Mel Kiper Jr. Didn't Love What Chicago Bears Did on Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his winners, losers, and value picks from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Chicago Bears came away with a split verdict.
Start with the good. Kiper was a clear fan of the Bears’ second-round selection of former Iowa center Logan Jones, whom he ranked as the top center in this year’s class.
"Chicago traded for Garrett Bradbury in March to replace Drew Dalman, who retired, at center," Kiper wrote. "But the offense needed a longer-term option, and Logan Jones made a lot of sense at No. 57. He was my top-rated center, coming with 51 career starts, a lot of athleticism and plenty of power. The Bears have their franchise QB in Caleb Williams, so getting a promising prospect at the pivot was important."
Jones has earned widespread praise since the moment his name was called. In many ways, it feels like Chicago replaced Drew Dalman with a younger, cost-controlled version of the same archetype following his sudden retirement.
But the tone shifted quickly in Round 3.
Chicago Bears Sparked Debate With Third-Round Picks
Kiper took issue with how general manager Ryan Poles handled the third round, starting with the selection of former Stanford tight end Sam Roush.
"Chicago took Roush at No. 69. Again, guys such as Delp, Justin Joly and Eli Raridon were still there," Kiper wrote. "But the Bears -- who spent a top-10 pick at the position on Colston Loveland and also have Cole Kmet -- opted for my TE7 and 141st-best prospect. I would have liked to see an edge rusher there."
That criticism aligns with the reaction from a large segment of the fan base. An early investment in an edge rusher could have pushed this NFL draft class toward slam-dunk territory. Instead, Chicago added a tight end who projects to begin his career low on the depth chart.
Even with head coach Ben Johnson likely to incorporate Roush into multiple-tight-end packages, the question remains whether that role justifies a top-100 selection.
Then came the curveball.
The Bears raised eyebrows again with their third-round pick of former LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas, a move that may have been the biggest surprise of the round.
Thomas brings elite speed, and that trait alone will have its supporters. Kiper, however, wasn’t convinced.
"An equally big reach was the Bears taking Zavion Thomas at No. 89," Kiper wrote. "He was the WR29 on my list. As with Douglas, there were 13 receivers with higher grades still available. Chicago is looking for more depth at the position after trading DJ Moore, but Thomas might not be the answer. He had only 488 yards last season."
Of course, immediate draft grades—especially from voices as prominent as Kiper—tend to age unpredictably. There’s a real possibility that, three years from now, Roush and Thomas look like value picks rather than reaches.
For now, though, Ryan Poles and the Bears’ front office will have to wear the skepticism that followed their Day 2 decisions in the 2026 NFL Draft.
