Favorite Chicago Bears pick from the 2026 NFL Draft class

The Chicago Bears welcomed seven new rookies to the roster during the 2026 NFL Draft, which included first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, who was considered a steal at 25th overall. Chicago also added some new offensive pieces for Ben Johnson with center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas, while adding some new defensive players in cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg. While it's not the flashiest class, it's one assembled by Johnson and GM Ryan Poles that one analyst believes will be the thing to get the Bears to the Super Bowl .

Over the next few days, our Bears Wire staff will be sharing their thoughts about the 2026 rookie class. First up: Our favorite draft pick, where there's one overwhelming winner. Alyssa Barbieri: S Dillon Thieneman No one expected Dillon Thieneman to be available for the Bears at 25th overall, and yet, the best case scenario unfolded and Chicago landed one of the biggest steals of the first round.

Not only did the Thieneman selection address a need at safety opposite free-agent addition Coby Bryant, but it was incredibly great value for the second best -- or according to some, the best -- safety in this draft class in the back half of the first round. And considering there was a massive wave of trades after Chicago selected Thieneman at No. 25, it's safe to say he was a coveted prospect.

Thieneman is a versatile safety who possesses impressive speed (running a 4. 35 40-yard dash) and is one of the best tackles in this class. He has elite instincts, speed and playmaking ability that should make him a difference maker in Dennis Allen's defense.