Bears draft
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 01: General Manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears are in a position where they can afford to be patient rather than desperate. While the roster still has several holes, especially along the defensive line, the front office has done enough to avoid reaching for need over value.
“You look at the draft, when I’ve been here, we’ve taken the right mentality and taken the best available,” general manager Ryan Poles said. “I think the biggest mistake you can make is forcing something just because that’s what you need.”
That flexibility becomes even more important considering the Bears have multiple Day 2 selections, including two second-round picks. Instead of forcing a defensive tackle selection in the first round, Chicago could allow the board to fall in its favor, and based on recent insight, that scenario is becoming increasingly realistic.
Chicago Bears Get Good News Intel Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
According to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid, there is a legitimate chance that no defensive tackles will be selected in the first round. That development could play directly into the Bears’ hands.
“For the first time since 2021, it is possible that no defensive tackles could be selected in Round 1,” Reid wrote. “I haven’t found a team that has a true first-round grade on any defensive tackle. With Caleb Banks (Florida) recently having foot surgery, he’s likely to be a Day 2 pick. The inconsistencies of Peter Woods (Clemson) throughout the season and during the predraft process have caused most teams I have spoken with to put an early-to-mid second-round mark on him. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) has mixed reviews because of his lack of pass-rushing ability; many teams wouldn’t use a first-round pick on a two-down interior defender.”
All of this signals a potential market inefficiency, and one that the Bears are well-positioned to exploit.
Having a premier defensive tackle is a necessity in today’s NFL if Chicago wants to win a Super Bowl. Take a look at the team’s top defensive tackles that have won the Super Bowl since 2020.
The Bears should bring in a premier defensive tackle, and it could come in a later round than expected.
More on the Bears’ Potential Plan
Kayden McDonald
GettyKayden McDonald #98 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.
For the Bears, this news could not come at a better time. Defensive tackle remains one of the team’s most pressing needs, but reaching for one of the prospects that Reid mentioned in the first round doesn’t match up with Poles’ “best-player-available” approach.
If no defensive tackles come off the board early, Chicago could prioritize drafting an edge rusher, left tackle, or safety in Round 1, while having a strong chance to land a starting-caliber DT in the second round.
Having two second-round picks gives the Bears even more leverage than other teams as well. They could stay put and select one of the top remaining interior defenders, or even package one of the second-round picks and later picks to move up in the second round if there is a specific DT they want.
Ultimately, Reid’s evaluation reinforces the idea that the strength of this defensive tackle class lies in Day 2, not Day 1. If the board unfolds as expected, the Bears may walk away from the 2026 NFL Draft with a steal in the second round.