The Chicago Bears have a lot of crucial decisions to make, and general manager Ryan Poles isn’t letting that deter him from his draft philosophy.
“You look at the draft, when I’ve been here, we’ve taken the right mentality and taken the best available. I think the biggest mistake you can make is forcing something just because that’s what you need.”
That said, the biggest discussion has been whether the Bears decide to trade up or trade down with one of their top three selections (picks 25, 57, and 60). And whether they use those selections to trade for a star NFL player like Dexter Lawrence.
In this 3-round mock draft, Chicago decides to make a trade, and one that could bring great value.
Note: Trade was conducted based on the NFL Trade Value Chart
Round 1, Pick 25: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
GettyPeter Woods #11 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the first half of a football game against the Duke Blue Devils.
What the Bears need is a true difference-maker on defense, and Peter Woods has proven in the past that he can be that player.
He also addresses one of the biggest issues on the defensive line and arguably has the most upside out of any defensive tackle in this year’s class. Woods is just one of six 3-tech prospects since 2015 with a run stop rate higher than 12% and a pass rush win rate higher than 20% in at least one college season.
He was a projected top-10 pick before his production dipped last season, but if the Bears do draft him, it means they have confidence Woods will return to his form from when he received All-ACC honors in 2023 and 2024.
Round 2, Pick 60: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
GettyGabe Jacas #17 of the Illinois Fighting Illini.
It would be great if Gabe Jacas fell to the Bears in the second round, and he fits what Dennis Allen covets in a pass rusher at 6’4″ and 260 pounds.
Since 2022, Jacas has only improved as a pass rusher, going from four sacks a season in 2022 and 2023, respectively, to eight in 2024 and then 11 in 2025. And he’s still just 21 years old.
“He’s smart, he’s a great teammate and he’s really, really strong,” one NFC scouting director said regarding Jacas. “Play-through-your-face type of guy.”
Round 3, Pick 76 (Via PIT): Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
GettySam Hecht of the Kansas State Wildcats participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Bears trade pick 57 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have the most draft picks in the NFL with 12, and receive picks 76, 99, and a 2027 sixth-round selection in return.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid believes Sam Hecht would be the “perfect fit” for the Bears in the third round, and it’s no secret that Chicago is interested in him, with the Bears sending a “large contingent of scouts/coaches” for Hecht’s pro day.
He’s the No. 2-ranked center in Dane Brugler of The Athletic’s yearly edition of The Beast, with him writing this about Hecht — “A wide-bodied blocker who still has a walk-on work ethic; should push for starting reps.”
Hecht could sit a year behind Garrett Bradbury, who looks to be a one-year rental.
Round 3, Pick 89: Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
GettyJalon Kilgore of the South Carolina Gamecocks participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Bears find their guy to pair with Coby Bryant in the backfield, and it’s one of the more crucial selections Chicago makes.
Jalon Kilgore would be an excellent fit as a box strong safety, scoring an impressive 9.60 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10.00. He’s young (21 years old) and has the versatility to play both nickel and safety with great anticipation skills.
He started 33 games in just three years and has the production (29 passes defended, eight interceptions) to prove he can come in and immediately become a contributor on Chicago’s defense.
Round 3, Pick 99 (Via PIT): Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
GettyBryce Lance of the North Dakota State Bison participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
How about drafting another wide receiver?
In a wide receiver class where the bulk of the prospects come in the middle rounds, Bryce Lance stands out. He’s one of the most productive WRs who racked up 126 catches for 2,132 yards and 25 touchdowns in the past two seasons as a starter at North Dakota State.
Scoring a ridiculous 9.94 RAS score, Lance brings size (6’3″, 205 pounds) and production to become an immediate contributor behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.
“Lance isn’t as heralded an NFL prospect as his older brother (Trey Lance), but he showed steady development over the past two seasons with his rangy skill set,” Brugler wrote. “A ‘Freaks List’ alum, he brings a vertical presence to the field with his acceleration and tracking skills. He is an average separator but fights for positioning, wins contested catches and high points well.”
After just three rounds, the Bears look a whole lot better during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears 3-Round Mock Draft With Beneficial Trade Decision