Bears 7-round mock draft: How DJ Moore, Drew Dalman change things
· Yahoo Sports
The Chicago Bears have been making waves even before the start of free agency, where they've moved on from some notable players and now have some big holes to fill on the roster.
The Bears traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, while also sending a 2025 fifth rounder to Buffalo. Meanwhile, Chicago released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to free up $15 million in salary cap space. But the biggest shock was center Drew Dalman announcing his retirement after just five years in the NFL.
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With that in mind, there are some new holes for the Bears to fill this offseason, be it through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft. Here's our latest seven-round mock using PFF's mock draft simulator, which includes our latest projections following Moore's trade, Dalman's retirement and Edmunds' release.
Round 1, Pick 25: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Defensive tackle is arguably the team's biggest need this offseason, and given the lack of depth in the draft, the Bears will likely be forced to select one in the first round. Peter Woods is a disruptive defensive tackle that would elevate the defensive interior immediately alongside Gervon Dexter and veteran Grady Jarrett. Woods was a projected top-10 pick before last season, but his stock has fallen after an underwhelming 2025 season. That could wind up playing right into Chicago's favor as they land a powerful and explosive athlete to develop in the trenches.
Round 2, Pick 57: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
The Bears currently have no safeties under contract for 2026, which makes it a top need this offseason. While Chicago could re-sign Kevin Byard or Jaquan Brisker and/or add a veteran in free agency, there are some solid options in this draft class. A.J. Haulcy is a hard-hitting safety who would be the perfect fit in Dennis Allen's defense. With the Bears potentially losing their top ballhawks in Byard and cornerback Nahshon Wright, Haulcy would be able to fill that role with his penchant for takeaways while shoring up a key need in the secondary.
Round 2, Pick 60: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Before Drew Dalman's retirement, the Bears were already in the market for a starting left tackle after Ozzy Trapilo suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs in January and will miss most of the 2026 season. After trading Moore, Chicago lands another premium second-round pick that they can use at a big area of need, in this case left tackle. Caleb Tiernan, a four-year starter, brings versatility having played both left and right tackle. While he's strong in pass protection, and blocking at the second level, he needs to improve as a run blocker. The Bears believe Trapilo will return healthy, but it's never an idea to invest in a premium position.
Round 3, Pick 89: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
With Dalman's retirement, center has become one of the biggest needs of the offseason for Chicago. While the Bears would probably prefer to pair a veteran with quarterback Caleb Williams, there are some solid options in the draft with an eye on the future. Jake Slaughter has been praised for his football IQ, which is instrumental to the center position, and he's solid in pass protection. If Chicago signs a veteran like Tyler Biadasz to a short-term in free agency, Slaughter would have the opportunity to learn behind him and develop into Williams' center of the future.
Round 4, Pick 129: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
The Bears have parted ways with Tremaine Edmunds this offseason, which frees up $15 million in salary cap space. Depending on what Chicago does with free-agent D'Marco Jackson, linebacker is a big need to fill. T.J. Edwards, who signed an extension last April, is coming off a fractured fibula suffered in the wild-card playoffs, and the Bears need to find him a new running mate. Taurean York, a starter with the Aggies since his freshman year, is undersized at the position, which could allow him to fall to the fourth round and into the waiting arms of the Bears. York possesses the smarts and production, having played in the SEC, to develop into an impact player in the NFL.
Round 7, Pick 239: Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU
In this scenario, the Bears manage to land a veteran edge rusher to join Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker, which means they wait until later in the draft to add an edge rusher to develop. Ryan Poles has noted the depth of edge rusher in this class, which allows them to land a solid edge in Patrick Payton later in the draft. Payton, a three-year starter between Florida State and LSU, has good instincts, a strong motor and a high ceiling as a potential developmental edge in Dennis Allen's defense.
Round 7, Pick 241: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
The Bears were able to trade DJ Moore because of the young talent they have with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, but they're also going to have to fill out depth behind them. Ben Johnson is always looking to add young offensive talent, and Malik Benson could be a potential late-round steal. Benson possesses elite speed that makes him a real deep threat and another potential dangerous weapon in this Chicago offense. He also has experience returning punts, which would be beneficial if the Bears don't re-sign Devin Duvernay to lead the return game.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 7-round mock draft: How DJ Moore, Drew Dalman change things