Bears Eyeing Surprise First-Round CB Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

Chicago could go against expectations and target a top cornerback prospect at No. 25 overall.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, representing the Bears' potential surprise first-round pick at cornerback.The Bears' unconventional first-round draft strategy could lead them to target a top cornerback prospect, disrupting conventional expectations.San Diego Today

The Chicago Bears have been widely projected to target defensive linemen, offensive tackles, and safeties with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, general manager Ryan Poles has emphasized the team's 'best player available' approach, hinting they could surprise by selecting a cornerback in the opening round despite having two starters already on the roster. Prospects like Chris Johnson and Colton Hood are emerging as potential options for the Bears at No. 25 overall.

Why it matters

The Bears' secondary was hampered by injuries in 2025, and adding another high-caliber cornerback could solidify their defensive backfield for years to come. Selecting a CB in the first round would go against conventional wisdom, but Poles' BPA strategy could lead Chicago in an unexpected direction.

The details

The Bears have been linked to defensive linemen, offensive tackles, and safeties as potential first-round picks, but Poles has stated the team will take the 'best player available' regardless of position. Cornerback is an intriguing option, as the Bears have Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon penciled in as starters, but the third CB spot is uncertain after letting Nahshon Wright walk in free agency. Prospects like Chris Johnson of San Diego State and Colton Hood are generating buzz as potential CB1 and CB2 selections, and the Bears could view one of them as the best player on the board at No. 25.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears who has emphasized the team's 'best player available' approach in the draft.

Jaylon Johnson

The Bears' starting cornerback who dealt with injuries in 2025.

Kyler Gordon

The Bears' other starting cornerback who also missed time due to injuries in 2025.

Nahshon Wright

A cornerback who left the Bears in free agency.

Tyrique Stevenson

A cornerback who is currently the favorite to start opposite Johnson and Gordon.

Zah Frazier

A 2025 fifth-round pick who could compete for playing time at cornerback.

Chris Johnson

A cornerback prospect from San Diego State who is rising up draft boards.

Colton Hood

A cornerback prospect who could be a good fit for the Bears' defense.

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What they’re saying

“'Philosophically that's something Ben (Johnson) and I are aligned on, it's best player available. I think where we can get in trouble, we start forcing things because of need. I think that is when we can start having issues. Take the best player available.'”

— Ryan Poles, General Manager, Chicago Bears

“'Wide receivers better prep for a battle when Hood aligns in press coverage. He will challenge and gets hands on them. That physical style shows up in run support, too.'”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

“'The third corner that could be selected in the first round is Chris Johnson out of San Diego State..He's had an outstanding pre-draft process'”

— Peter Schrager

What’s next

The Bears will continue their pre-draft evaluations and scouting of cornerback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in late April.

The takeaway

The Bears' willingness to diverge from conventional draft wisdom and select the best player available, even at a position that may not be a top need, could lead them to target a cornerback in the first round and bolster their secondary for the long term.