ESPN Analyst Urges Bears to Be Patient in 2026 NFL Draft

The Bears should stand pat at No. 25 overall, unless a top prospect falls.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:41pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Chicago Bears football game or draft day scene, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-angled composition.A cubist interpretation of the Chicago Bears' strategic approach to the 2026 NFL Draft, balancing patience with potential opportunities to move up the board.Chicago Today

ESPN analyst Ben Solak is advising the Chicago Bears to stay put with their first-round pick at No. 25 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, unless a top prospect at edge rusher or defensive tackle unexpectedly falls down the board. The Bears have needs at those positions, and Solak believes they can land a solid developmental starter by staying patient and letting the draft board come to them.

Why it matters

The Bears are coming off a playoff appearance, so they'll be picking later in the first round. This means they may miss out on some top talents, but Solak believes the Bears can still find good value at their current slot if they resist the urge to trade up unless an elite prospect slides.

The details

Solak specifically mentions edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and Keldrick Faulk, as well as defensive tackles Caleb Banks, Peter Woods, and Kayden McDonald as players who could be available at No. 25. However, he also notes that if a top edge rusher like Miami's Ruben Bain Jr. falls, the Bears should consider trading up to acquire him. The analyst also suggests the Bears could explore a trade for Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, given the lack of elite interior D-line prospects in this class.

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

The players

Ben Solak

An ESPN analyst who is providing draft advice to the Chicago Bears.

Akheem Mesidor

An edge rusher prospect who could be available for the Bears at No. 25.

Keldrick Faulk

An edge rusher prospect who could be available for the Bears at No. 25.

Caleb Banks

A defensive tackle prospect who could be available for the Bears at No. 25.

Peter Woods

A defensive tackle prospect who could be available for the Bears at No. 25.

Kayden McDonald

A defensive tackle prospect who could be available for the Bears at No. 25.

Ruben Bain Jr.

An edge rusher prospect from Miami who could potentially fall to the Bears, prompting them to trade up.

Dexter Lawrence

A defensive tackle for the New York Giants who the Bears could explore trading for, given the lack of elite interior D-line prospects in this draft.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of positions could use a developmental starter, so let the board fall to you - unless a splash player at defensive tackle or edge rusher is gettable.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Bears will have to weigh their options at No. 25 overall, deciding whether to stay put and select the best available player at a position of need, or potentially trade up if a top prospect unexpectedly falls down the board.

The takeaway

Solak's advice highlights the importance of patience and discipline in the NFL Draft, especially for a team like the Bears who are picking later in the first round. By resisting the urge to trade up unless an elite talent falls, the Bears can still find good value and address key needs on their roster.