The Chicago Bears welcomed seven new rookies to the roster during the 2026 NFL Draft, including safety Dillon Thieneman, center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush, receiver Zavion Thomas, cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg.
While everyone agreed the Bears got a steal in Thieneman in the first round, some questioned Chicago's decisions of going all-offense on Day 2 and waiting until the seventh round to address the pass rush. But the Bears did add plenty of speed and athleticism with this 2026 draft class, which has the potential to be an impactful one down the line.
ESPN's Matt Miller made a bold prediction about this Bears draft class that, in five years, it will wind up being the group that paves the way for a Super Bowl championship in Chicago.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)The 2026 class will be the one that puts the Bears over the top and into a Super Bowl. Quarterback Caleb Williams is the main reason for the Bears' success, but adding safety Dillon Thieneman and cornerback Malik Muhammad satisfies huge needs in the secondary, while center Logan Jones will be Williams' new best friend and bodyguard.
There's no doubt that this draft class was heavily influenced by head coach Ben Johnson, who found his center of the future and added a blocking tight end and playmaking receiver to his offense. But general manager Ryan Poles also made good on his promise -- to draft the best available and not select anyone who isn't a fit for what they're trying to accomplish.
Looking ahead, Thieneman has the potential to be a Pro Bowl safety and cornerstone on defense, Jones will be linked to quarterback Caleb Williams, Roush will help the Bears run game and even Day 3 pick Muhammad could wind up being a long-term starter down the line. Not to mention, there's plenty of potential with Thomas, Elliott and van den Berg.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 draft class: Bold prediction bodes well for Chicago