Full Breakdown
Chicago Bears' 2026 Draft: Sleeper Picks, Top Steal, and Lingering Gaps
4/30/2026, 4:35:55 AM
Draft Overview
The Bears concluded the 2026 NFL Draft with seven picks: safety Dillon Thieneman (25th), center Logan Jones (57), tight end Sam Roush (69), wide receiver Zavion Thomas (third round), cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg (sixth). The selections address safety, interior line, and the multiple-tight-end sets favored by head coach Ben Johnson.
Pre-Draft Needs
Chicago needed a safety after losing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, plus depth on the O- and D-lines. Johnson’s offense relies on 12- and 13-personnel groups, requiring several blocking tight ends. GM Ryan Poles said the team would prioritize the best scheme-fit players over simply filling holes.
Player Profiles & Value
Thieneman, a safety, posted a 90.5 coverage grade and a 69.5 run-defense grade, earning analysts’ top-10-plus praise. Roush, a blocking-first tight end, fits Johnson’s multi-tight-end sets but is viewed by some as redundant with Loveland and Kmet. Van den Berg, a sixth-round defensive tackle, posted a high athletic score and brings a rugby background, suggesting special-teams value. Thomas, a 4.28-second 40-yard receiver, is projected as a gadget and return specialist, though analysts call the pick a reach. Elliott, a fifth-round linebacker, earned praise for work ethic and football IQ.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Ben Johnson praised Roush’s consistency, calling him a “finisher through the whistle” after reviewing Stanford film. ESPN analyst Field Yates highlighted Thieneman’s elite ball skills and run-support ability, noting his fit with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme. Poles said the team prioritized scheme-fit players over simply filling holes.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts criticize the Bears for not fixing the edge-rush deficit—35 sacks in 2025, tied for 22nd. Thomas’s pick is called a reach, and Roush is seen by some as redundant with Loveland and Kmet.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Thieneman is widely praised, but views differ on Roush’s need and van den Berg’s impact. Draft grades range from USA Today’s “Meh” to higher analyst marks, showing no consensus on the class’s strength.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's a finisher through the whistle,” — Ben Johnson, Head Coach
- “Thieneman has the best ball skills in the class and can fly down into the box in run support," Yates said.” — Field Yates, ESPN
- “Then, we can talk about everything else Thienemen brings to the table.” — Mike Moraitis, Sports Illustrated
- “Malik looks at him and said, "Well, I guess you really don't want to play in the NFL then, do you?” — John Syty, Bears National Scout
- “Meh.” — USA Today draft rating
What’s Next
Chicago is expected to target a proven edge rusher in the 2027 draft, with Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei cited. The development of Roush, Thomas and van den Berg will shape the team’s offensive versatility and interior-defensive depth.
