Bears Lock in 25th Pick in 2026 NFL Draft: Ryan Poles Faces a Pivotal Offseason
The Bears' surprising playoff run may have ended in the Divisional Round against the Rams, but the momentum from a resurgent season is undeniable. Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft order officially set, Chicago finds itself in unfamiliar territory: picking 25th overall in the first round. That’s a long way from the top of the board where the Bears have spent plenty of recent drafts, but it’s a welcome change - a sign that this team is trending in the right direction.
General Manager Ryan Poles now enters what could be the most critical offseason of his tenure. With the Bears no longer in rebuild mode, every move he makes from here on out needs to be about taking the next step - from playoff team to legitimate contender.
Best Player Available - or Trade Down?
At pick No. 25, the Bears are in prime position to go with a “best player available” approach. That’s typically the smart play when you’re not drafting in the top 10, and especially when your roster is already showing signs of balance.
But don’t rule out a trade-down scenario. If another team gets antsy about a falling wide receiver or tight end - two positions that could see a run in the early 20s - Poles should absolutely be open to moving back and collecting more draft capital.
Still, the most pressing need for this team remains on the defensive side of the ball. Chicago’s offense took a big step forward this season, but the defense - while improved - could use an infusion of young talent, especially up front and at linebacker.
Let’s take a look at a few defensive prospects who might be on the board when the Bears are on the clock:
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
If the Bears want to add juice to their pass rush, Howell is a name to watch. He’s one of the more complete edge defenders in this class - a guy who can pressure the quarterback and hold his own against the run.
Over the past three seasons at Texas A&M, Howell racked up 25 sacks, showing a knack for getting home in a variety of ways. He’ll likely need to bulk up a bit to handle the rigors of an NFL edge role full-time, but the tools are there.
He’s a high-floor prospect who could contribute early.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Banks is the kind of interior presence that defensive coordinators dream about. He’s not just big - he moves well for his size, flashing the kind of quickness that can disrupt plays before they develop.
His draft stock could swing depending on how he tests at the Combine and his Pro Day, but the upside is real. If the Bears are looking for a long-term answer at defensive tackle, Banks could be their guy - especially if they want to add some size and athleticism to the middle of their line.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Miller brings a different flavor than Banks, but he’s just as intriguing. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, he’s slightly smaller but offers more positional versatility.
He’s played across the defensive front at Georgia, giving a creative coordinator like Dennis Allen (or whoever’s calling the shots on defense) the ability to mix and match fronts. Miller’s experience in a pro-style defense and his ability to anchor or shoot gaps make him a potential plug-and-play option.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
If the Bears decide to move on from Tremaine Edmunds - a possibility, especially if they’re looking to free up cap space - CJ Allen could be a seamless replacement. The Georgia linebacker has elite instincts and excels in coverage, which is becoming more and more valuable in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
He’s the kind of modern linebacker who can stay on the field all three downs, cover tight ends, and clean up in the run game. Adding another Georgia defender to the mix wouldn’t be surprising - that program continues to churn out NFL-ready talent.
Draft Capital Overview
Here’s what the Bears are working with heading into April:
- 1st Round
- 2nd Round
- 3rd Round
- 4th Round (via Rams)
- 5th Round
- 7th Round
- 7th Round (from Eagles via Browns)
That’s a solid war chest for Poles to work with - enough picks to maneuver around the board if needed, or to fill multiple depth spots with developmental talent.
The Road Ahead
This offseason is about more than just one pick. The Bears have laid the foundation.
Now it’s about building on it - and doing it the right way. Whether Poles stays put at 25, trades back, or packages picks to move up for a specific target, the goal is clear: keep the arrow pointing up.
The Bears showed flashes of what they could be in 2025. If they nail this offseason - starting with the draft - 2026 might be the year they stop surprising people and start scaring them.