Tracking Bears’ top 30 visits ahead of 2026 NFL draft

Tracking Bears’ top 30 visits ahead of 2026 NFL draft

The Chicago Bears are allowed to host 30 prospects for official pre-draft visits ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as local prospects who don’t count as part of that group.

Following an offseason that included addressing depth and adding a couple new starters to the mix, the Bears have plenty of needs to address heading into the draft. While they won’t have a top 10 pick like year’s past, Chicago is slated to have four selections in the first 89 picks. So general manager Ryan Poles has an opportunity to add some impactful rookies to the roster as he hopes to replicate the success of last year’s top-graded draft class.

As we count down to the NFL draft, here’s a list of the Bears’ reported pre-draft visits in 2026:

Zion Young, EDGE, MissouriSource: Arye PulliHeight: 6-6Weight: 262 lbsConsensus board rank: No. 37Scouting Report: “Long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level. Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room. He majors in block destruction using base power and aggression to play through opponents. He extends and locks out as an edge-setter and sheds when needed, but his pursuit speed and range are average. He has the power to bull rush or drive through edges, but lacks instincts and variety in his rush approach. His NFL pressure production will lag behind without better go-to moves and counters. Young’s physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush.” — Lance ZierleinNeed a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio StateSource: Justin MeloHeight: 6-2Weight: 326 lbsConsensus board rank: No. 31Scouting Report: “A talented run defender, McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact. He’s quick to locate ball-carriers, play off of blocks and rally to the action. His technique is a bit underdeveloped and he’s not a natural drain-clogger against double teams, but he still managed an unusually high tackle rate as an interior defender. Quicker hand strikes should allow for more efficient reps and earlier wins at the point. He offers limited rush value, so his money will be made by giving grief to centers and guards as an even-front nose tackle with starting potential.” — Lance ZierleinJimmy Rolder, LB, MichiganSource: Ryan FowlerHeight: 6-2 1/2Weight: 238 lbsConsensus board rank: No. 170Scouting Report: “Rolder’s instincts and run-game consistency make it hard to believe he was only a one-year starter in college. He plays low and leveraged with violent hands to shock and slip off blocks. He finds the best routes to the run gap and maneuvers around traffic with efficiency to tighten angles to the ball-carrier. He plays with good awareness and change of direction in space but has average pursuit speed and coverage talent. Few linebackers in this draft finish tackles with the technique and consistency he displays. If you trust the tape and ignore his lack of experience, Rolder profiles as a future starting inside linebacker.” — Lance ZierleinDe’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole MissSource: JC AllenHeight: 6-2Weight: 207 lbsConsensus board rank: No. 157Scouting Report: “Long-striding, vertical-access wideout with steady play and production. Stribling has good size and early acceleration to climb over the top of coverage but lacks short-area quickness to gain separation underneath. His downfield ball skills are above average but he struggles to consistently carve out catch space and fight through contested-catch contact for tight-coverage wins. He has legit speed after the catch once he finds open grass. He’s also one of the most competitive run blockers in the WR class. Stribling projects as an immediate WR4 who could eventually work his way into a starting role.” — Lance ZierleinJager Burton, C, KentuckySource: Jager BurtonHeight: 6-4Weight: 312 lbsConsensus board rank: No. 201Scouting Report: “Durable fifth-year senior who has made 47 consecutive starts. Burton is built to play center but could offer swing potential at guard. He has adequate play strength and good quickness for a zone-blocking scheme. He gets beaten to first contact by length and will struggle to put up a sustained fight against two-gappers at the point. He can slow a bull rush but needs to do a better job of protecting his edges and operating with consistent posture. Burton’s best fit will be with a zone-heavy running game as a late draft pick or undrafted free agent signee.” — Lance ZierleinSeth McGowan, RB, KentuckySource: Seth McGowanHeight: 6-0Weight: 223 lbsConsensus board rank: No. 219Scouting Report: “McGowan is quick to process and has enough wiggle to create when needed. However, his lack of explosive carries and fumble totals are concerning. McGowan is effective in short-yardage situations and flashes the skill to handle backup carries, but his age and lack of third-down value could work against him on draft day.” — Lance ZierleinBrian Parker, OL, DukeSource: Easton ButlerHeight: 6-5Weight: 309 lbsConsensus board rank: N/AScouting Report: “Tackle-to-center prospect with well-composed frame, good body control and sound technique. Parker consistently centers his blocks and operates with inside hands/good grip strength. He gets to his landmarks under control as a move blocker, has average drive strength on gap-scheme blocks and constantly covers his target. His underhook punch has some pepper to it, but below-average length makes timing and anchor essential. He plays with a quality mirror and clearly sees rush games. Parker’s measurables are average but he plays like a future starting center with guard flexibility.” — Lance Zierlein Anterio Thompson, DT, WashingtonSource: Ryan FowlerHeight: 6-4Weight: 306 lbsConsensus board rank: N/AScouting Report: “Ran a 4.75 40 at 306 lbs with 30 reps on the bench with a 4.38 SS at pro day. Outstanding athlete within the interior.” — Ryan Fowler

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