2026 NFL Draft: 10 prospects who will rank high on Bears’ early season Big Board

The 2025 college football season kicks off in just a few weeks, and with it comes the full-time 2026 NFL draft scouting circuit.

While draft narratives are certain to change between late-August and next April, there are a few constants that generally remain. In other words, players who are considered blue-chip prospects in August usually maintain their first-round grade throughout the process, barring a serious injury or off-field concern.

When it comes to the Chicago Bears and their 2026 NFL draft wish list, it goes without saying that that, too, is subject to change. Most notably, next year’s free agency period will fill many in-season and pre-draft weaknesses, leaving GM Ryan Poles the flexibility to do something like he did in 2025, when he snagged Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round.

Still, the Bears won’t fill all of their needs through trades or free agents. The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will remain critically important in this first lap through the Ben Johnson era.

Here are 10 first-round worthy prospects who you can bet the Chicago Bears are keeping a close eye on in the early stages of the 2025 college football season.

And remember: BearsTalk is leveling up our NFL Draft coverage this year. We’ll be the premier destination for Bears fans to study the 2026 NFL Draft class via scouting reports, mock drafts, big boards, and more.

Make sure you sign up to become a Premium BearsTalker to unlock all of our coverage. It’s only $3 per month, and it’ll be well worth it.

* denotes underclassman

Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State*

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*

T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*

Peter Woods, DL, Clemson*

LT Overton, Edge, Alabama

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*

Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU*

Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon*

R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma