2026 Chicago Bears Draft Class: Analyzing the Picks

The Chicago Bears 2026 draft class was a mix of curious intrigue and awe-inspiring athleticism.

The organization entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear directive: bolster the “competitive DNA” of the roster under the leadership of head coach Ben Johnson.

While the early rounds saw a surprising pivot toward offensive depth, the draft concluded with a strategic focus on defensive versatility and high-upside athletes.

This seven-player class represents a blend of immediate starters and developmental sleepers designed to fortify the core of the roster for the upcoming season.

Chicago Bears 2026 Draft Picks

A quick look at the Chicago Bears’ 2026 draft class.

Player Summaries

Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)

• Summary: A high-IQ, rangy ball-hawk who is expected to step in immediately as a Pro-Bowl caliber safety.
• Draft Recap Quote: “Johnson views first-round pick Dillon Thieneman as a rare commodity: a safety that opposing offenses will have to account for.” — ChicagoBears.com
• My Analysis: Like most Chicagoans, my first hopes were defensive end and offensive tackle. But when Thieneman fell into the Bears’ lap at Pick 25, I couldn’t have been more happy. Thieneman was mocked by many to be gone before the Bears got on the clock in the first round, so when he fell to the Bears and they scooped him up, they not only filled an important hole in the secondary but they got one of the best players available as well.

Logan Jones (C, Iowa)

• Summary: A technical, battle-tested center with 51 starts who could likely compete for a starting gig at some point this year.
• Draft Recap Quote: “He’s a brilliant technician in pass pro and a brutal road grader in the run game… he’s pro-ready right from the start.” — Sports Illustrated
• My Analysis: I know there is trepidation on the part of Bears fans for selecting a player who might “redshirt” in his rookie year given the team’s acquisition of veteran center Garrett Bradbury. But Bradbury is on a one-year deal and the team mostly acquired him in a trade with New England as a stopgap measure in response to the sudden retirement of Drew Dalman. Jones, perhaps the best center in the draft, could very well compete for a starting role this season and offers that long-term solution needed at the position.

Sam Roush (TE, Stanford)

• Summary: An aggressive, 6’6″ inline blocker who offers reliable hands as a developmental pass-catching threat.
• Draft Recap Quote: “He’s a finisher through the whistle and I think that showed up on a consistent basis.” — Ben Johnson via Bears Media
• My Analysis: I’ll be honest, my first instinct was probably like most other Bears fans when Roush was selected: “Really? Another tight end?” But the tight end position is crucial to Ben Johnson’s offense, so much so that the Bears are one of the leading teams in 12 and 13 personnel. Plus, for every fan who yearned for offensive line help, you should be happy the Bears drafted a player who can really anchor the run game too. Could the Bears have waited til later to take a third tight end? Maybe. But we don’t know that for sure. Nobody does. Besides, if Roush plays a big role this season and perhaps proves himself capable of replacing Cole Kmet next year, Bears fans won’t be complaining come next offseason.

Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU)

• Summary: An “ultra-fast” vertical threat and dangerous returner added to help fill the void from D.J. Moore’s departure.
• Draft Recap Quote: “The Chicago Bears are reminding us how badly they want speed with nearly every selection.” — Fox 32 Chicago
• My Analysis: I know, I know. This has Bears fans panicked who are thinking of Velus Jones: an overdrafted kick returner who was a fringe wide receiver at best. But these two are not the same player. I envision Thomas as Johnson’s version of Tarik Cohen — a returner and an offensive gadget player. Bears fans grew to love Cohen and I think they’ll do the same with Thomas. He’ll return kicks, he’ll work both out of the backfield and catching passes. And like Cohen, when he has the ball in his hands it’ll be electric.

Malik Muhammad (CB, Texas)

• Summary: A lengthy and competitive corner with the versatility to challenge for a starting role right away.
• Draft Recap Quote: “The Bears traded up five spots to land Muhammad, a fast, lengthy and athletic 6-foot, 182-pounder.” — ChicagoBears.com
• My Analysis: Muhammad might have been my favorite pick of the draft outside of Thieneman. Cornerback was often under discussed this offseason as a Bears need, but I wholeheartedly felt it was a major need. The Bears don’t seem to like Tyrique Stevenson. Nahshon Wright departed. Terell Smith suffered a knee injury last year. Jaylon Johnson was hurt all year and he’s highly paid (perhaps clouding his future). The Bears need to restock the cupboard. They traded up to secure the rights to Muhammad, a tough and gritty corner. I like it a lot.

Keyshaun Elliott (LB, Arizona State)

• Summary: A physical downhill tackler with a nose for the backfield, having recorded seven sacks in his final college season.
• Draft Recap Quote: “Elliott brings a strong downhill presence and blitzing ability to the Bears defense, addressing a need for depth.” — Chat Sports
• My Analysis: This guy is a consummate leader and soon to be professional. Hearing him conduct interviews, and reading about the kind of “player coach” he is gives me all the confidence that he’ll play a major role in one way or another for the Bears right away. Does he get valuable reps on defense? I don’t know. He’ll get his shot to compete. But he’ll at least be a valuable special teamer and could earn the trust of the coaching staff to make an impact on defense.

Jordan van den Berg (DT, Georgia Tech)

• Summary: An elite athlete with a perfect 10.0 RAS score who provides high-motor interior disruption.
• Draft Recap Quote: “The Georgia Tech defensive tackle possesses athleticism that is off the charts, especially for a 310-pound lineman.” — Sports Illustrated
• My Analysis: This guy’s testing and intangibles are actually pretty striking. I know we should not get too excited about a sixth-round pick. But watch some highlights of this guy. With his quickness and relentless motor, the play is never over and he has the ability to do what defensive tackles need to do most: be disruptive up the middle and break down plays early. With Grady Jarrett’s injury history and the uncertainty of Gervon Dexter and Neville Gallimore, Van den Berg could find his way into the rotation at some point this season.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the Chicago Bears 2026 draft class reveals a front office focused on high-floor technicians and elite athletic profiles. By addressing critical needs at safety and center early, while taking calculated swings on speed and interior defensive depth late, Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson have constructed a class that balances immediate impact with long-term potential. As these rookies transition to the NFL, their ability to integrate into Johnson’s scheme and culture will be the defining factor of the Bears’ success in 2026.