Chicago Bears NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Ending Auburn's five-year first-rounder drought (since Derrick Brown and Noah Igbinoghene in 2020), Faulk has the potential to go much higher than this, but the Bears could be in the market for pass rush help next April, especially if Montez Sweat has another underwhelming season. (On a positive note, Sweat appears acutely focused on regaining his Pro Bowl form.) The long-limbed edge rusher has the frame (6'6" and 285 pounds), power and versatility to kick inside as well.

Chicago invested heavily in its offensive line this offseason, but Joe Thuney is scheduled to hit free agency a year from now. Jagusah gives them a cheaper, cost-controlled starter coming off what many hope would be a breakout year for Caleb Williams.

The Bears didn't address running back until the seventh round last week (Kyle Monangai), so they could be seeking D'Andre Swift's successor in 2026. Their 4.0 yards per rush tied for third worst in the NFL last season. Love was electric for the Irish in 2024, averaging 6.9 yards per carry (10th best in the FBS) en route to 1,125 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. He also had 237 receiving yards. He's an explosive strider, and his body control allows him to fit his 6-foot, 206-pound frame through coin-slot-sized running lanes.

Spurned by the Raiders for Ashton Jeanty, and later by the Patriots who took RB TreVeyon Henderson one pick before them in Round 2, the Bears go with the most bankable back from the 2026 class in Love (6-0, 206 pounds).

A lengthy, twitchy edge rusher, Faulk has a chance to keep building upon two quality seasons as a key member of the Tigers defense (seven sacks, 11 TFLs in 2024). If he lives up to his trajectory, he could be a nice answer for the Bears as they face a potential decision point with Montez Sweat and a more long-term answer beyond Dayo Odeyingbo.

Bain burst onto the scene as a true freshman two years ago for the Hurricanes and should again be among the ACC's top defensive players in 2025, if he stays healthy.

For years, NFL teams were hesitant to draft backs out of Notre Dame too early, as the Irish offensive lines were often so good. With Love, however, the tape is too good. His sharp lateral cuts and smooth acceleration make him a big-play threat even when the run blocking isn't there.

With a heavy focus on reworking their offense in recent years, the Bears haven't taken a defensive player in the first round since selecting Roquan Smith in 2018. That drought could come to an end with Overton, who offers inside-outside versatility at 6-5 and 280 pounds as both a stout run defender and emerging pass rusher.