Chicago Bears NFL Draft 2026 pick tracker: Grades, fits and scouting reports

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General manager Ryan Poles said the Bears simply followed their board. Coach Ben Johnson and company have earned a degree of trust after winning the NFC North and a playoff game (over the rival Packers, no less) in his first season in charge. But fans made their displeasure known over the final two days of the draft. Few seemed to have a problem with the Bears’ first pick: Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, chosen at No. 25. Dane Brugler’s 18th-ranked player overall and top-rated safety, Thieneman will start alongside Coby Bryant, the team’s prize addition in free agency. Day 2 of the draft was all offense with Iowa center Logan Jones (No. 57), Stanford tight end Sam Roush (No. 69) and LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas (No. 89). Saturday was all defense as the Bears picked Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad (No. 124), Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (No. 166) and van den Berg. The Bears completely turned over their safety corps this offseason, and one of the top prospects plopped in their laps. He can do it all for the Bears. He’s a hitter, can cover anyone, and he’s from Indiana (perhaps the Bears’ future home?). This is a big-time win for Poles. It’s my favorite pick of the first round. Thieneman (6-0, 201) had a productive three-year career — two at Purdue, one at Oregon. He was a freshman All-American in 2023 after intercepting six passes. Last year, he earned second-team All-America honors with seven breakups and two interceptions. He was uber-productive as a tackler with 306 in his three seasons. Plus, he ran a 4.35 40 and benched 225 pounds 18 times at the combine with a 41-inch vertical jump. Thieneman reminds me of Justin Reid because of his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender. He projects as a durable NFL starter and has versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures. A durable, versatile safety who could start in almost any coach’s defensive scheme. Chicago Bears select safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon with No. 25 pick in 2026 NFL Draft There are concerns about Jones’ size (6-3, 299) and short arms (30 ¾), but his quickness (4.90 40) and power (705-pound squat, 480-pound hang clean) make up for those detriments. Jones won the Rimington Award as the nation’s top center and was a unanimous first-team All-American for the top offensive line in the country. After two seasons as a defensive tackle, Jones flipped to center, where he started 51 games. There aren’t many players more mature than Jones. — Scott Dochterman Jones is an undersized, sawed-off blocker with aggressive technique and athletic ability, although his sustain struggles might be tough to overcome. A center-only prospect, he is a mid-round version of Linderbaum. A blocker with vise-grip hands and strong technique — but undersized. Chicago Bears select Iowa center Logan Jones with the 57th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft Last season, the Bears ranked fifth in the NFL in plays run in “13 personnel” with three tight ends on the field. After Durham Smythe signed with Baltimore, that opened up a hole at the No. 3 tight end. Enter Roush. When looking through Brugler’s tight end scouting reports to find a fit for the Bears, Roush stood out in part for this line: “With his rugby background, Roush prides himself on trying to be the toughest and most physical player on the field.” That screams Ben Johnson. He’ll be the No. 3 tight end this season and give the Bears an option if they decide to move on from Cole Kmet after the 2026 season. — Kevin Fishbain Roush isn’t without his warts, but he offers a traditional Y tight end skill set — competitiveness to handle dirty work as a blocker and athleticism to be a functional underneath target. He has the makeup and toughness to quietly become an integral part of an NFL offense. A traditional Y tight end; will do a blocker’s dirty work with underneath receiving upside. The Bears have a significant need on the defensive line and have chosen to ignore it. They have invested heavily at tight end in recent years with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet and still have the 27th-ranked run defense. The Bears allowed 5.0 yards per carry and didn’t add anything to that position group in the offseason. Roush (6-6, 267) is a massive target, a smooth pass catcher and a terrific blocker. This is not an indictment of his talent. But if the Bears don’t improve against the run, they’ll watch the playoffs next January. This pick seems as if it was based on two things. For starters, Thomas is fast, recording a blazing 40-yard dash time of 4.28 seconds at the NFL combine, elite speed that is reflected in how he plays. Secondly, Bears coach Ben Johnson seems juiced to get his hands on Thomas, a new toy he can mix into the offensive plans in a variety of ways. In fact, Bears assistant director of college scouting Francis St. Paul said Friday night that Johnson had slipped into his recognizable rocking motion during a recent tape watch on Thomas. “You could tell he was really excited,” St. Paul said. “There are multiple ways we can use him.” Thomas should be in good hands with Johnson, whose creativity can help unlock the special athletic gifts the young receiver has. In addition, Thomas’ competitive energy and potential value as a return specialist are pluses for the Bears. “This guy is going to be a weapon,” St. Paul said. “This kid is special with the ball in his hands.” — Dan Wiederer Thomas lacks ideal polish as an every-down receiver but brings all kinds of juice to threaten opponents in different ways. He projects best as a return man and gadget role player capable of creating explosives. The Bears found a blazing fast receiver as a third option with kick return potential in Thomas, who ran a 4.28 40 time and was a second-team All-SEC selection. But he averaged 11.9 yards per reception and 9.0 yards per punt return. Thomas (5-10, 190) was projected as a seventh-rounder, so a C is a gift grade. Muhammad has the height and length that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen covets for his cover men. He also has the speed we know Allen values, having run a 4.42 40. The Bears don’t have a ton of depth at corner behind their starting three, and that group includes Tyrique Stevenson, who’s in a contract year, and the other starters, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, spent most of 2025 injured. Muhammad provides depth and could develop into a starter in 2027. The Bears essentially moved back 22 spots in the fifth round to make this trade. Muhammad can be out-physicaled at times, but he plays with good reaction quickness and route instincts, which help him stay attached in man or zone. He projects as a starter, with shades of Greg Newsome II. A tall, skinny athlete who can be outmuscled at times, but quick, with good instincts. Elliott figures to be a depth piece at linebacker who will get an opportunity to earn a special teams role as well. Elliott is not considered to be an elite athlete and can have coverage issues. His intangibles are very well regarded, including his feel for the game. Elliott must prove his value on passing downs, but his instincts and football character are attractive qualities for what NFL teams desire at middle linebacker. Has the instincts and football character that NFL teams look for, but must improve in coverage. Born in South Africa, van den Berg has a rugby background and some athleticism worth rolling the dice on. Ironically, after the Bears entered this draft with hopes of adding talent and depth to their defensive front, van den Berg was the only defensive lineman the team selected with what turned out to be their final selection of the weekend. Van den Berg has drawn praise for his effort and will get an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. Van den Berg was a late bloomer on the football field, but his 2025 tape showed a player with NFL-caliber size, traits and effort. He is attempting to be the first South African-born player selected in the NFL Draft. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms