It’s officially draft day for the Chicago Bears and phase two of getting some kind of NFL football back. It follows free agency and is the kicker for the schedule release, rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp. Whether your team made a deep run in the playoffs or were eliminated at the start of December, the NFL draft is a unified experience everyone tunes into.

The Bears have four picks in the top 89 and are set to reload their defense and possibly address the hole at left tackle and find their center of the future. Chicago is in a spot this year to move around the draft, and at No. 25, with two selections in the second round, could leverage it for even more capital later in the draft, but it comes down to how the board falls and who is the best available.

At pick No. 25, Chicago needs immediate impact, whether it’s at edge rusher or left tackle. It would be ideal for that player to be a Week 1 contributor. With that said, here is my final Bears seven-round mock draft, which features multiple trades and shoring up holes on defense.

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsOct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY SportsNov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsSep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY SportsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsCaleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY SportsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsSep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsNov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesOct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The BearNov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY SportsDec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn ImagesJan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY SportsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsNov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY SportsJan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsOct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY SportsNov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsSep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORKOct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORKAug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY SportsSep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY SportsDec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY SportsSep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORTSep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports1 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsUnknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports1 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsUnknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports2 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports3 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports4 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports5 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports6 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsCaleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.7 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsUnknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports8 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports9 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports10 / 30Best Chicago Bears draft pick from every year since 2016Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images11 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports12 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear13 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports14 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images15 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports16 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports17 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports18 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports19 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports20 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports21 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports22 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports23 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK24 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK25 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsAug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports26 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports27 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports28 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss29 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT30 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsRound 1, Pick 25: T.J. Parker, EDGE, ClemsonAs much as I want the Bears to take Akheem Mesidor, I don’t see him falling to No. 25, and so I pivot to T.J. Parker, who has the power and length that many other edge rushers in the class don't have. He has a long-arm rush that has posted devastation to tackles and can drive blockers back. He is still young at just 21 years old and has lots of room to develop, but on the Bears, Parker will see multiple reps and compete for the starting spot opposite Montez Sweat, he fills a need that Chicago does have. But a left tackle could be in play. Players like Kaydn Proctor or Caleb Lomu could be an option, especially if Chicago feels Austin Booker can take that next step.

With his speed and versatility, Treydan Stukes would fill a massive hole for the Bears on the back end of the defense. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash and is 6-foot-6. Stukes has the speed and range to play over the top and has taken several snaps at the slot and corner position. He was my pick for the Bears at pick in the first mock, and he’s my pick again. Right now, the Bears only have Coby Bryant and Elijah Hicks on the roster as safeties who should make the roster. Chicago needs to come away in this draft with a starting safety to fill that void.

Keionte Scott came in for a top-30 visit with the Bears, and obviously, Chicago likes what he could potentially bring. His draft stock is rising, but Scott would fit the Bears scheme the best. This is a pick that could set the Bears up for the future, and sure, it's not an immediate need, but if drafted, he will see the field in his rookie season. Scott can play cornerback from the slot and, at times, even line up in the WILL linebacker spot. He’s a tackling machine and a willing blitzer. He can sniff out runs, but does need to work on his ball skills. Scott is twitchy, has good feet, and a change of direction allows him to get to the ball. With how unavailable Kyler Gordon was last season for Chicago, they want to make sure that if that’s the case again, a player like Scott could provide depth in that role. Scott had 64 tackles last season, 5.0 sacks, two interceptions returned for touchdowns, two forced fumbles, and 13.0 tackles for loss.

Chicago makes their first trade of this mock, moving up to land a player who's been a popular mock to the team. All signs point to this pairing of the Bears and Sam Hecht, and with one year left on Garrett Bradbury's current contract, Chicago needs to find their center of the future. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar attended the Kansas State pro day and built a relationship with Hecht. He’s fluid and smooth with his hands and feet, and can pull with lateral quickness and athleticism.​

Jaboki Lane, at 6-foot-4 with 10 ½ inch hands, has elite length and ball skills and is poised to be a red zone threat. He has good catch focus and glides in his route running. He would fit well in Chicago against zone coverage, who can find the pockets and slip tackles, and has the deep ball catch ability. Lane works the sideline well and can make catches in traffic​. Lane also played with Caleb Williams in 2023 and has the previous chemistry.

Kaleb Proctor is 6-foot-2, 291 pounds with room to add on weight, but is a playmaker on the defensive line. He’s more of a rusher on the defensive line with a quick first step. In Chicago, Proctor can find the gaps and mismatches against guards in the Bears' 4-3 front. He had a PFF defensive pass-rush grade of 90.4, ranked 3rd among 887 qualified interior defensive linemen, and a 74.2 grade against the run.

It always seems like a good move to try and take a chance on a running back in the later rounds, and Chip Trayanum, who started at Arizona State, then went to Ohio State, Kentucky, and ended up at Toledo, could be another seventh-round gem like Kyle Monangai last year. Trayanum is a punishing back with good balance and drives his feet. He lacks the needed elusiveness, but is a good pass catcher, a willing pass blocker, and did contribute to special teams at OSU.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Final Bears 7-round mock draft: Multiple trades, defensive moves