ESPN analyst urges Bears to be patient in 2026 NFL Draft for 2 reasons

ESPN analyst urges Bears to be patient in 2026 NFL Draft for 2 reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Chicago Bears own the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With their first pick down the board a bit, the Bears are going to miss out on a few key players. Of course, it's due to the Bears making a playoff run, so this is a good problem to have. But what should the Bears do with the 25th pick a bit down the board?

ESPN analyst Ben Solak is urging the Bears to do something that might not be exciting, but is the right move: stick and pick at No. 25. However, if a player is falling down the board, a trade-up could be in the cards.

Bears urged to stand pat at No. 25 unless a player falls "A lot of positions could use a developmental starter, so let the board fall to you - unless a splash player at defensive tackle or edge rusher is gettable," Solak writes. Coming into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears desperately need more help at edge rusher and defensive tackle.