The Chicago Bears made a splash in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a mix of surefire talent and high-upside prospects to their roster. While the team addressed key needs on both sides of the ball, a new analysis from Pro Football Focus suggests they may have reached on a few picks.
The Bears kicked off their draft with a potential steal in the first round, selecting safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25. Thieneman is expected to immediately upgrade the secondary, giving defensive coordinator Eric Washington a versatile playmaker in the backfield. On Day 2, head coach Ben Johnson added offensive weapons, including center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush, and wide receiver Zavion Thomas—all players who could step into rotational roles early.
However, PFF flagged four of Chicago's seven selections as reaches, notably all three Day 2 picks. The analytics site suggests the Bears might have jumped the gun on Jones, Roush, and Thomas, potentially passing on higher-ranked prospects. On the bright side, PFF also noted that the Bears landed steals in Thieneman, cornerback Malik Muhammad (Day 3), and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (Day 3), adding depth and value late in the draft.
Overall, the Bears' draft class blends immediate contributors with developmental projects. While the reaches raise eyebrows, the steals could prove pivotal as Chicago builds for the future under Johnson's leadership. Fans will be watching closely to see if these picks pay off on the field.
