The Chicago Bears will have several top-end prospects to choose from when they are on the clock with the 25th overall pick. Will the Bears choose to address the defense or go offense in round one?
As we get closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, I wanted to start incorporating a mailbag article into the weekly content here at Bears Roundtable. This will start now and remain consistent throughout the entire 2026 NFL season.
Let's get it started with this defensive question that was submitted on X.
Bears have not drafted a defensive player in the first round since 2016, Leonard Floyd. Does the drought continue this year? If not, what position will the bears target? -- @TheRealMfGlew
Great question, but we just have to make an adjustment. The Bears haven't drafted an edge rusher in the first round since they selected Leonard Floyd with the No. 9 overall pick from the University of Georgia.
The last defensive player the Bears selected in the first round was Roquan Smith -- the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft who also went to Georgia. Former general manger Ryan Pace sure did like his Bulldogs, especially in the first round.
I wrote an article about the history of the 25th overall pick, and for the last eight drafts, teams have selected an offensive player. Again, just an interesting trend.
Given the potential pool of players who could be available when the Bears are on the clock, I believe Poles will draft a defensive player in the first round. There a number of candidates that could be within that range: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk, Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor, and Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren to name a few.
I think the Bears would consider all three of those players if their big board correlates with the prospect. They all would fill a need as well on this Bears roster.
For the second part of your question, man, I wouldn't rule out a left tackle at pick 25. It's such an important position on every football team, and last season, the Bears had four players suit up on Caleb Williams' blindside: Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Ozzy Trapilo and Joe Thuney (in the playoffs).
There should be stability and continuity at that premium position. Obviously, the Bears drafted Trapilo in the second round last season, but he tore his patellar tendon. He's going to miss most of the season. General manager Ryan Poles mentioned at the NFL Scouting Combine that he doesn't believe Trapilo's injury is career-threatening, but the Bears have to pivot this season.
Poles was the only general manager at Alabama's Pro Day this past Wednesday. The Crimson Tide have left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who I wrote about recently. Poles was also spotted at Arizona State's Pro Day on Friday. Max Iheanachor is a 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive tackle who didn't allowed zero sacks last season for the Sun Devils. He has played primarily right tackle in college, but maybe there is a vision that involves him switching sides in the NFL. Who knows.
The Bears wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't consider all options, especially if they believe they can find an upgrade and long-term starter at the position. If the Bears don't draft a defensive player in round one, I can only realistically see an offensive tackle being the pick.
I doubt the Bears would take a center, wide receiver or running back at pick 25.
We've seen Poles' priority to upgrade the defense through free agency, and those defensive additions should continue when the Bears are on the clock for the first time in the 2026 NFL Draft.