The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and for the Chicago Bears, it marks a new chapter. After years of picking near the top of the board—thanks to selections like Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland—the Bears found themselves at No. 25 overall for the first time since 2011. That shift isn't just a coincidence; it's a sign of a team with Super Bowl aspirations finally turning the corner. If this becomes the new normal in Chicago, it means the Bears are on the right track.

With the draft behind us and Rookie Minicamp just around the corner, it's time to break down the seven picks made by fifth-year general manager Ryan Poles. Let's hand out some "way-too-early" grades and see how this class shapes up for a team that's ready to compete.

Round 1, Pick 25: Safety, Dillon Thieneman (Purdue/Oregon)

For the first time since 2018, the Bears went defense in the first round—and it was a long time coming. Building a top-tier defense requires a mix of high-round picks and smart free-agent moves, and Chicago has struggled with both in recent years. At pick 25, Thieneman was widely viewed as the best player available, and his college résumé backs that up. As a freshman, he snagged six interceptions, and over four seasons, he piled up 306 tackles and eight picks. His 9.72 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) jumps off the tape, showing a safety who can cover ground and make plays.

Still, some fans felt a twinge of doubt. Thieneman was the consensus second-best safety in the class, but with glaring needs on the defensive line, the pick raised questions about positional value. Is the Bears' defense being built from the outside in? Only time will tell, but the talent is undeniable.

Grade: B+