Bears Draft Analysis
TRUST BEN JOHNSON! That’s the motto for this draft and offseason.
Dillon Thieneman: Thieneman ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, which was tied for the 11th-fastest time among all players at the combine. The speed and athleticism is a huge addition to our secondary. Pairing with Coby Bryant at safety is a stellar duo, and will torture QBs all 2026. This pick is an absolute steal and gets an A+ grade.
Logan Jones: After Drew Dallman’s surprise retirement, the Bears were left short at the Center position. Logan Jones is a long term pick, who will probably not be starting right away. Jones may not have an immediate impact, but has good long-term value, this pick gets a B+.
Sam Roush: Why draft another TE? The Bears use several personnel packages that utilizes 2 or 3 TEs. In the next year or 2, he will be utilized mainly on special teams, but could be in line to be Kmet’s replacement in a few years when the time comes. He should have a decent impact right away as a role player, with potential to become a TE2 in the future. This pick grades a B+.
Zavion Thomas: Adding another offensive piece was a little bit of a surprise, but losing DJ Moore this offseason is a big loss. Odunze and Burden are solid, but we need more weapons and depth. Thomas will also most likely be our return man, so he will have an impact immediately both on special teams and offense. He has potential to be a top WR in the future, and should be a good role player in the meantime. I grade this pick a B.
Malik Muhammed: More speed and athleticism for our secondary. This adds depth to our CB position. We traded up 4 spots for this pick, so they clearly see potential. He may not have an immediate impact as much, but could slowly move into a starting role in the coming couple of years. Another B grade for this pick.
Keyshaun Elliot: This pick is a little more obscure, as the playstyle does not fall in line with the rest of the draft. We mainly drafted speed, which is not Elliot’s game. He is a bigger and more physical player, with not as impressive speed. I do not really see him having an impact short or long term, but time will tell. C- on this pick.
Jordan Vandenberg: The Bears really need a DT, but clearly were not impressed with the draft class, waiting until their final pick to take one. Vandenberg has a chance to have an immediate impact, and could even find his way into the starting lineup this season. Purely off the need for a DT and his potential, this draft pick gets an A.
As mentioned in the beginning, the Bears drafted the most athletic draft class in 2026.
Did we address our needs as a team?
Yes and no. It would have been nice to go after a DT early in the draft. But you can not force what is just not there. We addressed speed and athleticism this draft, which is a huge step in the right direction.
3rd TE and another WR?
At first, it seems odd and a bit confusing. However, replacing DJ Moore is extremely important, and with our personnel, adding a 3rd TE who could be our TE2 in a year or 2 actually does make sense. These are risky picks, and will be ridiculed if they do not pan out. But hindsight is 20/20, and only time will tell.
I am excited for this upcoming season, and I do trust Ben Johnson! Overall, I am giving this draft an A-, let’s see what kinds of results it can produce!