Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft rumors tracker: Latest before Round 1

[ASFN Admin]

The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here, and the Chicago Bears are preparing to welcome a new group of rookies to the roster under second-year head coach Ben Johnson.

The Bears are sitting in a great position with four picks in the Top 89, which includes the 25th overall pick, two second-round selections (Nos. 57, 60) and a third-rounder (No. 89). Chicago has several important needs to address this weekend, including on the defensive line, safety and even left tackle. But general manager Ryan Poles has always gone with his best-available approach, so we'll see if that continues on Thursday night.

There have been no shortage of reports, rumors and rumblings coming from NFL insiders about how the Bears are approaching the 25th overall selection. We're keeping track of all of the draft-related rumors and news surrounding the Bears heading into Round 1.

Bears could go best-available with left tackle option at No. 25​

Once again, Chicago will be searching for a new left tackle following Ozzy Trapilo's ruptured patellar tendon in the team's wild-card playoff win in January. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer noted that left tackle is a position to watch for the Bears, where it could come down to the best-available approach that netted Chicago tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III one year ago.

Left tackle is another spot to keep an eye on. The team really liked Ozzy Trapilo as a rookie, but he tore his patellar tendon, throwing his future into flux (and making his ability to play at all in 2026 uncertain) and pushing the team to bring back Braxton Jones for another run and take a flier on former first-rounder Jedrick Wills Jr. So given what GM Ryan Poles and HC Ben Johnson typically value, it’d hardly be a shock for the Bears to pick up another potential long-term answer at the position.

While the Bears could certainly look to a short-term solution with Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet and Jedrick Wills Jr. battling it out, if there's an opportunity to upgrade at a premium position, Chicago needs to capitalize on it.

Bears could be interested in edge rushers Keldric Faulk, Zion Young​

The Bears need to improve their pass rush after totaling just 35 sacks last season, with the goal being to pair Montez Sweat with a disruptive player off the edge. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, it sounds like Chicago could be zeroing in on Auburn's Keldric Faulk and Missouri's Zion Young in the first round.

Since acquiring Montez Sweat three years ago (Sweat turns 30 in September—time flies), Chicago has been looking for his bookend. With the sorts of big, long ends that Dennis Allen likes, with Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Missouri’s Zion Young possibly available, this could be the year they find one.

Bears eyeing left tackles in first round​

Left tackle is certainly on the board for Chicago at No. 25, and there are expected to be a run on offensive tackles in the middle of the first round. And, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Bears are one of several teams who are looking to emerge from Day 1 with an offensive tackle.

There's a late-round zone loaded with teams that would love to come out of Thursday night with a new offensive lineman, including the Lions, Panthers, Steelers, Chargers, Eagles, Browns, Bears, 49ers, Chiefs and Patriots. Kansas City could even use its No. 9 pick on an offensive tackle and no one would be surprised.

Ben Johnson will be 'heavily involved' in Bears' draft decisions​

Head coach Ben Johnson has only been with the Bears for a little over a year, but he's already been instrumental in the team's success in a short time frame. Which is why general manager Ryan Poles trusts him when it comes to the NFL draft. According to the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, Johnson is "heavily involved" in the team's draft process.

"He has set the tone in that building," Biggs said on The Score. "They're not going to pull the trigger on some draft pick of a player he doesn't want. He's heavily involved."

In Johnson's first year as head coach, the Bears landed two potential cornerstones on offense in tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III, picks that had Johnson's fingerprints all over them. Poles would be wise to trust his head coach with adding players to the winning roster he's building.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft rumors tracker: Who's the pick at No. 25?

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