With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a week away from commencing, we conclude the final installment of our three-piece series, highlighting some of the best fits for the Chicago Bears on each day of the draft. With Days 1 and 2 behind us, it’s time to take a deeper dive into the final four rounds of the draft and who might fit the Bears the best. Currently, Chicago is slated to have three selections, including a fourth-rounder and a pair of seventh-rounders. As we’ve learned in general manager Ryan
Poles’ previous drafts, his willingness and overall ability to move around on Day 3 should not be overlooked.
With the table set, let’s dive into our 10 best fits for the Bears on Day 3 of the draft.
Round 4
- WR Ja’Kobi Lane (USC)
Lane is a player who might not possess top-end speed, but he’s a polished route runner and a willing blocker. For as much as I believe that head coach Ben Johnson will be targeting speed at the receiver position, Lane is the type of player that might be hard to pass on because he checks so many other boxes that are needed in Johnson’s offense. He’s also someone, unlike Stribling or Thompson, who has a higher chance of developing into a complete receiver. Some have compared him to an Amon-Ra St. Brown-lite type of player without the same ceiling but a similar game.
- iOL Brian Parker II (Duke)
The Bears have been pretty clear about what they are looking for in a future center. Someone smart, a quick learner, and athletic enough to anchor an offensive line that is on the move a lot. Although Parker is going to be converting from tackle to the interior, he’s a player who could make plenty of sense if the Bears are comfortable with him taking a year to develop his chops at center. While drafting a pure center might make more sense in the short term, history has shown that players who convert to center at the NFL level can have higher ceilings.
- CB Tacario Davis (Washington)
If there was a cornerback made in a lab that fits this defensive scheme, it’s Davis. At 6’4 and 194 pounds, the former Washington product resembles Nahson Wright. While some parts of their games share similarities, Davis’ 4.41 40-yard dash time makes him a better fit for Allen’s primarily man-coverage scheme. While there are some limitations to his game, he’s the type of developmental player who could challenge for starting snaps in year 1, and let’s be honest- Al Harris would have a blast developing him.
- DT Zane Durant (Penn State)
Following down a similar path to what we’ve already talked about at defensive tackle, the prototype that Allen prefers will be few and far between. Durant is another player who fits the physical mold, while showing enough upside to be worth a swing in the fourth round. Although Durant is slightly undersized, he’s at his best rushing the passer and is the prototype in Allen’s scheme as a three-technique. Him or Kaleb Proctor could make sense in the fourth or fifth round, depending on their pick situation.
- LB Bryce Boettcher (Oregon)
Following their offseason moves, linebacker is not nearly as pressing a need as it was heading into free agency. That said, adding another athletic linebacker that fits the scheme and brings some upside could help on Day 3. Boettcher is another one of those players with a high-character, leader-type personality who should firmly check the “Bears Box”. He’s a sixth-year senior who will be 24 when the season starts, but this is the type of schematic fit who could bring plenty of value.
The Rest
- iOL Jager Burton (Kentucky)
Burton is one of those players, much like Luke Newman, who brings positional versatility and enough developmental upside to garner some consideration after Round 4. While he likely wouldn’t be an option for the Bears as currently constructed with their draft capital, if they can find a way to collect a fifth-round pick, he could make plenty of sense as a developmental interior piece with some upside at center.
- WR Kevin Coleman Jr. (Missouri)
Coleman is an undersized player who could limit him to a slot role at the next level, and although his 40-time didn’t reflect the same burst as his tape, his top-end speed is somewhat limited. That said, he’s the type of receiver that could easily carve out a role in Year 1 with some starting upside in the future. He has reliable hands and reaches his top speed quickly. He’s somewhat of a “niche” receiver, but has plenty of value in this type of scheme.
- DT Landon Robinson (Navy)
Robinson is just the latest intriguing prospect in a long line of draft-eligible players coming from a service school. Robinson, while undersized, had some of the most fun tape of any interior defensive lineman this season. Obviously, his availability will be a factor in where he’s drafted, and at just under 6’0, his size is a serious question, too. That said, he’s just one of those football players who has a relentless motor and can add value to a team, even as a rotational piece.
- TE Will Kacmarek (Ohio State)
Once Durham Smythe signed with the Baltimore Ravens, the primary blocking tight end role became a big need. Although Cole Kmet has proven he can be the starting in-line tight end, the number of three-tight-end sets Johnson tends to run means the Bears will need another primary blocker. Enter, Kacmarek, who might be the best pure blocker in this class. His receiving upside is limited, but as we’ve seen in recent free agency, the going rate in the market can reach upwards of $8-10 million annually.
- OT Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame)
Even if the Bears view Ozzy Trapilo as the future at left tackle, adding additional depth is never a bad thing. Wagner is a player who has grades all over the place. He’s a seasoned starter, and while his upside might not be as high as some would like, there’s plenty of value in having a quality swing tackle on a cheap rookie deal. Wagner’s stock has trended toward the sixth round, but this is the type of player that offensive line coach Dan Roushar could turn into a viable starter in two to three years.
