Following the Bears' first-round selection of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25, the analyst projects picks including EDGE Gabe Jacas, WR Bryce Lance, and CB Tacario Davis.
The mock draft incorporates two projected trades, enabling Chicago to target defensive, offensive line, and skill positions with their Day 2 and later picks. Notable prospects include DT Kaleb Proctor and C Jager Burton.
Thieneman, viewed as the consensus top safety after Caleb Downs, fills a key starting role, allowing the Bears to address other roster needs in the remaining rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Was Dillon Thieneman the best player available, or was his selection a reach to fill a need?
How will the Bears' draft strategy change on Day 2 now that their biggest need is filled?
How much did Chicago's 2025 coverage issues influence their first-round pick?
Is a defensive shift in college football making this 'weak' offensive draft class secretly undervalued?
Should teams trade their 2026 draft picks for future 2027 capital in this 'weak' class?
Can an FCS star like Kaleb Proctor truly dominate NFL offenses after playing lesser competition?