Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Bears Draft Thieneman, Earn C Rating, DE Gap Remains

4/30/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bears Draft

Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson chose safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25, center Logan Jones (No. 57) and Sam Roush (No. 69) in 2026.
Analysts gave the draft a “C” rating after later pick Jordan van den Berg (Pick 213) and called Thieneman the best pick.
Critics said the Bears left a defensive-end void to be addressed in 2027, noting signings Devin Bush (linebacker) and Coby Bryant (safety) as starters.

Summary

Rookies Prioritize

Sam Roush, Stanford tight end, said his Rams-playing grandfather taught him film study and step-up drills.
Malik Muhammad, Texas cornerback, called his draft selection a dream come true after a viral stoic-reaction video.
Keyshaun Elliot, Arizona State linebacker, said meeting the special-teams coach will be his first rookie priority.
Savion Thomas, Bears Day-2 receiver and returner, said he studies Caleb Williams and compares him to Aaron Rodgers.

History

Historical Context

In the 1999 NFL draft the Chicago Bears used their second-round selection to pick defensive tackle Russell Davis at 49th overall, reinforcing a defense that later struggled with depth. Nearly three decades later, the 2026 Bears again address a roster need by choosing safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th pick, echoing the franchise’s historic reliance on early-round defensive picks.

1 of 3

Bears Draft

Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson chose safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25, center Logan Jones (No. 57) and Sam Roush (No. 69) in 2026.
Analysts gave the draft a “C” rating after later pick Jordan van den Berg (Pick 213) and called Thieneman the best pick.
Critics said the Bears left a defensive-end void to be addressed in 2027, noting signings Devin Bush (linebacker) and Coby Bryant (safety) as starters.

1 / 3