Chicago Bears Address Major Needs in Perfect 3-Round Joint Mock Draft from ESPN

Mel Kiper and Field Yates were two of the analysts to take part in a joint mock draft that went perfectly for the Chicago Bears.

The 50th anniversary of the draft selection of Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears still have some needs to address ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft and a new mock draft from four ESPN analysts takes care of a lot of them.

Four of those needs come at defensive tackle, edge rusher, safety and linebacker.

Chicago needs more help on the interior, and specifically a player who can upgrade the run defense while also providing a strong interior rusher.

At linebacker, the Bears signed Devin Bush, but they cut Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards is returning from a serious injury.

The safety position also saw significant losses this offseason, with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker departing in free agency.

Then, there's edge rusher, where the Bears have question marks opposite Montez Sweat. Dayo Odeyingbo struggled last season and is also coming back from a torn Achilles.

Bears' picks in joint ESPN mock draft

Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In a joint three-round mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper, Field Yates, Matt Miller and Jordan Reid, Chicago's picks went like this:

• Round 1: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

• Round 2: EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

• Round 2: S/LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh

• Round 3: WR Antonio Williams, Clemson

Why this Bears mock is perfect

Penn State defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Talking about checking several boxes.

Woods certainly has kinks to work out in his game, but his college tape shows a player with plenty of potential as both an interior pass rusher and run defender.

Dennis-Sutton was a menace for Penn State the past two seasons after tallying 8.5 sacks in each and a combined 25 tackles for loss. He also showed he can play the run with a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 77.1.

At 6-foot, 220 pounds, and with his 4.53 speed, it's believed that Louis could play a hybrid at the next level, and we know the Bears need help at safety and linebacker.

Even if he just sticks with one position, Louis, who posted PFF grades of 70 or higher as a pass rusher, run defender and in coverage, makes sense for Chicago.

Last but not least, we have Williams.

Clemson wideout Antonio Williams. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sure, the Bears don't have a dire need at wide receiver, but the position is still a need after the DJ Moore trade.

The jury is still out on Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, even though both have shown immense promise.

Chicago also does not have great depth at the position, with guys like Jadhae Walker and Kalif Raymond jockeying for WR3 snaps, and we know the latter is only on a one-year deal.

The 5-foot-11 wide receiver brings 4.41 speed and offers some versatility, although he will spend most of his time in the slot.

If the Bears can come away with this haul in the 2026 NFL Draft, it will have been a successful one for general manager Ryan Poles.