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The Chicago Bears have an incredibly important weekend ahead of them, looking to fill out their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft. Needing to have an impressive offseason after a highly success 2025 season in the first year under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears need to fill in several gaps on the roster created by several defensive veterans departing in free agency.
The work is not over yet as general manager Ryan Poles will have to continue his big splashes by drafting wisely and not taking many chances. This offseason there have been several big name defensive players on the trade block, yet Chicago has not made any blockbuster trades, showing a bit of a sign that they are investing into this year's draft.
We're examining three things the Bears should steer clear of during this draft at a time where it feels crucial that they nail the draft. The franchise has shown a real commitment to Johnson, but that work needs to continue by upgrading the defense, as the offense seems to be in a good place, even after the trade that sent DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. The work is not done until the draft is complete.
Here's what the Bears can't afford to do as the NFL draft kicks off:
Both head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles have been very transparent in wanting to take the best player available, regardless of position or what side of the football. With so many moving parts and expected trades in this year's draft, the Bears can not allow themselves to follow the strategy of best player available, if it comes down to offense over defense. The glaring holes on the roster are on the defensive side, and the only way offense should be an early focus is on finding a long-term option at left tackle.
Each year, there are teams that change the trajectory of the first round, whether it's a surprise pick or a trade up that completely shifts the board. Given the coaching staff Chicago has in place, they have shown that they can get the most out of the players on the roster, such as last year's seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai, who became a major contributor in the rushing attack. Players like Rueben Bain Jr., who may see their draft stock fall due to off the field headlines, could end up moving the board for several teams, allowing the Bears an opportunity to strike with a player who they may not have expected to be on the board with their selection. That doesn't necessarily mean a player of Bain's caliber would fall to them, but if he falls, other players will fall down the board with him, giving Chicago a great opportunity.
With the Bears having several areas of need, they can not reach for potential or possibilities of finding a diamond in the rough. After the comments by Johnson and Poles about looking at the best player available, they need to focus on prospects who have credible and established resumes, and not try to be the smartest front office in the league by reaching on players who could be a couple of years away. Chicago has proved they have a roster that can compete right now, potentially even take the next step after their divisional playoff exit last season. But in order to do that, they're going to have to recognize their window is now and they can't be in a "wait and see" approach to the draft.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: What the Chicago Bears shouldn't do
Continue reading...
The work is not over yet as general manager Ryan Poles will have to continue his big splashes by drafting wisely and not taking many chances. This offseason there have been several big name defensive players on the trade block, yet Chicago has not made any blockbuster trades, showing a bit of a sign that they are investing into this year's draft.
We're examining three things the Bears should steer clear of during this draft at a time where it feels crucial that they nail the draft. The franchise has shown a real commitment to Johnson, but that work needs to continue by upgrading the defense, as the offense seems to be in a good place, even after the trade that sent DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. The work is not done until the draft is complete.
Here's what the Bears can't afford to do as the NFL draft kicks off:
Don't fall in love with offensive players
Both head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles have been very transparent in wanting to take the best player available, regardless of position or what side of the football. With so many moving parts and expected trades in this year's draft, the Bears can not allow themselves to follow the strategy of best player available, if it comes down to offense over defense. The glaring holes on the roster are on the defensive side, and the only way offense should be an early focus is on finding a long-term option at left tackle.
Don't be afraid to let the board fall
Each year, there are teams that change the trajectory of the first round, whether it's a surprise pick or a trade up that completely shifts the board. Given the coaching staff Chicago has in place, they have shown that they can get the most out of the players on the roster, such as last year's seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai, who became a major contributor in the rushing attack. Players like Rueben Bain Jr., who may see their draft stock fall due to off the field headlines, could end up moving the board for several teams, allowing the Bears an opportunity to strike with a player who they may not have expected to be on the board with their selection. That doesn't necessarily mean a player of Bain's caliber would fall to them, but if he falls, other players will fall down the board with him, giving Chicago a great opportunity.
Don't reach for projects
With the Bears having several areas of need, they can not reach for potential or possibilities of finding a diamond in the rough. After the comments by Johnson and Poles about looking at the best player available, they need to focus on prospects who have credible and established resumes, and not try to be the smartest front office in the league by reaching on players who could be a couple of years away. Chicago has proved they have a roster that can compete right now, potentially even take the next step after their divisional playoff exit last season. But in order to do that, they're going to have to recognize their window is now and they can't be in a "wait and see" approach to the draft.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: What the Chicago Bears shouldn't do
Continue reading...
