Bears make stunning first-round choice in new 2026 NFL mock draft

The Chicago Bears’ 2025 NFL season has been better than even the most die-hard fan could’ve expected. Ben Johnson has led this team to an 8-3 record and first place in the NFC North as Week 13’s clash against the Philadelphia Eagles approaches.

It’s why most Bears fans haven’t paid much — if any — attention to the 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s refreshing to finally be here; to be a fan of a team that doesn’t live on Tankathon every Monday morning, or who isn’t patiently waiting for the next Mel Kiper mock draft to emerge.

Instead, the Bears are squarely in the 2025 NFL playoff mix, while some of sports media’s most popular talking heads, like Pat McAfee, are beginning to believe in this team.

Still, some 2026 NFL mock drafts are too bizarre to ignore, like the latest from CBS Sports.

In this first-round mock, the Bears, who pick 26th in Round 1, snag Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell.

Yes, two years removed from selecting Rome Odunze in Round 1, and one season after selecting Luther Burden III in Round 2, this mock draft has the Bears going back to the position group for their first pick in 2026.

“Bell is an explosive, big-bodied receiver who presents matchup issues wherever he aligns,” CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer wrote. “He’s a high-upside player who would be a national name if he were in an offense that funneled him the ball more consistently.”

Don’t bet on the Bears taking a wide receiver 2026 first round

There’s no doubt Bell is a quality prospect who deserves first-round consideration. However, there’s also no doubt that the Bears won’t select a pass-catcher in the first round.

Instead, the Chicago Bears and GM Ryan Poles are more likely to focus on the defense. Specifically, I’d expect the Bears to target an edge rusher in the first round.

It’s rare for a top-tier edge rushing prospect to fall down to the late-20s in the first round, but mock drafters should be forewarned: Don’t send the Bears a wide receiver.

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