Bears in fantastic 'win-win' situation at 25th overall in 2026 NFL Draft

Ryan Poles can sit at 25th overall with confidence this year.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Chicago Bears made the playoffs for the first time in a while, and in turn, their draft pick took a trip down the order. Selecting 25th overall, there will be 24 players taken before the Bears get a chance to take a rookie. While picking later in the draft isn't ideal, the trade-off of a playoff win makes this draft slot worth it. NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah called the Bears at 25th overall a "win-win" situation, believing that no matter who makes it there, the Bears will be in a good spot to address their needs on the offensive line and pass rush.

Why it matters

The Bears' playoff appearance and subsequent later draft position is a positive outcome, as they are now in a good position to land impact players at key positions of need despite picking later in the draft.

The details

At 25th overall, the Bears are set up well to address their two biggest needs - offensive line help and pass rusher. Jeremiah believes that one of the best tackles in Monroe Freeling, Max Iheanachor, Caleb Lomu, Blake Miller, and/or Kaydn Proctor will make it to 25th overall. And for pass rushers, Jeremiah believes one of Keldric Faulk, Cashius Howell, Akheem Mesidor, T.J. Parker, R Mason Thomas, or Zion Young will be available at their pick.

  • The Bears made the playoffs for the first time in a while.

The players

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears.

Daniel Jeremiah

An NFL Draft expert.

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What they’re saying

“They're in a good spot. There are some years where you look at your needs and where you're picking, and you go 'Oh, crap, we better move one way or another.' I think they can just sit right where they are and see how it falls.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft expert (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Bears will have their choice of a pass rusher or offensive lineman with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Bears' playoff appearance has put them in a favorable position in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they are set up to address key needs on the offensive line and pass rush with their 25th overall pick, which NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has called a "win-win" situation for the team.