TEAM: Chicago Bears
Overall Draft Grade: B-
CLASS OVERVIEW
Total Picks: 7
Primary Needs Entering Draft: EDGE, Safety, Center, Cornerback Depth, Wide Receiver Depth
Positions Addressed: S, C, TE, WR, CB, LB, DT
Summary
The Chicago Bears entered the 2026 NFL Draft looking to continue building around Caleb Williams while adding speed and playmaking ability to the defense. Chicago successfully addressed several roster needs, particularly at safety and center, while also adding offensive weapons that fit Ben Johnson’s scheme. However, despite entering the draft with a clear need for another impact pass rusher, the Bears never meaningfully addressed edge rusher. The talent added throughout the class is solid, but leaving one of the roster’s biggest needs unanswered prevents this group from earning a higher grade.
PICK-BY-PICK BREAKDOWN
Round 1, Pick 25 – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Evaluation: Explosive, instinctive safety with elite range and proven ball production.
Value: Strong value at a position of need.
Scheme Fit: Excellent fit for Dennis Allen’s defense due to his versatility and ability to play both the run and pass.
Projected Role: Immediate starter and long-term leader in the secondary.
Round 2, Pick 57 – Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Evaluation: Rimington Award winner with outstanding technique, experience, and football intelligence.
Value: Excellent value and one of the best center prospects in the draft.
Scheme Fit: Perfect long-term fit in front of Caleb Williams.
Projected Role: Developmental starter behind Garrett Bradbury before potentially taking over in 2027.
Round 3, Pick 69 – Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Evaluation: Physical tight end who offers value as both a blocker and receiver.
Value: One of the better value picks in Chicago’s class.
Scheme Fit: Fits Ben Johnson’s heavy usage of multiple-tight-end personnel groupings.
Projected Role: TE3 early with eventual TE2 upside.
Round 3, Pick 89 – Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
Evaluation: Dynamic speed threat and explosive return specialist.
Value: Reasonable value with big-play upside.
Scheme Fit: Gives Chicago another vertical weapon and special teams contributor.
Projected Role: WR4/return specialist.
Round 4, Pick 124 – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Evaluation: Athletic cornerback with strong man-coverage traits and positional versatility.
Value: Excellent Day 3 value.
Scheme Fit: Ideal fit for Chicago’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Projected Role: Immediate depth player with future starting potential.
Round 5, Pick 166 – Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State
Evaluation: Productive linebacker with toughness and proven tackling ability.
Value: Solid mid-Day 3 value.
Scheme Fit: Adds depth and special teams value.
Projected Role: Core special teams contributor and backup linebacker.
Round 6, Pick 213 – Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech
Evaluation: Athletic interior defender with developmental upside.
Value: Good late-round selection.
Scheme Fit: Provides rotational defensive line depth.
Projected Role: Developmental defensive tackle and practice squad candidate.
TOP ADDITION
Logan Jones, C
While Dillon Thieneman fills an immediate need, Logan Jones may ultimately become the most important player in this draft class. The Bears moved quickly to secure their center of the future following Drew Dalman’s retirement, landing the 2025 Rimington Award winner. Protecting Caleb Williams remains the organization’s top priority, and Jones has all the traits necessary to become a long-term fixture in the middle of Chicago’s offensive line. .
BIGGEST QUESTION MARK
Where Is The Edge Rusher?
Chicago entered the draft needing another pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat. Yet after seven selections, the Bears never addressed the position. The Bears added talent throughout the secondary and offensive skill positions, but the lack of investment at edge rusher leaves a significant hole on the roster. Until Chicago finds another player capable of consistently affecting opposing quarterbacks, this defense may struggle to reach its full potential.
SLEEPER PICK
Sam Roush, TE
Roush may quietly become one of the steals of the draft. His versatility as a blocker and receiver makes him a perfect fit in Ben Johnson’s offense, and his ability to contribute in multiple personnel packages should help him earn playing time early. Long term, he has legitimate TE2 upside and could become a valuable part of Chicago’s offense. SCHEME & ROSTER FIT ANALYSIS
Scheme Alignment
The Bears clearly prioritized speed, intelligence, and versatility throughout the draft. Thieneman, Jones, Roush, and Muhammad all fit the type of high-football-IQ players the organization has targeted throughout the offseason. The additions align well with both Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy and Dennis Allen’s defensive system.
Roster Impact
Thieneman should immediately compete for a starting role, while Jones projects as the future centerpiece of the offensive line. Muhammad and Thomas have opportunities to contribute early in rotational and special teams roles. Roush may see limited offensive snaps initially but has a clear developmental path.
Positional Value
Chicago addressed several important positions, including safety, center, cornerback, and offensive skill depth. However, the complete lack of investment at edge rusher overshadows much of the class. While the players selected are good football players, the overall roster construction feels incomplete.
FINAL TAKE
The Bears added several quality football players and continued building around Caleb Williams. Dillon Thieneman upgrades the secondary, Logan Jones gives Chicago its center of the future, and Sam Roush has the potential to become one of the steals of the draft. However, passing on edge rushers throughout the draft leaves one of the team’s most important needs unresolved.
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