Bears’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The perfect pick for the Bears fell right into their lap. After seeing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leave in free agency, Chicago was in needed of another safety. Barring injury, Thieneman should now slide in as a day one starter next to free agent add Coby Bryant.

The safety spent two years at Purdue before transferring to Oregon for his final season, appearing in 39 games overall. Thieneman put up 306 tackles, 14 passes defended and eight interceptions. He was named a Third-team All-American in 2023 and a First-team All-American in 2025.

As the draft approached, not many mock drafts had Thieneman falling to No. 25. The Bears will gladly take it and are hopeful the safety will be a key part of their defense for the foreseeable future.

Grade: A+

Round 2, Pick 57: Logan Jones, C

When Drew Dalman retired, the Bears had to change their center plans entirely. They acquired veteran Garrett Bradbury in a trade with the New England Patriots. However, Chicago wanted a long-term option at the position as well.

Jones spent five years at Iowa, appearing in 51 games. He was named a Unanimous All-American in 2025, winning both the Rimington Trophy and the Joe Moore Award. Jones’ 79 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked ninth/307 centers. He was first in pass blocking at 90.2.

Head coach Ben Johnson has been meticulous in how he has built his offensive line. Fifty-seventh might’ve been a bit rich for Jones, but clearly the head coach believes he’s capable of being the center piece of the offense.

Grade: B+

Round 3, Pick 69: Sam Roush, TE

The Bears already have tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet on their roster. Still, Johnson decided Chicago needed another strong option in the room.

Roush spent all four of his collegiate seasons at Stanford, appearing in 48 games. He caught 119 passes for 1,201 yards and four touchdowns. As a senior, he set new career-highs in catches (49) and yardage (545) while tying his career-best with two touchdowns. He was named Second-team All-ACC for his efforts.

The tight end is clearly a favorite of Johnson’s and someone he thinks can impact the offense. That may be true someday, but taking your third-string tight end in the third-round seems like a bit of a reach.

Grade: C

Round 3, Pick 89: Zavion Thomas, WR 

The Bears continued their offensive streak when they selected Zavion Thomas. It’s clear to see why Johnson liked him, as the wide receiver ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

But over his four years in college, two at Mississippi and two at LSU, Thomas caught 106 passes for 1,213 yards and seven touchdowns. He wasn’t as dominant as you would expect for a third-round wide receiver. Especially one expected to make an immediate impact.

With his wheels, Thomas should have a role on special teams right away. But whether or not he can actually be a factor in an NFL offense, even Johnson’s, is yet to be seen.

Grade: C-

Round 4, Pick 124: Malik Muhammad, CB

Jaylon Johnson should be much healthier than he was in 2025. The same goes for Kyler Gordon. But Tyrique Stevenson is still trying to prove he can be the starting outside cornerback next to Johnson.

Muhammad will now give him competition throughout training camp. Over his three years at Texas, the cornerback put up 97 tackles, 16 passes defended and three interceptions. With two of those pick coming in 2025, Muhammad was named Second-team All-SEC.

Running a 4.42 40-yard dash, the cornerback has the speed Chicago is looking for. Now, he’ll look to be a long-term piece in the secondary.

Grade: B+ 

Round 5, Pick 166: Keyshaun Elliot, LB 

The Bears have gone through a major shake up at linebacker, going from Tremaine Edmunds to Devin Bush. But behind Bush and fellow starter TJ Edwards, Chicago is still trying to find their depth. Elliot will now try to prove he could carve out a role as a rookie.

After two years with New Mexico State, he transferred to Arizona State for his final two. Elliot put up 301 tackles, 28.5 for a loss and 11.5 sacks. The linebacker was named Second-team All-Big 12 for a second-straight year in 2025 after recording 98 tackles with career-highs in TFL (14) and sacks (seven).

As a fifth-rounder, Elliot will have his work cut out for him in terms of earning his spot on defense. Still, he is a worthwhile addition at this point of the draft.

Grade: B

Round 6, Pick 213: Jordan van den Berg, DL

Chicago’s highly anticipated defensive line selection didn’t come until their final pick. Still, van den Berg offers the franchise plenty of potential.

The defensive tackle spent three years at Penn State at two at Georgia Tech, appearing in 54 games. Overall, van den Berg racked up 93 tackles, 20 for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He set new career-highs with 44 tackles, 11 TFL and three sacks in 2025.

Like Elliot, van den Berg has no guarantees of making an impact. But on a Bears defensive line searching for answers, the now rookie offers plenty of upside.

Grade: B