With a week of free agency behind us, let’s take a look at how some of the mock drafts around the interwebs have the Chicago Bears picking at 25 overall.
The Athletic’s latest has the Bears going with a 6’6”, 327-pound defensive tackle from the Gators.
25 – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida: The Bears have been very active on both sides of the ball in free agency so far, but both edge and DT could still be a first-round option for a new-look Chicago defense that’ll have new faces (LB Devin Bush, S Coby Bryant)
up the middle.
Banks’ NFL Combine page compares him to current Bear, Gervon Dexter Sr., and you can see the similarities in their games. He had a foot issue he played through last season, but had a strong Senior Bowl. It was revealed a couple of days ago that he suffered a broken foot at the combine, and surgery will keep him sidelined for about three months.
The USA Today also has the Bears going with a defensive tackle.
25 – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson: They didn’t land Crosby as some speculated they might, but the Bears still have a chance to ramp up the disruptiveness of their front four. Woods’ high-end flashes separate him from all other interior defenders other than Banks, though his inconsistency could cost him a spot on Day 1.
Woods produced at Clemson, but his athletic testing was awful. However, it was reported he had a hamstring issue at his pro day.
The New York Post has the Bears going defensive end.
25 – T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson: A 6-3, 263-pound power-broker bookend for Montez Sweat.
Parker would be a nice pick in what is a pretty deep D-line class. His ability to set the edge and play the run will get him in the rotation as a rookie, while the coaching staff works on his pass rush toolbox.
CBS Sports has a three-round mock for the Bears, and I guess with it going three rounds deep, they figured they could go outside the box with the pick at 25.
25 – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana: Ben Johnson wants to be confident in the trio of receivers he has on the field at any given time. Luther Burden III really began to emerge toward the end of the season, but Chicago is leaving nothing to chance as it aims to prove last season was not an aberration. If you’re a Bears fan questioning why the team would draft another receiver, I’d encourage you to think about the possibilities with Johnson pulling the strings.
Wide receiver at 25 is a no from me. I don’t care if Cooper is the best player on their board at the time, because Chicago already has three pass catchers primed for a bigger role in 2026. If this is how the real draft falls, then a trade back or taking one of their top-rated defenders would be preferable to a receiver.
Here’s the rest of the CBS Sports Bears’ mock.
57 – Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State
60 – AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
89 – Nick Barrett, DL, South Carolina
I could see the Bears getting a center on day 2, but waiting to address the d-line until 89, and then doing it with a guy more known as a space eater, is another no from me.
Here’s another from CBS Sports, and another that has the Bears going in an unconventional direction.
25 – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia: Monroe Freeling could be Caleb Williams’ new left tackle after being Georgia’s full-time left tackle in 2025. The size and agility are there, and he’s quick off the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by an excellent combine effort. Freeling needs to work on better connecting on his punches toward opposing defensive linemen, which could be aided by a more balanced foundation, but he’s ready to roll in the run game. Ben Johnson will love that about him.
Freeling is fine, I’m just not taking an offensive tackle in the first round. Ozzy Trapilo looked solid before his knee injury, so I’m giving him 2026 to see if he can get back on track. And then after assessing his progress, I’d revisit left tackle in 2027.
Pro Football Network also has the Bears taking an offensive tackle at 25 in their latest three-rounder.
25 – Spencer Fano, Utah, OT: Thanks to the front office addressing several roster needs early in free agency, the Chicago Bears could prioritize adding depth along the offensive line in the first round. That could make Spencer Fano an appealing selection if Chicago chooses to reinforce the trenches. Adding Fano would give Chicago another young building block up front, helping stabilize the offensive line while supporting the development of Williams and the Bears’ offensive identity.
Once viewed as the top tackle prospect on several draft boards, thanks to a blend of athleticism, power, and refined technique. Fano moves smoothly in space, allowing him to mirror defenders in pass protection while also climbing to the second level in the run game. He also shows the strength needed to anchor against physical pass rushers.
Same as with Freeling above. Fano is fine, but I’m holding off on left tackle this draft.
57 – Kamari Ramsey, USC, S: Kamari Ramsey’s biggest strength is his ability to contribute from virtually anywhere on the field. He is comfortable patrolling deep zones as a traditional safety, stepping into the box to support the run, or sliding down into the slot as a nickel defender. That versatility allows defenses to disguise coverages while still maintaining strong run support. For Chicago, Ramsey’s skill set could immediately strengthen the secondary.
As the Bears roster sits right now, adding a safety early makes a ton of sense, and the versatile Ramsey would likely be in line to start next to the newly signed Cody Bryant.
60 – Cashius Howell, Texas A&M, EDGE: The Chicago Bears could turn to Cashius Howell as a developmental pass-rushing option with significant upside. The former Texas A&M Aggies football edge defender has the tools to carve out a role early as a situational rusher while continuing to grow into a larger role over time.
Howell wasn’t really on my radar much, but after checking out some of his tape, he’d be a welcome addition to the Bears’ pass rush. His speed off the edge helped him rack up 25 sacks over the last three years, while he was unanimously selected as a 2025 All-American.
89 – Will Lee III, Texas A&M, CB
Corner is a sneaky need for the Bears, but if they stay away from the position, that means they truly believe in the returning Zah Frazier and Terell Smith to push Tyrique Stevenson. I think adding some competition makes sense.
Which of these mocks do you like best for the Bears?
