Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft Grades Are IN … And Surprisingly Good!
Bleacher Nation • • sports
Key Points:
- The Chicago Bears received surprisingly positive grades for their 2026 NFL Draft class, highlighted by the selection of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at 25th overall, praised for his speed, athleticism, and versatility.
- Analysts commended the Bears for addressing key secondary needs and bolstering their offensive line with Iowa center Logan Jones, though some criticized reaching on certain Day 2 picks and not addressing edge rushers or defensive tackles early.
- The Sporting News gave the Bears an "A" grade, ranking their seven-player class ninth-best, while other outlets like NFL Media and ESPN offered mostly B to A-minus grades, noting the class's potential despite some positional gaps.
- Critics expressed concern that the Bears did not address their defensive line needs early in the draft, but many believe Head Coach Ben Johnson and Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen can maximize the new players' athleticism and versatility.
- Overall, the Bears' draft is seen as a step forward in adding speed and playmaking ability, with optimism about how the new talent will contribute to the team's performance in the upcoming season.
