The Chicago Bears surprised many with their all-offense theme of selections on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, welcoming center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas to the roster.
While there's no denying their talent and potential, which is why they were drafted, there were concerns about why the Bears failed to address their biggest positional need in this draft through three rounds: Defensive line. Chicago has questions across the line, both along the interior and off the edge, when it comes to stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
General manager Ryan Poles has garnered plenty of criticism for his Day 2 moves, but he explained why the Bears ultimately passed on positional needs and opted for the best player available.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)"We followed the board," Poles said. "To go into a draft and just start picking at your needs, hopping around the board ... that doesn’t play out very well over the long haul."
Poles said they expected the top of the second round would feature a run on defensive linemen, which is exactly what happened. He also said his team wasn't comfortable with what it would cost to move up and nab one of those top defensive linemen.
Poles also expressed confidence in the defensive linemen currently on the roster and the plan in place for Dennis Allen's defense.
"At the defensive line position, (Austin Booker)'s coming along with Dayo (Odeyingbo), (Montez) Sweat, Shemar (Turner)," Poles said. "We feel good about those guys. Obviously we have one more day, so we can continue to add. But like what that group is and what they’re becoming and we feel like there is some developmental upside and like I said yesterday, with Year 2 in the system, we should be able to take the next step."
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears GM Ryan Poles on why they didn't address defensive line on Day 2