Ben Johnson and Bears pulled off a move so good it feels unfair

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears had a tremendous comeback season in 2025-26, with the team landing at No. 1 in the NFC North and making it to the playoffs.

But they didn't go all the way to the Super Bowl, and that is something that obviously still stings for Johnson. He's a perfectionist kind of a coach, and even though it was just his first year with the team, he had high, perhaps too high, expectations.

So, the second the Bears were out, Johnson went to the drawing board to figure out what positions to beef up heading into the new season.

Now, one move that Johnson made in the NFL Draft is getting stellar reviews.

Ben Johnson and Chicago Bears get praise for NFL Draft selection

In a feature for ESPN, Matt Bowen names the "best rookie team fits" in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He gushes over the Bears' selection of safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25.

"With Thieneman and free agent signee Coby Bryant, coordinator Dennis Allen now has two interchangeable safeties with strong ball skills," he states in the piece. "Specifically, Thieneman's speed and range to track the ball deep give Allen more flexibility in the game plan to move late or disguise from two-high shells."

He adds: "Thieneman can also spin down at the snap to cut on crossers in Cover 2-Man or patrol the underneath zones. The Bears get an upgrade — and a scheme fit — here with Thieneman, who had eight interceptions in college."

Since the Bears had a great season, they weren't able to pick until No. 25 in the draft, and it almost seems too good to be true that they still got a player as solid as Thieneman. Add to that how the Chicago Bears had a strong need at safety, and this appears to be another home run selection for Johnson.