The Chicago Bears selected Iowa center Logan Jones with the 57th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, filling a key position after losing Drew Dalman. Jones, a Unanimous All-American and Rimington Trophy winner, is expected to compete for the starting job as a rookie.
Key points
Bears selected Logan Jones with the 57th overall pick
Jones played center at Iowa and started 51 games
He was a Unanimous All-American and Rimington Trophy winner
Bears lost starting center Drew Dalman to retirement
Jones could compete for the starting job as a rookie
Logan JonesDrew DalmanGarrett BradburyIowa
How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Logan Jones
The Bears lost starting center Drew Dalman this offseason, following his surprise retirement, which left them with a big hole at one of the most important positions in Ben Johnson's offense. They didn't wait long to trade for veteran Garrett Bradbury, who has one year left on his current deal. Now, Chicago appears to have found their long-term option in Jones.
In four years at Iowa, Jones started 51 games at center and was an Unanimous All-American this past season, and he was the Rimington Trophy winner as the nation's top center. Jones fits what theĀ BearsĀ are looking for at center, and he could challenge for the starting job as a rookie.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
Q&A
What position did Logan Jones play in college?
Logan Jones played center at Iowa.
Why did the Bears need to draft a center?
The Bears needed to draft a center due to the retirement of starting center Drew Dalman.
What accolades did Logan Jones achieve in college?
Logan Jones was a Unanimous All-American and the Rimington Trophy winner for being the nation's top center.
Who did the Bears trade for before selecting Logan Jones?
Before selecting Logan Jones, the Bears traded for veteran center Garrett Bradbury.
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How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
Hereās a collection of all of the grades for Jones from various media outlets, where experts are split about the selection. Some love the move for the Bears, as Jones fills a big need and projects as a long-term solution, while others believe Chicago reached on the pick.
USA Today: C+
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: "Many assumed theĀ BearsĀ could take an offensive tackle early with Ozzy Trapilo's injury recovery timeline unclear. Instead, Chicago looked to upgrade elsewhere on its front. Jones, the Rimington Award winner, is a good fit for Ben Johnson's outside zone scheme. But there didn't seem to be much of a distinction between him and the other top centers in the draft, and this felt like a bit of a reach."
The Athletic: B+
Scott Dochterman: "There are concerns about Jonesā size (6-3, 299) and short arms (30 3/4 inches), but his quickness and power make up for those detriments. Jones won the Rimington Award as the nationās top center and was a unanimous first-team All-American for the top offensive line in the country. There arenāt many players more mature than Jones."
NFL.com: B+
Chad Reuter: "Jones was my favorite center in the draft. Heās an athletic zone blocker who can anchor despite lacking ideal size."
CBS Sports: D+
Mike Renner: "I had three centers on my board, considerably higher than Jones, that were all good scheme fits for Ben Johnson's offense. Jones's ability to run outside zone is why he comes off the board here, but you're going to consistently give up a lot in pass protection with him in the middle."
Pro Football Focus: Reach
Pro Football Focus: "Jones is a high-IQ, feisty center with strong athleticism for zone schemes. He moves well laterally and shows good hand usage, but his outlier-short arm length creates challenges sustaining blocks and handling longer defenders."
Yahoo! Sports: B-
Charles McDonald: "Jones is a solid fill-in player for the Bears as they replace the production ofĀ Drew Dalman, who retired this offseason. Center was a huge need and theyāve at least taken a stab at a potential starter here."
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Purdue Boilermakers fumbles a punt in the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 13: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after beating the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 01: Terrance Carter Jr. #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders makes a catch defended by Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in the second quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - MARCH 17: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks looks on during Oregon Ducks Pro Day at Moshofsky Center on March 17, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) and Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Antonio Stevens (11) tackle Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Jack Lausch (12) Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nov 2, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) intercepts a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl.
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
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Bears HC Ben Johnson had perfect reaction to Dillon Thieneman pick
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Bears HC Ben Johnson had perfect reaction to Dillon Thieneman pick
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Bears GM Ryan Poles explains what he loves about Dillon Thieneman
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
5 / 19
Coby Bryant had the best reaction to Bears' pick of Dillon Thieneman
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
6 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
7 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Purdue Boilermakers fumbles a punt in the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
8 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 13: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
9 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after beating the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
10 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 01: Terrance Carter Jr. #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders makes a catch defended by Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in the second quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
11 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
12 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Bears safety Dillon Thieneman outran Justin Jefferson in 40-yard dash
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
EUGENE, OREGON - MARCH 17: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks looks on during Oregon Ducks Pro Day at Moshofsky Center on March 17, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
15 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) and Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Antonio Stevens (11) tackle Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Jack Lausch (12) Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
16 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Nov 2, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
17 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Nov 29, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) intercepts a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Bears earned 'elite' grade for Dillon Thieneman selection in NFL draft
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl.
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Highlights of new Bears safety Dillon Thieneman
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Sports Illustrated: A-
Matt Verderame: "A six-year collegiate player, Jones is an interesting talent. At 299 pounds, heās undersized in the pivot but played at a high level for the Hawkeyes, starting 51 games over the past four years and winning the Rimington Award as the nationās best center. Jones also comes from a school with a terrific track record of producing offensive linemen, including three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.
How he fits with the Bears:Ā The Bears desperately needed to upgrade at center after losing Drew Dalman to a shocking retirement after a Pro Bowl campaign. Although general manager Ryan Poles acquired Garrett Bradbury to help solidify center, Jones is likely the starter from the jump."
Sporting News: A
Vinnie Iyer: "Jones is a natural run blocker with his smarts but he might need to get stronger before he can displace free-agent addition Garrett Bradbury to replace retired Drew Dalman at center."
Bleacher Report: C+
Brent Sobleski: "The center class isn't strong this year, without a single snapper ranking among the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's top 85 prospects. Jones is an older, smaller center, but he's an explosive athlete and an experienced play-caller in the middle of the offensive line. The Iowa product can immediately compete to start along the Chicago Bears' offensive interior. As a second-round pick, the Bears likely expect him to beat out Garrett Bradbury and start at center."
For The Win: A
For The Win: "Itās not a sexy pick, but if you need to replace a veteran center who unexpectedly retired this offseason (Drew Dalman) youāre not going to find a better fit than Jones. Heās only got average size, but heās your typical Iowa product ā strong as hell, mean and a straight-up people mover. Itās a great fit for a Bears team that badly needs him."
SB Nation: B-
Mark Schofield: "This fills an immediate need for the Bears, with the unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman. Yes, the Bears added Garrett Bradbury, but Jones gives the Bears an athletic center who fits well with the zone blocking designs you often see from Ben Johnsonās offense."
Bears Wire: B+
Mike Pendleton: "There were other options at the center position for Chicago, but they identified Jones as their target and he brings a credible resume to the Windy City with a potential opportunity to compete for the starting job as a rookie. Jones took over Tyler Linderbaum atĀ Iowa, no easy task, and went on to be a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection, and the aforementioned All-American for his stellar season this past year. The center position is one of the most important in Ben Johnson's offense, and they wanted to make sure to bring in a player who could be there for the long run."
