The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Chicago Bears, the biggest need is an obvious one: Edge rusher. Safety Coby Bryant was the type of player Chicago's secondary needed, especially after the departures of DBs Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens, but the Bears' ability to rush the passer is still a weakness.
Chicago ranked second to last in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN. MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL DraftHere's everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster: Chicago Bears NFL draft best prospect fit: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly: Chicago lost Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard in free agency from their NFC North-winning defense. Both were key contributors.
Coby Bryant was a solid signing but the need is still pretty glaring at the safety spot. McNeil-Warren is a long, fast safety with a thumping presence in the running game. Pairing him with an experienced player like Bryant could help him get up to speed.
NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every teamChicago Bears NFL draft trade candidate: QB Tyson Bagent Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy: Bagent, the Bears' backup quarterback, was the subject of trade rumors during the NFL combine in February, during which Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he believes Bagent is a top-32 quarterback in the NFL. If another team feels the same way, the former undrafted free agent could be on the move come draft night. MORE: One player for all 32 teams who could be traded during the NFL draftChicago Bears NFL draft picks by round Round 1 No. 25 (1.25) Round 2 No. 57 (2.25) No. 60 (2.28) from Bills Round 3 No. 89 (3.25) Round 4 No. 129 (4.29) from Rams Round 5 None Round 6 None Round 7 No. 239 (7.23) from Eagles via Jaguars and Browns No. 241 (7.25) All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, team needs, trade candidates