The Chicago Bears secured three significant steals in the 2026 NFL Draft, enhancing their roster with key defensive players. General manager Ryan Poles added seven new players, focusing on both immediate needs and future potential.
Key points
Chicago Bears drafted seven new players in 2026 NFL Draft
Dillon Thieneman was a first-round steal for the Bears
Bears added offensive players like Logan Jones and Sam Roush
Three Bears players made ESPN's Top 100 steals list
Focus on enhancing both defense and offense
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears had three of biggest steals in 2026 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears welcomed seven new players to the roster through the 2026 NFL Draft, shoring up some needs and adding some impressive value in the process with general manager Ryan Poles' fifth draft class.
The Bears landed a steal in the first round with safety Dillon Thieneman, who upgrades the secondary in a massive way. Chicago also added some new toys on offense for head coach Ben Johnson, including center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas on Day 2. The Bears also added some high upside rookies in cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg on Day 3.
After the dust settled, ESPN's Matt Miller shared his biggest steals from the NFL draft, and there were three Bears players who made the Top 100, which were all defensive players.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones
Q&A
Who were the Chicago Bears' biggest steals in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears' biggest steals included safety Dillon Thieneman and two other defensive players ranked in ESPN's Top 100.
What positions did the Chicago Bears address in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears focused on upgrading their secondary and offense, adding players like center Logan Jones and tight end Sam Roush.
How many players did the Chicago Bears draft in 2026?
The Chicago Bears drafted a total of seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What impact will Dillon Thieneman have on the Chicago Bears' defense?
Dillon Thieneman is expected to significantly upgrade the Bears' secondary, enhancing their overall defensive performance.
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2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Logan Jones
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Sam Roush
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Zavion Thomas
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Malik Muhammad
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Keyshaun Elliott
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott
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Breakdown and analysis of new Bears rookie Jordan van den Berg
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg
S Dillon Thieneman
The Bears landed one of the biggest steals of the first round when Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman fell into their laps at 25th overall. Thieneman was Miller's 11th biggest steal of the entire draft, and he was 17th on his big board heading into the draft.
Wrote Miller: "The Bears' offseason started with zero safeties under contract. GM Ryan Poles added Coby Bryant in free agency, but safety was a glaring hole we knew would get addressed in the draft too. What we didn't know was that Thieneman would slip to them at No. 25. Being patient and playing the board paid off, as the Bears didn't have to trade up to land a prospect who was frequently mocked to the Vikings at No. 18. Thieneman will be the point guard of the secondary, aligning at free safety but moving around the formation. With eight career interceptions, he is the playmaker Chicago's secondary needs."
CB Malik Muhammad
After an offensive haul on Day 2, the Bears found another defensive steal in the fourth round in Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad, who has the chance to compete for a starting job as a rookie. Muhammad was Miller's 48th biggest steal of the draft, and he landed at 70th on his big board.
Wrote Miller: "Further addressing the secondary by picking Muhammad was another step by the Bears to reform a unit that was heavily affected in free agency. Muhammad projects as a future starter opposite Jaylon Johnson and could fill that role as early as 2027, when Tyrique Stevenson's rookie contract expires. Expect a lot of early reps as a rookie for the former Longhorn, who excelled in zone coverage in college and has 4.42 speed."
LB Keyshaun Elliott
The Bears landed another potential steal in Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott in the fifth round, and many draft analysts had him as a top-5 linebacker in this class. Elliott was Miller's 81st biggest steal of the draft, and he held the 95th spot on his big board.
Wrote Miller: "Linebacker didn't rank as a top-five need in Chicago, but sometimes value and getting the best player available matters more. Elliott had a Day 2 grade and was stolen by the Bears in Round 5. Versatile and fast (he ran a 4.58 40 in the combine), Elliott had seven sacks last season while playing off-ball linebacker. Elliott was a high-character captain at Arizona State and should be one of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's favorites."