NFL.com Gives Chicago Bears A- Grade for 2026 NFL Draft Class
NFL.com hands the Chicago Bears an A- for their 2026 NFL Draft, praising Dillon Thieneman and Logan Jones while raising concerns about unmet needs.
The Chicago Bears keep stacking positive reviews for their 2026 NFL Draft class.
After Mel Kiper Jr. handed general manager Ryan Poles a “B,” NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter went a step further, awarding Chicago an A-.
Much of that grade stems from the Bears’ first-round pick, safety Dillon Thieneman.
The former Oregon and Purdue standout projects as an immediate Day 1 starter, bringing a noticeable boost in speed, range, and physicality to Chicago’s defense.
Second-round selection Logan Jones earned strong praise as well. The Iowa product—part of the program’s long pipeline of NFL-ready centers—was widely viewed as one of the best players at his position in the class.
Dillon Thieneman is the Star of Chicago Bears' 2026 Draft Class
“Thieneman is an easy fit with the Bears in the first round, because his athleticism, toughness and versatility will fill a hole in the secondary left by departed free agent Kevin Byard,” Reuter wrote. “Chicago picked the best center in the draft in Round 2; Jones should remind fans of prior starter Drew Dalman.”
Dalman’s unexpected retirement created a ripple effect along the offensive line, but Poles stabilized the position by trading for Garrett Bradbury and drafting Jones as a long-term answer.
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Even Chicago’s debated third-round picks—tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas—received some support in Reuter’s evaluation.
Bears’ Third-Round Picks Look Better on Second Review
“The trade of veteran receiver DJ Moore to Buffalo puts pressure on 2025 second-round pick Luther Burden III and Thomas, a surprising third-round choice, to replace that production,” Reuter wrote. “Roush was a good value in Round 3 as a future starter with solid receiving and blocking skills.”
Still, one concern lingered: the Bears didn’t address their pass rush.
While defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg offers intriguing athletic upside, he doesn’t profile as a true interior pass-rushing presence.
“Van den Berg, a native of South Africa, is an excellent athlete and meets the team’s need for defensive line depth,” Reuter added. “The Bears did not use any picks on edge rushers or offensive tackles this year despite their needs at those positions.”
Overall, Chicago’s draft earned high marks for its balance and long-term vision, but whether it ultimately reaches its ceiling may depend on how the Bears address those remaining needs moving forward.
