CHICAGO — The honeymoon phase for Ben Johnson is over. After a surprising 2025 NFC North title and a narrow playoff exit against Los Angeles, the Chicago Bears front office stayed surprisingly quiet during the first week of free agency. Aside from adding Coby Bryant to the secondary, GM Ryan Poles focused on depth pieces like Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street, leaving massive holes at wide receiver and defensive tackle. With the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the pressure to find an immediate starter has never been higher.
The Wide Receiver Dilemma: Replacing DJ Moore
The trade that sent DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills left a gaping hole in Chicago’s passing attack. Analysts are split on whether Johnson will prioritize a slot specialist or a vertical threat to pair with the remaining core. Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana is the hot name in some circles, coming off a 13-touchdown season for the national champions. He ran a blistering 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the combine, though his lack of interest in run blocking might sour the “HITS” principle that still lingers in Halas Hall.
If the Bears want versatility, Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State is the more polished fit. Despite missing time with hamstring issues, Tyson put up 711 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in just nine games last year. He has the 6-foot-2 frame to win jump balls and the technical savvy to master Johnson’s complex route trees. The only question is if his medical file allows him to stay on the board until pick 25.
Beefing Up the Interior: Peter Woods is the Popular Choice
Chicago hasn’t had a consistent interior disruptor since the early days of the rebuild. With Gervon Dexter subject to trade rumors and Grady Jarrett entering the twilight of his career, Peter Woods is the name gaining the most steam. The Clemson product is an explosive athlete who clocked a 4.75 40-yard dash at nearly 300 pounds. Scouts frequently compare him to Christian Wilkins, citing his lower-body power as a tool that could immediately revitalize Chicago’s interior pass rush.
- Zion Young (Missouri): A 6-foot-6 physical specimen who would provide an immediate upgrade to the run defense opposite Montez Sweat.
- Akheem Mesidor (Miami): A high-motor rusher with 12.5 sacks in 2025. At 25 years old, he is a “win-now” prospect for a team that thinks they are one piece away.
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo): The “Peanut Punch” heir apparent. With 10 career forced fumbles, he is a turnover machine that would thrive in the Chicago secondary.
“We know what the expectations are now. Last year wasn’t a fluke; it was the floor. We need guys who come in and understand that the North belongs to us, and we aren’t giving it back without a fight.”
— Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The Bears are currently in a “contender’s vacuum.” They have the coaching staff and the quarterback to win the division, but the roster depth is thinner than it was twelve months ago. If Poles misses on this first-round pick, the Bears risk falling behind a Detroit team that just re-signed Penei Sewell or a Green Bay squad that found its rhythm late last year. The draft on April 23rd won’t just be about potential; it will be about securing the 2026 playoff window before it slams shut.
