Chicago Bears 2026 Day 2 Draft Picks Press Conference Roundup

Gooch Perspective: Ketchup doesn’t go on hot dogs in Chicago, Logan, my dude.  Don’t worry, your education on proper condiments for hot dogs awaits your arrival in the Windy City.  We got you. I love that Logan is looking to compete for the starting position from day one, while giving respect to the veteran at his position, he will be competing with.  The guy’s character shines through in his press conference, and if I wasn’t already happy with this pick, after listening to him handle questions, I am absolutely thrilled about it.

Next up is third round pick out of Stanford, tight end Sam Roush, pick #69 via the trade with the Tennessee Titans:

Roush was asked about whether he understood how the Ben Johnson offense deploys tight ends in his scheme:

“Chicago is top five in 12 and 13 personnel usage…obviously it’s an extremely talented tight end room and that’s going to be something that gets talked about but I’m going to come in and I’m going to compete and, ya know, iron sharpens iron, and I’ll make the room better and I’m really excited to learn from those guys.”

Roush is a third-generation NFL player, and he was asked what advice his grandfather (who played for the Rams) gave him:

“Yeah, I mean, he stressed the importance of film. He is big on step ups. I don’t want this secret to get out, but he is huge on step ups and on developing your lateral muscles and legs good for change of direction and you know being able to move laterally is huge in football and especially at the tight end position where you have to get good body position…that’s something I’ve been doing since I was fifteen years old…and there is some other stuff I won’t put out there but he has been really important and I think of him a lot in this moment.”

Gooch Perspective:  I am a big believer in drafting legacy draft picks who have the NFL pedigree along with college production.  Roush has this in spades, as he is a third-generation NFL player.  Not only does he have the genetics on his side, but he has the wisdom that has been passed down from his grandfather and his father to rely upon.  That he already has a basic understanding of the Bears offensive scheme and how it utilizes tight ends is very encouraging.

Finally, we have our second pick in the third round, Savion Thomas, WR/RB/Returner out of LSU taken number 89 overall:

Zavion was asked about whether he is related to Walter Payton and whether he heard stories about Payton when he was growing up.  His answer:

“Somewhat…somewhere along them lines…it’s a long way I ain’t gonna lie.” “Yeah so my grandfather just walked by me just five minutes ago and was telling me another story about how they [Walter Payton and his grandfather] slept in the same bed and stuff like that.”

Zavion was asked what he thinks about Caleb Williams:

“Yeah I had a long conversation, about two weeks ago, with the staff, and I was telling them, like a, Caleb reminded me of Aaron Rodgers a lot, so I am familiar with him and I have watched his tape to see what he can do and what he is capable of and the sky is the limit.”

Gooch Perspective: I know Zavion is a controversial pick given how far off his ranking on the consensus board was from his actual draft slot, but I can’t help but see a bit of Jahmyr Gibbs and a bit of Jameson Williams in him – I think that is undoubtedly what inticed Ben Johnson. The Walter Payton connection is intriguing, but I am more reassured by the fact Zavion has already begun to study Caleb and envision his fit in the Bears offense.

So, what do you think about the interviews the Chicago Bears Day 2 picks?  Tell us in the comments below!