Chicago Bears 2026 Mock Draft: Trading Out Of The 1st Round
Each Chicago Bears 2026 mock draft should be about exploring different scenarios that could unfold next month. One that is being discussed quite a bit lately is the idea that Bears general manager Ryan Poles may move down from the 25th overall pick. Chicago only has seven picks and still has lots of roster holes to fill. They may wish to secure extra capital, taking advantage of a deep class at several positions. The question is how far they’re willing to move down. For the sake of intrigue, let’s say they decide to drop out of the 1st round entirely.
The Bears have traded down in the 1st round five times in the Super Bowl era. However, there is only one instance where they moved out of it entirely. That came in 2006 when they flipped the 26th overall pick to the Buffalo Bills for the 42nd pick and a 3rd round pick. They would be used on safety Danieal Manning and defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek. While not bad, the obvious hope would be that Poles and head coach Ben Johnson can do better this time around. Here is one possible projection.
Quantity over quality is the goal of this Chicago Bears 2026 mock draft
Trade: #25 pick and #129 pick to Tennessee for #35 pick, #66 pick and #101 pick
Trade: #35 pick and #239 pick to Houston for #38 pick and #106 pick
2nd Round (via HOU) – Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
From a strictly pass rush perspective, Lawrence has everything you could like. He’s long, athletic, and has that critical explosive first step to give him an edge on tackles. Yet what stands out is his deep toolbox of moves, finding different ways to attack protections and reach the quarterback. The Bears badly need somebody with his particular skills. The key for Dennis Allen will be whether he can live with Lawrence being an average run defender. It’s never been his strength and may not improve much in the pros.
| Rank | Player | School | 2025 Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Bailey | Texas Tech | 14.5 |
| 2 | Akheem Mesidor | Miami (FL) | 12.5 |
| 3 | Colin Simmons | Texas | 12.0 |
| 4 | Rueben Bain Jr. | Miami (FL) | 9.5 |
| 5 | R Mason Thomas | Oklahoma | 8.5 |
| 6 | Malachi Lawrence | UCF | 8.0 |
| 7 | Gabe Jacas | Illinois | 7.5 |
| 8 | Keldric Faulk | Auburn | 7.0 |
| 9 | Arvell Reese | Ohio State | 6.5 |
| 10 | T.J. Parker | Clemson | 6.0 |
2nd Round – Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Chicago struck gold with an Oklahoma defensive tackle once upon a time when they took Tommie Harris in 2004. Halton is built much the same way. While undersized for a normal defensive tackle, he has a style that fits what Allen wants at that position. He combines a fast get-off and quickness to shoot gaps, creating havoc in the backfield. He wasn’t always used to the fullest of that ability with the Sooners, but the Bears would immediately know how to maximize it. Allen has plenty of experience with guys like Sheldon Rankins.
2nd Round (via BUF) – Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
Losing Drew Dalman was a tough blow for the offensive line. Poles managed to swing a trade for veteran Garrett Bradbury to stop the bleeding, but that is a temporary fix. It only makes sense that this Bears 2026 mock draft has them draft a center of the future. Hecht presents a skill set that is, in many ways, similar to Dalman’s. He’s not overly big, but he’s a great athlete, intelligent, and probably the most polished technician in the class. There is no question that he can fill the void the former Pro Bowler left behind.
3rd Round (via TEN) – Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
One of the biggest problems with the Bears’ wide receivers last year was their inability to consistently make catches in tight coverage. It led to drives stalling with frustrating frequency. Sarratt is built to solve that problem. While not fast by any means, he is a disciplined route runner who thrives at boxing out defensive backs to make tough catches. He is the guy quarterbacks always look for on 3rd down when you need a play.
3rd Round – Bud Clark, S, TCU
Due to being an older prospect, Clark falls further than he probably should, considering he’s one of the best true ballhawking safeties in the class. Chicago just lost Kevin Byard to free agency. They need to bring somebody in who can patrol the back end of the defense. Clark is excellent at that due to his range and instincts. Better still, he has the toughness to play the run as well.
4th Round (via TEN) – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Having a slender 188-lb frame makes Muhammad a concern for some teams because they aren’t sure if he can handle the physicality of the NFL. We’ve seen the Bears and Al Harris don’t mind that provided they are great athletes with clear cover talent. Muhammad is great at recognizing routes and has the smooth fluidity and speed to hang with receivers down the field.
Trade: #106 pick to Baltimore for #115 pick and #173 pick
4th Round (via BAL) – Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
At some point, you just have to take the best player available. Run defense was a big problem for the Bears last year, and it showed up a lot through the interior of the defensive line. They badly need a nose tackle who can clog rushing lanes and force offenses outside. Jackson Jr. has the size, power, and length to demand double teams in the middle, provided he can get some of his technical issues cleaned up.
5th Round (via BAL) – Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Adding more speed is a theme for the Bears, and that includes the running back position. Singleton drops down the board due to inconsistent vision and agility, but he is blazing fast and an excellent pass catcher. He also doesn’t shirk his responsibilities in pass protection. That should be plenty for Johnson and new running backs coach Eric Studdesville to work with.
7th Round – Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma
Kanak is a complete mystery. He arrived in college as a quarterback, switched to linebacker, and then switched again to tight end for his final season. Despite that, he still had 533 yards, displaying good athleticism and natural pass-catching potential. He is undersized for his position, so blocking may not be a strength, but he has the type of skills that make for the perfect H-back at the next level.