The Chicago Bears didn’t get cute with their first pick of the 2026 NFL draft. They took the best player, landing Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman 25th overall. It marks the first time in 36 years the Bears have drafted that position in the 1st round. Many were surprised that Thieneman was still on the board, signaling that the team had gotten themselves a good one. Now their secondary appears in great shape with Thieneman and Coby Bryant on the back end. Now we get to see what general manager Ryan Poles has cooked up for day two.
Even better, at first glance, there are several really good options still available. Many of them sit at positions where the Bears have needs. Let’s run through a few of the more prominent names you should keep an eye out for as the team prepares to make two picks in the 2nd round.
The Chicago Bears have no shortage of interesting options still available.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Defensive tackle remains a precarious position for the Bears despite their additions in free agency. Miller would offer them a much-needed infusion of youth. Like previous Georgia products, he is well-built and strong. His explosiveness allowed him to shoot through gaps and split double teams, even if that wasn’t always his responsibility. The Bears need somebody who can demand attention in the middle. Miller does that. Think Kenny Clark in Green Bay.
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Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Ben Johnson likes his offensive linemen a certain way: smart, athletic, technically sound, and nasty. Jones checks all of those boxes. He’s somewhat undersized for his position, but that didn’t stop him from getting dudes blocked on a regular basis. His intelligence stands out on tape, as does his unrelenting style. He gives it maximum effort on every snap. Play to the echo of the whistle. The Bears would love him.
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
His down year in 2025 ruined his chances of going in the 1st round. That said, Parker is a good player. He has size, length, power, and a terrific motor. While not the most explosive edge rusher, he’s athletic enough and showed considerable progress towards the end of last season. He can set the edge against the run and should be a quality pass rusher once he fully diversifies his arsenal of moves.
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
The Chicago Bears would be wise to pay attention to their backyard. Jacas kind of flew under the radar despite recording 19 sacks and 26 tackles for loss over the past two years. He has good size, great power, and plays with a level of violence you love to see. He has a background in wrestling, which shows in his ability to shed blocks and keep guys off his body on the way to the quarterback.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
He isn’t the biggest or the fastest linebacker in the world, but his tape doesn’t lie. Rodriguez was always around the ball for the Red Raiders, forcing takeaways and making tackles. His instincts are outstanding and the leadership he exhibits shows up a ton. This is the kind of guy who becomes the heart and soul of a defense, even if he might not be the most talented on the field.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Allen loves press cornerbacks. Al Harris really loves press cornerbacks. There is no doubt Hood will be on their radar. He is a bully in coverage, loving to mix it up with receivers one-on-one. Highly physical and athletic. He’s also a threat to score when he gets his hands on the ball. The primary issue for him is technique and discipline, which Harris should be able to fix. Just a gritty football player.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
If there were one player the Chicago Bears might consider trading up to get, it’s Boston. The Puka Nacua comparisons are valid. He has outstanding hands and body control, using sharp routes to overcome his overall lack of speed. Better still, he gives extra effort after the catch, proving difficult to bring down. That is the type of player Johnson often prefers. He would make a great replacement for D.J. Moore.
