With the NFL Draft just one week away, we reviewed a dozen mock drafts that were updated this week to see who pro football analysts are projecting the Bears will select with the 25th pick in the first round.
Mike Band, NFL.com (April 15)
Pick: Missouri edge rusher Zion Young
Comment: With Dennis Allen reshaping the defense, this feels like a spot where Chicago can lean into a clear coordinator profile: big, long and strong off the edge. Young checks those boxes at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds with 33-inch arms, giving the Bears a physical base end who can set the edge opposite Montez Sweat while still offering pass-rush upside to justify the pick.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic (April 14)
Pick: Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker
Comment: The Bears have the edge rushers to line up today and play competitive football, but they would love to add another talented pass rusher to their rotation. Parker didn't quite have the 2025 season many expected, but his motor and leveraged power led to disruption against the pass and run.
Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports (April 16)
Pick: Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker
Comment: His well-rounded skill set would boost the Bears' defensive front against both the run and pass, and he's a pro-ready prospect who should make an instant impact for a playoff contender.
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports (April 15)
Pick: Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman
Comment: The Bears have addressed a lot of needs on their defense this offseason, but there are still question marks at safety and in the pass rush. The top edge rushers are gone. The top safety isn't, until now.
Emory Hunt, CBS Sports (April 14)
Pick: Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano
Comment: With experience at both tackle spots, Fano gives the Bears valuable flexibility up front. I envision him kicking inside and potentially becoming their future center.
Vinny Iyer, The Sporting News (April 15)
Pick: Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk
Comment: The Bears have been attached to Faulk as a big complementary pass rusher to Montez Sweat since early in the draft process. His powerful style plays well as a No. 2 end for Dennis Allen.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (April 15)
Pick: Missouri edge rusher Zion Young
Comment: The Bears' attempts to give Montez Sweat a running mate off the edge have fallen short, but Young could finally be the answer. He piled up 6.5 sacks, 46 pressures and 18 tackles for loss last season, showing a mix of power and quickness. The Bears are suddenly legit contenders in the NFC, but their 35 sacks last season tied for seventh fewest in the league. I mentioned this in my last mock draft -- in which I also had Young to Chicago -- but it's worth repeating: The Bears haven't used a top-50 pick on an edge rusher since Leonard Floyd went ninth in 2016.
Jack McKessy, USA Today (April 14)
Pick: Missouri edge rusher Zion Young at No. 26 via trade with Bills
Comment: While Chicago could use safety help with so many departures there in free agency, as well as offensive line assistance with the uncertainty surrounding Ozzy Trapilo's injury, edge rusher is also a valid area of concern and need. ESPN reported that Young is a "popular name in Chicago," and GM Ryan Poles might pull the trigger on a young pass-rusher that fits DC Dennis Allen's scheme.
James Meche, ESPN (April 15)
Pick: Missouri edge rusher Zion Young
Comment: Chicago could use another interior defensive lineman, but the Bears could also use another pass rusher. Young brought it for Mizzou last season and could be the number one option for them soon after Montez Sweat leaves.
Ayrton Ostly, USA Today (April 16)
Pick: Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Comment: McNeil-Warren is the latest Toledo standout in the secondary to hit the draft. At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, he dishes out hits in run defense with solid ball skills as well in coverage with the frame to take on myriad assignments.
Adam Rank, NFL.com (April 14)
Pick: Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor
Comment: Ozzy Trapilo's going to be out of the picture for some time while recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon, and Chicago cannot go into next season with Braxton Jones and Jedrick Wills as the only options at left tackle. Kadyn is the sensible pick right here.
Geoff Schwartz, Fox Sports (April 15)
Pick: Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman
Comment: Thieneman's a dual-threat safety who's willing to play in the box to tackle, which means the Bears can use him in different roles.
