With Williams at quarterback, the Bears finished 12-5, won the NFC North, and earned their first playoff win since 2010. The team now holds four picks in the first three rounds: 25, 57, 60, and 89, and faces a defensive overhaul after a successful first season under Johnson.
The primary area of emphasis for Chicago is the defensive line, where the team needs both an edge pass rusher and a capable interior anchor. By pick 25, the top-tier edge rushers may be gone, so the Bears could settle for a high-upside rusher a rung below and look to develop him, while prioritizing interior pressure later.
In Round 2, interior options such as Caleb Banks of Florida could present good value. On Day 1, safety could also be in play depending on the board, with some early-round possibilities discussed by analysts as potential fits for Chicago’s defense.
At left tackle, Chicago faces a more complex path. Braxton Jones recently signed a one-year deal after losing the starter’s job to Theo Benedet, who himself has dealt with injuries. The Bears also added Jedrick Wills Jr., and second-year tackle Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss most of 2026 with a patellar tendon injury. The plan appears to be a rotational approach to protect Williams’ blind side while Trapilo recovers.
Analysts anticipate a run on the offensive tackle position around the midway point of the first round, which could shape Chicago’s early strategy. The Bears will balance bolstering the protection for Williams with strengthening the defense, aiming to build on last season’s momentum while addressing multi-year gaps on both lines.
