The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles delivered a seven-player class that prioritizes athleticism, secondary upgrades, and long-term offensive line stability while leaning heavily into Ben Johnson’s scheme. The Bears entered the draft with needs at safety, center, and depth across the board after some key free-agency departures. They walked away with a high-upside group that should contribute immediately on special teams and in the defensive backfield, though it left one major hole unaddressed. Here’s a breakdown of every selection, including pick number, college, position, a quick scouting report, and how each player fits in Chicago.
Round 1, Pick 25: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Quick scouting report: A two-time AP All-American and explosive playmaker who transferred from Purdue and immediately became a difference-maker for the Ducks. Elite speed (4.35-second 40-yard dash) paired with outstanding football IQ, clean tackling, and versatility to play in the box, nickel, or deep. Eight interceptions over three seasons and a knack for closing on the football in both run and pass support. High-character, film-obsessed leader.
How he helps the Bears: Immediate Day 1 starter and plug-and-play upgrade at safety after the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Pairs perfectly with new addition Coby Bryant to give Dennis Allen the fast, interchangeable enforcers the defense has lacked. Expect Thieneman to make an early impact in coverage and as a run-stopper, helping Chicago get off the field faster on third downs.
Round 2, Pick 57: Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Quick scouting report: 2025 Rimington Award winner and unanimous All-American. Four-year starter (51 career starts) who allowed zero pressures or sacks in his final season. Undersized but incredibly athletic with quick feet, burst, and the ability to reach any block. Short arms are a minor concern against longer NFL interior defenders, but his technique and smarts more than compensate.
How he helps the Bears: Provides immediate competition and long-term insurance at center after Drew Dalman’s surprise retirement. Can challenge Garrett Bradbury (acquired via trade) right away and is built to take over as the anchor in the next two years. Perfect fit for Ben Johnson’s offense, where the center is essential.
Round 3, Pick 69 (from Tennessee): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Quick scouting report: A plus blocker from Day 1 who led ACC tight ends in receiving yards (545) last season. Strong after the catch (5.7 air yards per target, 324 YAC) and versatile enough to line up in-line or detached. Short arms could be an issue in pass protection against elite edge rushers, but his power and route-running make him a reliable short-area threat.
How he helps the Bears: Bolsters a 12- and 13-personnel heavy offense that loves to run the ball. Slides in as TE3 behind Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, with immediate special-teams value. Long-term insurance if Kmet’s contract situation changes—exactly the type of tough, scheme-fitting piece Johnson loves.
Round 3, Pick 89: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
Quick scouting report: Blazing speed (4.28-second 40—one of the fastest ever recorded at the position) and a big-play return threat who led the SEC in kick-return yards in 2024. Athletic and versatile with gadget potential, though production as a pure receiver was modest and he can struggle finishing through contact. High-upside athlete who can stress defenses vertically. Definitely fair to question the Bears taking him here.
How he helps the Bears: Adds speed and return-game juice behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Immediate contributor on special teams as a potential replacement for Kalif Raymond, plus gadget plays and downfield shots to stretch the field for Caleb Williams.
Round 4, Pick 124 (from Carolina): Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Quick scouting report: Speedy (4.42 40) versatile corner who excels in man coverage from press or off, with outstanding zone awareness and pattern-matching. Only three touchdowns allowed in three seasons as a primary defender and 18 pass breakups since 2023. Slender frame means he can get bullied by big receivers at the catch point, but his technique and instincts are pro-ready.
How he helps the Bears: Depth and competition in a secondary that needed more playmakers. Traded up to grab him; he could push for snaps opposite Jaylon Johnson or inside and fits Dennis Allen’s aggressive DB philosophy perfectly.
Round 5, Pick 166 (from Carolina): Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State
Quick scouting report: Big, physical inside linebacker (6-2, 235) with 278 career tackles and a career-high seven sacks in 2025. Exceptional work ethic and tackling machine, though he lacks elite range and can be heavy-footed in coverage. Strong against the run and a willing special-teams contributor.
How he helps the Bears: Adds much-needed linebacker depth and a physical thumper who can contribute immediately on all four special-teams units. Developmental piece with starter potential if he improves in space.
Round 6, Pick 213 (from Buffalo): Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech
Quick scouting report: Explosive interior disruptor with elite first-step quickness, heavy hands, and a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score at his pro day. First-team All-ACC in 2025 with 10 tackles for loss. Needs to add strength at the point of attack but has translatable traits for a one-gap scheme.
How he helps the Bears: Rotational depth on the defensive line and a high-upside practice-squad-to-contributor candidate. Fits Allen’s preference for quick, penetrating defensive tackles.
Overall Analysis
Poles and the Bears front office built a fast, smart, and scheme-specific class that checks multiple boxes. The secondary got a massive boost with Thieneman and Muhammad, the offensive line gained long-term stability at center, and Johnson’s offense received versatile weapons in Roush and Thomas. Special teams should be significantly improved right away, and the emphasis on character and speed aligns perfectly with the new coaching staff’s vision.
Grade: B+ — Value picks across the board, especially Thieneman falling to 25 and the late-round trades that netted extra talent.
That said, the most glaring omission was the failure to add a true edge rusher. Chicago struggled mightily to pressure quarterbacks last season, and edge was widely viewed as a high-priority need entering the draft. The 2026 edge class wasn’t loaded with blue-chip talent, and the Bears clearly weren’t enamored with the available options at their spots. Instead of reaching for a developmental pass rusher in Round 3 or 4, they doubled down on best-player-available and offensive depth. It’s a calculated risk—hoping internal improvements, scheme tweaks under Allen/Johnson, and veteran additions can bridge the gap—but it leaves the pass rush as the biggest question mark for the 2026 roster.
Bottom line: This is a winning, culture-building draft that positions the Bears for sustained contention. The secondary has been addressed, the trenches got some reinforcement, and the offense gained more weapons. There’s definitely still questions on the defense but after an exciting season in Year 1 of Ben Johnson, Year 2 should be very intriguing.