Intel: Ben Johnson Has One Surprise Priority For The Bears In The Draft
Debates have solidified around what the Chicago Bears are likely to do early in the 2026 draft. Most agree that defensive line, safety, linebacker, and maybe left tackle will be the priorities in those first two days. Each has vacancies that need plugging or could use a significant upgrade if possible. It all depends on how general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson want to attack it. However, some new information has arrived that may shake things up next month.
People close to the Bears informed SM that there is a strong internal debate going on in Halas Hall. It centers around the wide receiver class. Many in the building feel this is the strongest position in the entire draft, and it would be a mistake not to go after someone early. We’re talking the 2nd round. Chicago has two picks in that range and they’re almost certain to have some talented options still on the board. Remember, the team just traded D.J. Moore to Buffalo. They don’t have anybody ready to fill that void. It was merely expected that Rome Odunze and Luther Burden would get more targets.
It now appears the Bears want to keep Caleb Williams as heavily-armed as possible.
Ben Johnson seems to have his eye on a specific name.
The sources indicated that Germie Bernard was the one to watch. He steadily improved throughout his college career, playing his best season for Alabama in 2025. It isn’t hard to recognize why Johnson likes him. Bernard is one of the best route-runners in the entire class. He’s smooth in his operation, getting in and out of his breaks without losing speed, and has the strong hands to make even the tougher catches look routine. Add some underrated YAC ability, and it’s little wonder the Bears head coach likes him.
Bernard has a style similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown. What he lacks in overall speed, he more than makes up for in technique, hands, and versatility. Ben Johnson tends to run his offense through the slot receiver position. While Odunze and Burden can play from that spot, it isn’t really their strength. Bernard has the exact toolkit to become a demon inside. Either way, it is evident the Bears aren’t letting positional need dictate their draft plans. They still aim to take good football players, and wide receiver remains on the list.
This Bears regime isn’t focused on need.
We already saw that in the draft last year. Going into that April, nobody had tight end or wide receiver as the top two positions they’d focus on. They went with Colston Loveland and Burden anyway. Both became almost instant hits. It sounds like Ben Johnson is keeping that same mindset going into next month. Yes, the Bears want to address the defensive line and secondary. They’re not ignorant of how much help the defense still needs. However, they have no intention of letting an opportunity pass them by to get another playmaker for their quarterback.
Bernard isn’t the only name they like. Omar Cooper Jr. and Chris Brazell were also mentioned as possibilities. Unsurprisingly, both also fit the mold of good route-runners who are strong after the catch. It is clear the team isn’t taking Moore’s loss lightly. Poles called it a business decision, and he wasn’t lying. If the contract hadn’t been an issue, he’d probably still be on the team. Johnson has no intention of increasing the burden on his young quarterback if it can be avoided. So watch the wide receivers on day two.