Bears in fantastic &#39;win-win&#39; situation at 25th overall in 2026 NFL Draft

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Bears in fantastic 'win-win' situation at 25th overall in 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears made the playoffs for the first time in a while, and in turn, their draft pick took a trip down the order. Selecting 25th overall, there will be 24 players taken before the Bears get a chance to take a rookie.

While picking later in the draft isn't ideal, the trade-off of a playoff win makes this draft slot worth it. And for the Bears, it actually might not be a bad draft slot.

As Dan Parr of NFL.com shared, NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah called the Bears at 25th overall a "win-win" situation. Jeremiah believes that no matter who makes it there, the Bears will be in a good spot.

How Bears are in 'win-win' situation at 25th overall

"They're in a good spot," Jeremiah said. "There are some years where you look at your needs and where you're picking, and you go 'Oh, crap, we better move one way or another.' I think they can just sit right where they are and see how it falls."

While Jeremiah can say this, how would it actually work out in practice? At 25th overall, 24 players will be taken before them. With Fernando Mendoza going 1st overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Bears have 23 players they could use that'll go ahead of them.

However, there's a good reason why Jeremiah believes the Bears are in a good situation picking 25th overall. With their two biggest needs being offensive line help and pass rusher help, the Bears are set up well.

Jeremiah believes that one of the best tackles in Monroe Freeling, Max Iheanachor, Caleb Lomu, Blake Miller, and/or Kaydn Proctor will make it to 25th overall.

More: Bears insider reveals two things Caleb Williams needs to improve upon this offseason

And for pass rushers, Jeremiah believes one of Keldric Faulk, Cashius Howell, Akheem Mesidor, T.J. Parker, R Mason Thomas, or Zion Young will be available at their pick.

Being able to land one of those players at 25th overall would be nice. While the Bears and fans will have their favorites of these players, at least one will likely make it to them at 25th overall.

There are too many other players at other positions that will go ahead of the Bears' draft slot. And with the best pass rushers and offensive tackles set to go early, the Bears are almost assuredly going to have a few of these options available at 25th overall.

While the Bears are picking 25th overall, they should have their choice of a pass rusher or offensive lineman this year. It's a good time for the Bears to have their specific needs and to be picking 25th overall.

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