Bear Digest

Chicago Bears land intriguing pick in post-Divisional Round 2026 NFL mock draft

A post-Divisional Round mock draft provides insight into how the Bears may approach pick No. 25 this spring.
Bryan Perez|
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

In this story:

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears' 2025 season is over following their heartbreaking overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.

And while Bears Nation is mourning the end of another year, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate what was a remarkable first year in the Ben Johnson era. The Bears won 11 games, the NFC North crown, and were the No. 2 seed in the conference.

But if Chicago is going to make a sprint to the Super Bowl in 2026, they'll need to address areas of weakness on their defense.

MORE: Caleb Williams reveals what he saw on Bears’ jaw-dropping TD to Cole Kmet

Enter Pro Football Focus, and their latest 2026 NFL Mock draft.

The Bears are locked into the 25th pick, and with that selection, PFF has GM Ryan Poles attacking the defensive line, adding Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller.

"The Bears could benefit from some reinforcements against the run, and Miller should be able to make an impact in that regard from day one," PFF's Gordn McGuinness wrote. "He earned a 90.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025. While his 70.0 PFF pass-rush grade is far from bad, he will likely be most valuable in the run game as an NFL player."

Miller's draft profile fits what the Chicago Bears are expected to look for thisoffseason. His elite run-defense grade places him among the most effective interior run defenders in college football, which Dennis Allen's defense could certainly use.

MORE: Winners and losers from Chicago Bears' dramatic Divisional Round loss to Rams

While not a dominant pass rusher, Miller is at least competent. Remember: the Bears are picking much later in the first round than they're used to. The blue-chip prospects will be long gone by No. 25, making guys like Miller -- an elite run defender with some pass-rush upside -- a great fit.

Miller's leverage, play strength and gap discipline allow him to control offensive linemen and keep linebackers clean. Tremaine Edmunds would love this pick.

If a mock draft projection like this holds, Christen Miller wouldn't arrive in Chicago with the usual top-10 pick fanfare. Yet, he'd have a clearly defined purpose for a Chicago Bears team looking to close the gap between making the playoffs and getting to the Super Bowl.

More Chicago Bears News

Sign Up For the Bears Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Chicago Bears Newsletter

Published
Bryan Perez
BRYAN PEREZ

Bryan Perez founded and operated Bears Talk, a Chicago sports blog. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.

Home/News