Playoff elimination means that the future is our focus. So even though the 2026 NFL Draft is still 91 days away, not having a Bears game to care about means we have time to start dabbling into prospect fits for Chicago’s football team. And what better way to begin that process than by digging into Mel Kiper Jr.’s first NFL Mock Draft of the 2026 calendar year.
The 2026 NFL Draft order will change after the AFC and NFC Championship Games, as well as the Super Bowl. So keep that in mind when you dive into mock drafts this time of year. But with that being said, the Bears are locked into the No. 25 pick. And while quarterbacks have been a focus of our mock drafts in recent years, that will not be the case in 2026. Instead, defense is atop the wish list when it comes to potential draft targets. As you might expect, Kiper agrees.
From left to right: Bears Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen, General Manager Ryan Poles, and Head Coach Bej Johnson. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images2026 NFL Draft: What will the Bears do with pick No. 25?
With the No. 25 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock draft of the new year sends Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald to the Bears. This is what the long-time ESPN NFL Draft guru had to say about the Buckeyes’ defensive lineman:
The Bears are in “best player available” territory. Edge rusher would obviously be a target, but once Akheem Mesidor went off the board at No. 20, the value disappeared at the position. Maybe Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell? But why not kick inside and address the interior? Gervon Dexter Sr. is entering a contract year, Grady Jarrett will be turning 33 and most of the depth behind those two — namely Andrew Billings and Chris Williams — is headed toward the open market.
McDonald had a huge breakout season, showcasing power and quickness with 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. And considering Chicago was gashed for 5.0 yards per carry this season, it could use a solid 326-pound presence up the middle.
We’ve spent ample time discussing Chicago’s needs off the edge. But with Montez Sweat providing a stable presence and Austin Booker occasionally flashing after coming off injured reserve, EDGE doesn’t seem to be as high of a need as the interior of the defensive line. Hence, I understand why Kiper went the direction he did with this pick. At first blush, I’d be pleased with this selection.
2026 NFL DRAFT: The Chicago Bears Are Locked In With Pick No. 25
Syndication: The Columbus DispatchThe most important thing Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 NFL Draft blurb says about the Bears is that the team is in the range where it will take the “best player available” on their board. General managers should go into all of their respective picks with that mindset, but it is easy to get caught up in positional need and/or value.
With that being said, I can see Chicago’s decision-makers wanting to thread the needle by going after the best player at a position of need. As of right now, Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald checks those boxes. However, all we have to do is go back to the 2025 NFL Draft to see this front office prioritizing “best player available” with its selection of Missouri receiver Luther Burden III with its first second-round pick.
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Given the Bears’ recent history, other players who could make sense as the best available in the 2026 NFL Draft who are still on the Kiper’s board when Chicago goes on the clock include Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, and South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse.
I imagine the back half of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will play out differently in April compared to what the projections forecast in January. Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to keep certain prospects and position groups in mind when as the offseason rolls along.
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