So remember when I warned that the Chicago Bears’ draft priorities might not align with what fans and media think they are? SM was told that wide receiver was a position head coach Ben Johnson had higher on his board than people realize. He and others in Halas Hall felt the 2026 class was among the strongest of any group this year. It almost feels foolish not to take advantage while they can. However, it isn’t simple greed driving such thinking. Adam Hoge of CHGO pointed out another issue that has the Bears wary.
While they remain confident in their starting lineup ahead of next season, the team’s depth has taken a considerable hit over the past week.
The draft is loaded with wide receivers and this seems like a position Johnson might look to add every year in the draft. They also have a need at receiver as Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Jahdae Walker and Raymond are the only receivers who seem destined for the 53-man roster right now.
D.J. Moore was traded to Buffalo. Devin Duvernay signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Olamide Zaccheaus returned to the Atlanta Falcons. Most of the players who made up the bottom half of their depth chart are gone, while Moore was moved for salary cap purposes. Considering how much Rome Odunze struggled with health problems last year, it feels foolish not to address wide receiver in this draft.
The Chicago Bears already seem to be focused on specific names.
One they seem to like a lot is Germie Bernard from Alabama. That isn’t a surprise. He’s one of the draft’s best route-runners and also capable after the catch. Both are key for Johnson, since those traits work best in the slot. See Amon-Ra St. Brown. Another name gaining lots of traction is Omar Cooper. He had a breakout year for Oregon in 2025, going for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning a reputation for being a violent runner after the catch. On the other side is Chris Brazzell, who is also a sharp route runner but known more for his dangerous vertical speed. That, too, is something the Bears want more of.
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With four picks in the first three rounds, it isn’t a question of whether they grab a wide receiver. It is about when. We can rule out the 1st round. Poles and Johnson aren’t ignorant of the team’s more pressing needs on the defensive line and secondary. However, things get interesting in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. It isn’t crazy to think one of those players will be available in that range, or somebody else they like. For all the talk about protection, it’s also vital to keep Caleb armed with weapons in the passing game.
The Bears already know the value of striking on a deep class.
Recent history proves it. The last class widely considered really deep ahead of the draft was 2020. That was the year of Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Tee Higgins, Jerry Jeudy, and Brandon Aiyuk. It was also the year the Chicago Bears snagged Darnell Mooney in the 5th round. There is a clear incentive to dabble in a strong position group even if said position might not be high on the priority list. We saw that last year when the Bears took Colston Loveland in the 1st round, capitalizing on a strong tight end group.
It appears they are ready and willing to do so again at wide receiver. What isn’t yet clear is what their options will be. Unlike last year, they aren’t picking near the top of the 2nd round. They hold picks #57 and #60. That makes things more challenging. Still, those spots have proven fruitful in the past.
- Devin Hester (57th)
- Golden Tate (60th)
- Torrey Smith (58th)
- Mark Carrier (57th)
- Ricky Proehl (58th)
Evaluation and scheme fit will be paramount, and Johnson has demonstrated an ability to identify both. Much will depend on how the board falls. We saw what happened with the running backs last year. Maybe things will be more generous to the Bears this time.
