep group that GM Ryan Poles has discussed this offseason, if the right guy is available at No. 25, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see Chicago forgo other positions. T.J. Parker would be a nice addition to a room that features former Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker.
Brugler’s takeaway: “Parker is still learning how to unlock counter maneuvers, but he offers a reliable foundation built on leveraged power and a consistent motor that helps him make plays as a rusher and run defender. He projects as a solid NFL starter, similar to Jabaal Sheard.”
Round 2, Pick 57: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
The Bears spent the offseason shoring up depth along the defensive interior with the additions of Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street and James Lynch, but they’re still in need of an impact player who could develop into a starter. Domonique Orange would be a solid replacement for Andrew Billings, who departed this offseason, and help shore up a Chicago run defense that allowed more than 134 yards per game in 2025.
Brugler’s takeaway: “Orange is an ineffective pass rusher but has the frame and play strength to be an immovable, stout nose when he wants to be. He projects best as a one-technique or shade in a 4-3 scheme.”
Round 2, Pick 60: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
The Bears lost both starting safeties from last season with All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leaving in free agency. Chicago did land an impact safety in Super Bowl winner Coby Bryant, who should help fill that ballhawking role left by Byard , but they’re still in need of a starter opposite him. Some have Jalon Kilgore projected more as a nickel cornerback, but he’s also a solid option to fill that safety void for the Bears.
Brugler’s takeaway: “Kilgore is a tough eval when projecting him at a position other than nickel, but his size, athletic talent and ball-hawking skills should give teams confidence to make that bet. There is a high-risk, high-reward scenario waiting for the team that chases his upside.”
Round 3, Pick 89: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
One of the biggest blows of the offseason was the shocking retirement of center Drew Dalman, leaving Chicago in a bind at what was once a position of strength. The Bears didn’t wait long to make a trade with the New England Patriots for Garrett Bradbury, but he’s not considered the long-term answer. Jake Slaughter would be a huge get for Chicago in the third round, where he’d have a year to learn behind Bradbury and establish himself as the long-term option at center.
Brugler’s takeaway: “Slaughter doesn’t have overwhelming traits, but he consistently does his job using controlled movements, stout strength and veteran processing skills. With his makeup, he should compete for starting center snaps as a rookie.”
Round 4, Pick 129: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
Chicago battled injuries at cornerback last season with top corners Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon missing most of the season while Terell Smith missed the entire year. Following Pro Bowler Nahshon Wright’s departure in free agency, it never hurts to shore up the secondary. Ephesians Prysock would be a good fit for the room, alongside last year’s fifth-round rookie Zah Frazier, who makes his return after missing his entire rookie season.
Brugler’s takeaway: “Prysock has rare physical traits that are hard to find at the position, although he is still learning how to maximize those tools in coverage. He will appeal to both press-heavy and zone-based schemes as a developmental dart throw.”
Round 7, Pick 239: Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky
The Bears forgo drafting an offensive tackle in this mock draft, instead doubling down on interior offensive linemen. While Joe Thuney has proven to be an impactful offensive lineman for Chicago in just one year, he won’t be playing forever, so it’s never a bad idea to start thinking about the future. Jager Burton has experience at guard and center, which gives him versatility along the offensive line.
Brugler’s takeaway: “Burton needs to continue developing his sustain skills and the mental aspects of the position, but he is a quick-win blocker with position flexibility across the interior. He offers intriguing value for zone-based schemes on Day 3.”
Round 7, Pick 241: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington
The Bears have made it a concerted effort to shore up the interior defensive line this offseason, and they continue to do it in this mock draft scenario with Anterio Thompson. With Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett set to start, taking a swing on Thompson in the seventh round would give him time to develop behind two veterans.
Brugler’s takeaway: “Thompson needs to develop better consistency, but his upfield quickness, raw strength and special teams impact (three blocked punts in college) are intriguing qualities that can be further developed.”
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Breaking down Chicago Bears picks in Dane Brugler’s 7-round mock draft
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
