{"url":"https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/21/brad-biggs-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears/","title":"Biggs' mock draft eyes Bears' No. 25 direction","domain":"chicagotribune.com","imageUrl":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/27623565/pexels-photo-27623565.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","pexelsSearchTerm":"NFL draft board","category":"Sports","language":"en","slug":"f307e97f","id":"f307e97f-4b4b-46d0-b4dc-0764629c4f6a","description":"Biggs' Mock 3.0: Brad Biggs' third NFL mock draft projects Chicago Bears' options at No. 25 pick ahead of the 2026 draft starting Thursday.","summary":"## TL;DR\n- **Biggs' Mock 3.0:** Brad Biggs' third NFL mock draft projects Chicago Bears' options at No. 25 pick ahead of the 2026 draft starting Thursday.\n- **Bears' Pick Focus:** Bears hold the No. 25 spot with needs at edge rusher and safety after free agency moves.\n- **Draft Strategy:** Article stresses Bears require multiple defensive options as top prospects may be gone by late first round.[[1]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/21/brad-biggs-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears/)[[2]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/21/brad-biggs-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears)\n\n## The story at a glance\nChicago Tribune Bears reporter Brad Biggs released his third mock draft for the 2026 NFL draft, focusing on the Bears' No. 25 pick in the first round. The piece examines directions the team might take amid needs on defense under GM Ryan Poles. It comes one day before the draft begins Thursday in a year the Bears pick late in Round 1 after a strong season. Bears have four picks in the top 89 selections.[[3]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/brad-biggs)[[1]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/21/brad-biggs-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears/)\n\n## Key points\n- Bears pick at No. 25 overall in Round 1, near the end of the first round.\n- Primary needs include edge rusher for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme and possibly safety.\n- Biggs notes the team will need a \"wide menu\" of options as elite prospects often go early.\n- Previous mocks by Biggs had Bears taking Auburn DE Keldric Faulk (6-6, 276 pounds) at No. 25 in version 2.0, citing fit next to Montez Sweat.[[4]](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bears-select-no-25-pick-093000023.html)\n- Mock 1.0 projected Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to pair with Coby Bryant.\n- Recent radio appearance had Biggs stressing defensive line priority over safety.\n- Bears finished strong enough for NFC North champion status and No. 25 slot.[[5]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/15/chicago-bears-mailbag-nfl-draft-25th-pick)\n\n## Details and context\nThe article is paywalled beyond headline, byline, and short intro, so details draw from Biggs' prior mocks and related coverage by the same author. In mock 2.0 (April 10), Biggs sent Faulk to Bears, praising his size, fluidity, youth (turns 21 in September), and upside despite modest college sack totals.[[4]](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bears-select-no-25-pick-093000023.html) A follow-up Q&A addressed fan concerns on Faulk's production.\n\nBiggs shifted emphasis to defensive line in recent comments, saying Bears \"got to continue to focus\" there rather than safety, which can be found later.[[6]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5CC0puVvNg) Mock 3.0 likely updates based on final pre-draft buzz, trades, and visits.\n\nBears enter with picks at No. 25, and three more in top 89 (Rounds 2-3), giving flexibility but late timing in Round 1 limits top talent pool.\n\n## Key quotes\n\"They got to continue to focus on the defensive line.\" — Brad Biggs on Mully & Haugh Show, explaining preference for edge over safety at No. 25.[[6]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5CC0puVvNg)\n\n## Why it matters\nA late first-round pick forces Bears to balance best player available with scheme fits on a defense needing pass rush help alongside Montez Sweat. Fans and GM Poles gain insight into realistic targets from a plugged-in reporter as draft nears. Watch for Bears trades or surprises Thursday night, though Biggs sees staying put likely if value aligns.\n\n## FAQ\nQ: What are the Bears' biggest needs at No. 25?\nA: Edge rusher stands out for Dennis Allen's defense, with safety as another option to pair with Coby Bryant. Biggs highlights edge as priority in recent mocks and comments due to scarcity.\n\nQ: Who did Biggs mock to Bears in prior versions?\nA: Mock 2.0 had Auburn DE Keldric Faulk at No. 25 for his size matching Montez Sweat and untapped potential. Mock 1.0 projected Oregon S Dillon Thieneman.\n\nQ: Why a wide menu for Bears' pick?\nA: Top prospects often exit early in Round 1, leaving fewer elites by No. 25, so Bears prepare options across defense.\n\nQ: When does the 2026 NFL draft start?\nA: Thursday night for Round 1, with Bears on the clock near the end.","hashtags":["#nfl","#bears","#draft","#chicago","#sports","#football"],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/21/brad-biggs-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears/","title":"Original article"},{"url":"https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/brad-biggs","title":""},{"url":"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bears-select-no-25-pick-093000023.html","title":""},{"url":"https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/15/chicago-bears-mailbag-nfl-draft-25th-pick","title":""},{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5CC0puVvNg","title":""}],"viewCount":2,"publishedAt":"2026-04-21T13:15:12.472Z","createdAt":"2026-04-21T13:15:12.472Z","articlePublishedAt":"2026-04-21T11:00:42.000Z"}