Full Breakdown
Chicago Bears' 2026 Draft Day 2 Selections and Remaining Picks
4/26/2026, 6:17:00 AM
Day 2 Core Selections
The Bears concluded Day 2 with four picks: safety Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) No. 25, center Logan Jones (Iowa) No. 57, tight end Sam Roush (Stanford) No. 69, and wide receiver Zavion Thomas (LSU) No. 89. This marked a shift from an anticipated defensive run to a mixed offensive focus.
Pre-Draft Needs and Strategy
General manager Ryan Poles entered the draft citing speed on defense, depth on the offensive line, and added need at edge rusher and cornerback as priorities. The team retained a safety vacancy beside Coby Bryant and a center void after Drew Dalman’s retirement. Poles also kept picks acquired via trades with the Rams and Titans, shaping the Day 3 board.
Player Backgrounds and Metrics
Thieneman ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, eight interceptions, ten tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Jones, a Rimington Trophy winner, started 51 of 52 games at Iowa and was ranked No. 75 by analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Roush posted 49 catches for 545 yards and two touchdowns, continuing a family line that includes Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen. Thomas recorded a 4.28-second 40, 41 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns at LSU.
Official Statements & Endorsements
Poles emphasized adding speed to the secondary and securing a center. Former Patriots center Garrett Bradbury, acquired via trade, is expected to mentor Jones. Jarrett Payton praised the center investment, noting its importance. Analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Jones’s technique despite size concerns.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentary noted the Bears “shocked the world” by allocating three of four Day 2 picks to offense despite a deeper need. Observers warned the picks may not yield immediate Year 1 impact, leaving gaps.
Roster Impact and Outlook
Thieneman fills the safety vacancy beside Bryant, while Jones upgrades center after Dalman’s retirement. Roush is projected as a third-tight-end option, similar to the prior third TE Durham Smythe, and Thomas is slated as a gadget player. The moves aim to stabilize the line and add offensive versatility.
Remaining Picks and Unresolved Details
The Bears enter Day 3 with four selections: round 4 pick 129 (from the Rams), round 5 pick 144 (from the Titans), and two round 7 picks (239, 241). Specific targets remain undisclosed. Coverage has mentioned defensive tackle van den Berg—who posted a 4.94-second 40-yard dash and 36-inch vertical as a lottery-ticket prospect, though no official selection is confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can never get mad when you invest in the O-line,” — Jarrett Payton, son of Walter Payton
- “Undersized but highly experienced with NFL-ready technique,” — Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft analyst
- “He has impressive initial quickness and stays firm inside the framework with his hands while his feet rarely stop pressing forward.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft analyst
- “The center position is crucial in football.” — Jarrett Payton, son of Walter Payton
