The Chicago Bears may have raised a few eyebrows on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but according to ESPN analyst Matt Miller, their overall haul deserves serious recognition. In fact, three Bears selections landed on Miller's list of the top 100 picks in this year's draft—a testament to the front office's ability to find value beyond the early rounds.

It all starts with their first-round choice, safety Dillon Thieneman out of Oregon. Selected at No. 25 overall, Thieneman came in at No. 11 on Miller's rankings. That's a steal for a player many mock drafts had going to the Vikings at No. 18. "The Bears' offseason started with zero safeties under contract," Miller noted. "Being patient and playing the board paid off." With eight career interceptions and the versatility to roam the secondary, Thieneman is poised to become the playmaking quarterback of Chicago's defensive backfield.

After a Day 2 that frustrated the fan base—with picks at center, tight end, and wide receiver instead of defensive line help—general manager Ryan Poles bounced back in a big way. Cornerback Malik Muhammad, taken at No. 124 overall, checked in at No. 46 on Miller's list. Miller projects him as a future starter opposite Jaylon Johnson, potentially filling that role as early as 2027 when Tyrique Stevenson's rookie contract expires.

Then came linebacker Keyshaun Elliott at No. 166 overall, landing at No. 81 on the top 100. He brings much-needed speed and youth to a re-tooled linebacker corps. Miller praised his versatility and explosiveness, calling him a perfect fit for today's faster NFL.

For Bears fans still smarting from those mid-round picks, there's plenty of reason for optimism. This draft class has the potential to turn a secondary and linebacker unit from a question mark into a strength—and that's something worth celebrating in Chicago.