How Soon Will the Chicago Bears 2026 Rookie Class Make an Impact?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Malik Muhammad #DB23 of Texas participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 NFL Draft season wrapped up a couple weeks ago as the Chicago Bears inch closer to the start of their scheduled off-season training program. Naturally, you have all likely seen a plethora of grades presented by writers and fans around the community.

If you’re looking for my initial grades, you can find those here . I think a better question to ask here is: How soon will these rookies make an impact? The stark contrast of on-paper assessments to real-life difference makers regarding their 2025 class remains one of the more fascinating conversations around the Bears’ beat.

Theoretically, the same could happen with this latest haul by general manager Ryan Poles, Ben Johnson, and their respective staffs. Particularly when it comes to a pair of their selections made on the final day of the cycle. SAF Dillon Thieneman Selected at – 25th Overall (1st round) Expectation – Week One Starter Likelihood of impact during rookie season – Immediate We’ll kick things off with the easiest and most universal assessment of all seven players selected by the Chicago Bears in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dillon Thieneman, one of the true blue-chipped players and elite safety prospects to be had this year, fell to the Bears’ lap while on the clock at 25th overall. The former Oregon Duck and Purdue Boilermaker was featured in a variety of roles while playing safety for both programs. He’s seen over 1,100 snaps as a true free safety, over 700 snaps when dropped into the box, and even spent time as a nickel.