(104.3 The Score) The Bears hold the No. 25 overall pick entering the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday evening, and seven selections in total.
The last time the Bears picked this late in the first round was 2011, when they selected offensive lineman Gabe Carimi at No. 29 overall. After Chicago had a breakthrough NFC North-winning campaign in 2025, there’s a focus on continuing to fortify the roster with new talent.
That means hitting on draft picks, and Bears general manager Ryan Poles understands the task at hand. This draft will be pivotal in building toward the Bears' goal of sustained success. With that in mind, here's my seven-round mock draft for the Bears.
Round 1, No. 25 – Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald
Like many of his peers around the NFL, Poles speaks of letting the board largely determine each pick. It's difficult to predict who will be available late in the first round, but the Bears should come away with an impact player at a position of need. A consensus All-American, McDonald may very well be that selection.
The Bears ranked 27th in the NFL in defending the run last season. That would change if they add McDonald, who’s a proven run stuffer. He plays with a high motor and fits what Chicago’s brass covets at that position.
Round 2, No. 57 – Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price
The Bears’ key needs are on defense, but if they're truly searching for the best player available, it will be hard to find a prospect at No. 57 overall who's more dynamic than Price.
In 2025, Price averaged 6.0 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns – 11 rushing, two receiving and two on returns. By adding Price, the Bears would give head coach Ben Johnson an every-down running back and a dynamic weapon.
With D’Andre Swift entering a contract year, the Bears have some uncertainty at running back beyond 2026. Price would answer that question.
Round 2, No. 60 – Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton
The Bears have a significant need to sharpen their edge rush. The good news is this draft class is deep in pass rushers.
Dennis-Sutton would give the Bears much-needed help late in the second round. He had 22 sacks and 71 hurries for Penn State across the past three seasons.
The Bears will feel much better about their defensive line if they can add McDonald in the first round and Dennis-Sutton in the second round.
Round 3, Pick No. 89 – Iowa center Logan Jones
Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman's sudden retirement in early March rocked the Bears’ plans. Fortunately, he made his decision just before free agency and well before the NFL Draft.
The Bears moved quickly to acquire veteran center Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots, but he only has one year left on his contract. Jones would be an excellent addition in the third round who addresses the Bears' long-term need at center.
Jones was a consensus All-American in 2025, when he also won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center.
Round 4, No. 129 – Texas Tech wide receiver Reggie Virgil
After trading DJ Moore to the Bills, the Bears' wide receiver room is now led by Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. They also signed veteran Kalif Raymond in free agency and have a promising youngster in Jahdae Walker, but there's an understated need at this position.
The Bears should take a shot on Virgil, who had a combined 98 receptions and 15 touchdowns across the last two seasons, which included a year at Miami (Ohio) in 2024. Virgil has the versatility to play both as an inside and outside receiver.
Round 7, No. 239 – Georgia guard Micah Morris
The seventh round is for taking flyers and hoping to find depth. Morris could give the Bears an option at guard.
He spent five seasons at Georgia and started all 14 games for the Bulldogs in 2025, when he earned second-team all-SEC honors from PFF.
Round 7, No. 241 – USC linebacker Eric Gentry
The Bears often raved about the size that Tremaine Edmunds brought to the linebacker position. At No. 241 overall, how about another linebacker with rare size?
Gentry is 6-foot-7 but listed at just 221 pounds. He's a fascinating athlete who needs to bulk up at the NFL level, and he could be worth a chance late in the draft.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
