The Chicago Bears are picking 25th in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, a spot, should they stay there, that will be their latest in the round since 2012.
The Bears have seven 2026 draft picks, including a pair in the second round and five overall in the first 129 picks of the draft.
So what are the Chicago Bears draft needs? A foundational offensive tackle? A defensive edge who can create pressure on the quarterback? A ball-hawking safety?
NFL mock drafts are aplenty right now. Here are some opinions from around NFL circles on what the Bears might do with that first-round pick.
Bears mock draft: CBS Sports
This crew is predicting Clemson edge T.J. Parker will be the Bears’ first-round pick. They believe the Bears are still searching for QB pressure, even though they took an edge rusher in the second round last year.
In this scenario, Chicago will go for a wide receiver in the second round, primarily Alabama’s Germie Bernard.
NFL mock draft: The Athletic
NFL beat writers Kevin Fishbain and Dan Wiederer and Dane Brugler of The Beast put together a Bears mock.
Fishbain believes they will grab offensive left tackle Caleb Lomu (Utah) who is 21 and did not allow a sack in his final season.
Wiederer is lauding Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a big, physical productive playmaker who is a good fit for an aggressive style Bears defense.
Bears mock draft: Pro Football Talk
Mike Florio says he hates mock drafts. He then does a mock draft that has the Bears taking Keldric Faulk, edge rusher, Auburn.
NFL mock draft: ESPN
Jordan Reid makes all 257 picks in his mock. He has the Bears taking Clemson edge T.J. Parker. He believes the Bears need pass-rush help, and that Parker could be a nice partner for Montez Sweat.
Bears mock draft: USA Today Sports
The Bears are taking OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), according to USA TODAY. His pro day at Alabama was impressive, and demonstrated his elite fitness level and athleticism.
Artificial Intelligence NFL mock draft
Grok was asked to predict the first round of the NFL Draft.
It tabbed the Chicago Bears taking Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri. It reported he had 6.5 sacks, 18 TFLs and brings power and quickness.
He adds depth and competition to the Bears’ pass rush, Grok said.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: NFL mock draft: What will happen with Bears 2026 draft picks?
Reporting by Dave Eminian, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
