Bears 2026 NFL Draft: Instant analysis of Chicago's rookie class

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books for the Chicago Bears , and they have welcomed seven new rookies to their team. The Bears had four picks in the first two rounds of the draft, which included some impactful additions of Safety Dillon Thieneman, center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas. They also added some high upside rookies in cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg on Day 3.

When looking at this draft class, it's easy to see how Chicago prioritized speed while taking the best players available on the board rather than drafting exclusively for need. It's also clear that head coach Ben Johnson has his fingerprints all over this class, landing some impact players on offense. Take a look at the Bears' complete 2026 draft class: Round 1, Pick 25: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Pick: First round, 25th overall Breakdown: Teach-tape level tackler with impressive speed and football IQ.

May need to bulk up at the NFL level but improved in both coverage and run defense in 2025. Alignment versatile prospect who can line up in the box, nickel or deep safety without cause for concern. Ideal vision and coverage acumen.

Athleticism translated to field drills at the NFL combine. -- Ayrton Ostly Fit : Thieneman is a plug-and-play safety for the Bears on Day 1 following the departures of both starting safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in free agency. Thieneman is a versatile safety who thrived in coverage and as a run stopper.