As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears are focused on building a roster capable of contending in Head Coach Ben Johnson's second year. While the offseason has seen some key departures, the team holds valuable draft capital to address its needs.

The cornerback position is a fascinating storyline for the Bears heading into the draft. The 2025 season was derailed by injuries to the top of the depth chart, with former Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson and nickel back Kyler Gordon missing significant time. Their absences exposed the secondary, though it did create an opportunity for Nahshon Wright to emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player before departing in free agency.

This leaves Chicago with important questions in the defensive backfield. Johnson and Gordon are both looking to bounce back to their previous form and prove they can stay healthy. Meanwhile, the team must evaluate if Tyrique Stevenson, who stepped into a starting role amid the injuries, has solidified himself as a long-term solution on the outside after a challenging 2024 campaign.

With four selections in the top 89 picks, including a pair in the second round, the Bears are in an excellent position to add talent and depth to the cornerback room. Finding a player who can contribute immediately, whether as a starter or a key rotational piece, will be crucial for a defense aiming to take the next step. The development of this unit will be a key factor in Chicago's success as they look to compete in a tough NFC North.