2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears go several different ways at No. 25

The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an important offseason where they're looking to shore up the roster after an impressive 11-6 season where they won the NFC North and won their first playoff game in 15 years. But there's plenty of work to be done heading into head coach Ben Johnson's second season.

Free agency will present a good opportunity to add talent to the roster, but the 2026 NFL Draft is where general manager Ryan Poles will need to be at his best. After his best draft class to date last season, which produced Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III and Kyle Monangai, Poles will look to add some defensive playmakers to the roster and shore out other needs across the roster.

We've rounded up the latest 2026 NFL mock drafts, where experts believe the Bears could go several different directions with the 25th pick, and defense isn't necessarily a guarantee.

USA Today: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Ayrton Ostly: "Chicago's defense can't rely on turnovers again in 2026. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defenses in New Orleans were at their best with long, powerful edge rushers like Parker. He needs to develop beyond his speed-to-power moves but offers a lot even as a rookie for the Bears."

NFL.com: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Daniel Jeremiah: "Teams seem to be all over the map on how they rank this year’s defensive tackles. Woods probably is the most explosive of the group and brings some juice on the interior."

The Athletic: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Dan Wiederer: "The temptation here is to pour resources into the defensive front. But with a deep class in that regard, it’s easier to wait when a player like this at a position of need remains available. Proctor seems ready-made for the Bears, a three-year starter and an All-American last season. At 6-7, 366, he is massive, has impressive length and would be an immediate asset to the running game. His agility helps in pass protection. Just like that, the Bears add a player who can help both quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson be at their best."

Pro Football Focus: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Gordon McGuinness: "McDonald may never be an elite pass rusher, but he’s so good against the run that I’m not sure it matters. He earned a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025, and with run-heavy formations on the rise again in the NFL, it’s never a bad idea to draft an elite 326-pound run defender."

CBS Sports: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Tom Fornelli: "The Bears need to address their defensive line, but there's also a chance they'll be without both of their starting 2025 safeties next year. With the way the board has fallen, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren may look like the better value. McNeil-Warren is good at a lot of the things Jaquan Brisker has done well for the Bears and seems like a natural replacement."

Yahoo! Sports: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Nate Tice: "The Bears’ defense had admirable late-season performances, notably against the Rams in the divisional round, but that group needs to become more stout against the run. Luckily, this is a good defensive tackle class, especially for run-first guys. Hunter is one of those talented interior defenders, and he would give the Bears a burly defender who can eat blocks but also get into the backfield. He even has upside as a pass rusher. Hunter has to work on down-to-down consistency, but there aren’t a lot of players with this size who can move as easily as Hunter does."

FOX Sports: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

FOX Sports Research: "McDonald was an absolute monster in the middle of Ohio State's defensive line, which held opponents to 9.3 points per game and 89.4 rush yards per game. The 6-3, 326-pound defensive tackle has three sacks and two forced fumbles on the year, and would be a huge addition to a defense that won 11 games and lost in the Divisional Round."

Athlon Sports: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Luke Easterling: "Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams have the Bears’ dynamic offense flying high after just one season, but the defense needs a ton of help if they want to go deeper in the postseason in 2026 and beyond. They’re in a fantastic position to address their defensive front here, and the biggest need is along the interior, where they lack a disruptive presence who can stay on the field for all three downs. There’s some inconsistency throughout Woods’ tape, but there’s no denying the rare athleticism and explosiveness he brings to the table, which are rare for his size."

Sports Illustrated: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Mark Morales-Smith: "Interior defensive line is a position the Bears need to address, and they do here."

Pro Football Sports Network: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Reese Decker: "The Chicago Bears can build on a phenomenal 2025 season by fortifying their defensive front. McDonald brings a powerful interior presence with an extremely high motor. He’s a true gap eater with impressive lateral movement, an elite run stuffer who has the power and leg drive to consistently collapse the pocket."

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears go several different ways at No. 25