Bears Solidify 2026 NFL Draft Order After Playoff Elimination

The Chicago Bears have officially solidified their position for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft following their recent playoff elimination. As they move forward, the focus will increasingly shift to strengthening their roster. Head Coach Ben Johnson and his staff are eager to build on the promise shown in the 2025 season.

Upcoming NFL Offseason Events

This offseason is crucial for the Bears, particularly with significant dates approaching. NFL Free Agency will kick off on March 11, with the early negotiation period beginning on March 9. These events will provide a vital opportunity for the Bears to enhance their roster.

2026 NFL Draft Details

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25. With the Bears exiting the playoffs, they will select 25th in the first round. The exact draft order will be finalized once the NFL announces compensatory picks.

2026 NFL Draft Order

Below is the current order for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft:

• 1) Las Vegas Raiders: 3-14, strength of schedule .538
• 2) New York Jets: 3-14, strength of schedule .552
• 3) Arizona Cardinals: 3-14, strength of schedule .571
• 4) Tennessee Titans: 3-14, strength of schedule .574
• 5) New York Giants: 4-13, strength of schedule .524
• 6) Cleveland Browns: 5-12, strength of schedule .486
• 7) Washington Commanders: 5-12, strength of schedule .507
• 8) New Orleans Saints: 6-11, strength of schedule .495
• 9) Kansas City Chiefs: 6-11, strength of schedule .514
• 10) Cincinnati Bengals: 6-11, strength of schedule .521
• 11) Miami Dolphins: 7-10, strength of schedule .488
• 12) Dallas Cowboys: 7-9-1, strength of schedule .438
• 13) Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): 8-9, strength of schedule .495
• 14) Baltimore Ravens: 8-9, strength of schedule .507
• 15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-9, strength of schedule .529
• 16) New York Jets (from Indianapolis): 8-9, strength of schedule .540
• 17) Detroit Lions: 9-8, strength of schedule .490
• 18) Minnesota Vikings: 9-8, strength of schedule .514
• 19) Carolina Panthers: 8-9, strength of schedule .522
• 20) Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): 9-7-1, strength of schedule .483
• 21) Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-7, strength of schedule .503
• 22) Los Angeles Chargers: 11-6, strength of schedule .458
• 23) Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6, strength of schedule .476
• 24) Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): 13-4, strength of schedule .478
• 25) Chicago Bears: 11-6, strength of schedule .458
• 26) Buffalo Bills: 12-5, strength of schedule .471
• 27) San Francisco 49ers: 12-5, strength of schedule .498
• 28) Houston Texans: 12-5, strength of schedule .522
• 29/30) Loser of Conference Championship Games
• 31) Super Bowl Runner-Up
• 32) Super Bowl Champion

This draft will be pivotal for the Bears as they aim to enhance their competitive edge in the league.