Bears' Best and Worst 2026 NFL Draft Picks Revealed

Experts weigh in on Chicago's ideal and questionable first-round options.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of navy, green, and orange depicting a Chicago Bears football game, with sharp, overlapping shapes representing the team's defensive struggles and need for improvement.A cubist interpretation of the Chicago Bears' defensive strategy captures the team's need to reconstruct its pass rush and run defense.Chicago Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Chicago Bears fans have been closely following mock drafts to see which players their team might select with the 25th overall pick. Experts have highlighted both promising and questionable options for the Bears, including an edge rusher who could bolster their pass rush and a wide receiver that may not address their biggest needs.

Why it matters

The Bears are looking to build on a disappointing 2025 season and need to make the most of their first-round pick to improve key areas of their roster, particularly on defense. Identifying the best and worst potential selections is crucial for the team to maximize their draft capital and set themselves up for success in the upcoming season.

The details

According to draft analysts, the best potential pick for the Bears at 25th overall is edge rusher Keanu Faulk from Auburn. Faulk had a strong 2024 season with 7 sacks and is seen as a versatile player who can contribute as both a pass rusher and run defender, two areas the Bears struggled in 2025. The worst potential pick, however, is wide receiver KC Concepcion. While the Bears have some uncertainty at receiver, they have already invested heavily in the position in recent drafts and have more pressing needs on defense that should take priority with their first-round selection.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Keanu Faulk

An edge rusher from Auburn University who had 7 sacks in 2024 and is seen as a versatile player who can contribute against both the pass and run.

KC Concepcion

A wide receiver prospect who some analysts have connected to the Bears, though the team may have more pressing needs to address on defense with their first-round pick.

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What they’re saying

“Faulk fits perfectly with the Bears' long and physical edge room. He can be an early-down edge-setter, allowing emerging talent Austin Booker to focus on pass-rushing downs.”

— Mike Renner, CBS Sports Analyst

“KC Concepcion is an insanely agile player who excels at separating with his suddeness and quickness. With the Bears having traded DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears, there could be an open spot in the wide receiver room for an addition.”

— Lou Scataglia, NFL Spin Zone Analyst

What’s next

The Bears will have a chance to address their roster needs when the 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 24-26.

The takeaway

The Bears must carefully weigh their options with the 25th overall pick, prioritizing defensive needs over adding another wide receiver, in order to maximize the value of their first-round selection and set the team up for success in the 2026 season.