Where Do the Bears Need the Most Help Heading Into the 2026 Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and fans all over the league are gearing up to see who becomes the newest member of their favorite team. It is always one of the most debated times of the year in the NFL, as fans and analysts alike are split on who their teams should target. That decision is typically made easier following the free agency period. However, for the Bears, there are still plenty of holes left to fill. Chicago entered the offseason with limited cap space, which limited their ability to spend. Additionally, they had been in trade rumors all offseason surrounding star defensive players, but missed out on all of them. Offensively, the team likely only needs a new left tackle to target early on. On the defensive side of the ball, they need to fill in their second safety spot, as well as bolster the defensive line. Now, all eyes are on the draft to see how they can address these issues.

Left Tackle

The left tackle position may be one of the hottest topics for the Bears this offseason. Starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss time due to his patellar tendon injury, but it is not known exactly how long he will be on the shelf. The team has acted quickly to bring in plenty of competition, with the hopes that one of them can step up next year. However, it would not be surprising to see Chicago add a left tackle in the draft, at the very least, to add more competition.

They do have more pressing needs, so drafting one in the first round may not be ideal. However, they have no idea when Trapilo will return or even how well he will be able to play once he is back. Additionally, none of the options currently on the team has proven to be a high-level player. If none of them can step up, then Chicago would have a serious hole on the offensive line. Targeting a left tackle in the first round is very possible if the Bears look to build on their offensive success. Regardless of the round, it would be surprising if they do not bolster their offensive line early in the draft.

Safety

Another clear position of need is safety. Chicago saw both starters and key depth pieces leave at the start of the offseason. They acted quickly by signing Coby Bryant, which brings youth and agility that the secondary lacked in 2025. However, the second spot remains unfilled. Given the Bears' cap space situation, which is really no availability, they can’t look to free agency to get a quality option. This makes it a focus point heading into the draft. There is a very strong argument to be had that this is the team's greatest need heading into the draft. Unlike the left tackle position, you can not play it safe in the draft. You need to act aggressively to complete the secondary. With this in mind, it would be a surprise if the Bears do not bring in a safety in the first or second round.

Defensive Line

Once again, the defensive line needs major improvement. Last year in the draft, Chicago mostly ignored the position and only signed veterans in free agency. None of this worked out, and it left the team in just as bad a situation as they were last offseason. So far this offseason, they have only signed a few depth pieces, leaving the defensive line as a serious cause for concern in 2026. They need as much help as they can get, no matter if it is a tackle or an edge rusher.

While safety may be a bigger need as it is lacking a starter, there are at least other talented players in the secondary to make up for the gap. The defensive line does not have this luxury, as they are currently running back the same unit that has struggled to force any pressure in the pass game or disrupt the run game. It would be unwise if they decided to trust their current options, as they have just not proven anything over the past few seasons. The best scenario would be emphasizing the position and drafting multiple options. The defensive line should be very much on the table in the first round, and in all honesty, is likely the route that many fans hope they go.

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to be a critical one for the Bears. 2025 was one of their best seasons in a long time. However, the only thing harder than achieving success is sustaining it. If they wish to build on this past season, then they need to have a strong draft to strengthen their roster. Bringing in a wave of new talent will not only give them a spark this season but could build them into a fearsome team for years to come. Left tackle, safety, and defensive line are all likely areas the team will target this year. Regardless of the order, strengthening those three positions is crucial to Chicago's 2026 season.