Sportsvival is fully locked in on the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Bears are one of the more interesting teams picking in the back half of Round 1. Chicago has been active this offseason, adding offensive line help, secondary depth, and rotational front-seven pieces, while also making a major trade that brought in extra draft capital. But even with those moves, this roster still has some clear holes as the Bears head toward pick No. 25.
The biggest takeaway from the Bears’ offseason so far is that they have added bodies, competition, and flexibility, but they have not completely erased their biggest questions. Trading away DJ Moore, losing Drew Dalman to retirement, and moving on from Tremaine Edmunds changed the shape of the roster. Chicago has patched spots, but there is still room for one more impact starter in the first round.
Offseason signings and additions
Chicago added OL Garrett Bradbury via trade from New England and also acquired a 2026 second-round pick from Buffalo in the deal that sent DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-rounder to the Bills. The Bears also signed DB Coby Bryant, LB Devin Bush, DT Neville Gallimore, WR/KR Kalif Raymond, OT Jedrick Wills Jr., DB Cam Lewis, DL Kentavius Street, LB Jack Sanborn, and DL James Lynch.
Chicago also kept several of its own pieces by re-signing Braxton Jones, Jaylon Jones, Daniel Hardy, Elijah Hicks, D’Marco Jackson, Case Keenum, Jordan McFadden, and Theo Benedet. That gives the Bears more depth and more internal competition, especially on the offensive line and in the secondary.
Offseason departures
The biggest confirmed departure was DJ Moore, who was traded to Buffalo as part of Chicago’s move to add another second-round pick. The Bears also released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, while center Drew Dalman was placed on Reserve/Retired.
Top 3 Bears needs
1. Defensive tackle
Even after signing Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch, the middle of the defensive front still looks like a place Chicago can upgrade. The Bears’ own free-agent tracker listed Andrew Billings among their unsigned free agents, and outside evaluation of the Gallimore addition still framed defensive tackle as a significant need. That tells you Chicago has added depth here, but not necessarily solved the position.
2. Wide receiver
Trading away DJ Moore is a massive change for this offense. Kalif Raymond brings speed and return value, but Chicago still looks like a team that could use another legitimate target with size, ball skills, and starting upside. That becomes even more important for a roster trying to keep its offense explosive.
3. Offensive tackle / offensive line
Ryan Poles said the left tackle job is wide open, and the Bears expect Ozzy Trapilo’s knee injury to sideline him for most of the 2026 season. Chicago added Jedrick Wills Jr., re-signed Braxton Jones, and traded for Garrett Bradbury after Dalman’s retirement, but that still feels more like competition than certainty. Offensive line remains a spot Chicago can keep addressing.
Sportsvival’s pick at No. 25: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Peter Woods makes too much sense here.
Sportsvival sees Woods as the kind of first-round defensive tackle who can change the tone of a front. He brings power, quickness, and the kind of disruptive presence that can help against the run on early downs and still push the pocket on passing downs. For a Bears team that added rotational defensive line pieces in free agency but still needs a true interior difference-maker, Woods fits the board and fits the roster.
At No. 25, Chicago does not have to reach. It can stay patient and take the best value at one of its biggest needs. Peter Woods gives the Bears a strong, high-upside answer in the middle of the defense and feels like the kind of pick that could pay off quickly.
If the Bears go this route, Chicago leaves the first round with a tougher defensive front and a clearer identity up front, which is exactly what this roster still needs most.