Bears made first round draft decision due to insane stat that could put Chicago in a bad spot next year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Entering the offseason, there were questions about how the Chicago Bears would improve on the defensive side of the ball.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles knew what he wanted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and feels that the team got the job done by selecting Dillon Thieneman.

The Bears have three picks on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Here's a look at who the latest mock drafts have them selecting in Rounds 2 and 3.

Only three teams allowed more yards per carry last season (5.00) than the Bears, who were 27th overall in run defense. Finding someone to rotate with Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter and Neville Gallimore — while also being the future of the interior — could be a priority on Day 3.

The Chicago Bears made an odd pick with the selection of Stanford tight end Sam Roush in the third round.

The Chicago Bears just threw the fans their first curveball of the 2026 NFL defense. In Round 1, the Bears pulled off a heist with their pick of safety Dillon Thieneman.

Something that intrigued Ryan Poles about Dillon Thieneman was his ability to make big plays in high-pressure moments. The Bears' rookie will have to become comfortable in Dennis Allen's defense to capitalize on those plays in the NFL.