Free agency revealed the Chicago Bears’ biggest remaining need, and mock drafts now overwhelmingly project Clemson DT Peter Woods as their first round target.

GM Ryan Poles argued at the NFL combine that the Chicago Bears deserved comp picks under the Rooney Rule, but the league disagreed.

After the Bears’ early free agency moves, Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman is emerging as a logical first-round target for Chicago at No. 25 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The NFL uses a secret formula to calculate which comp picks go to which teams, but Over The Cap has largely figured it out. It’s based heavily on the average salaries of all qualifying free agents, though individual honors and playing time also factor.

The NFL awarded its compensatory picks for the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Chicago Bears did not receive compensation for losing Ian Cunningham.

The Chicago Bears defensive additions in free agency hint at the player they could select with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.