Predicting the Bears' Day 2 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
· Yahoo Sports
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, where the Chicago Bears got a massive steal with the selection of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at 25th overall.
Thieneman is a versatile safety who thrives in coverage and downhill against the run. He has elite instincts and playmaking ability that should make him a difference maker in Dennis Allen's defense. Thieneman is the first defender to be selected by the Bears in the first round since linebacker Roquan Smith in 2018 and the safety since Mark Carrier in 1990.
Visit extonnews.click for more information.
Armed with three Day 2 picks, the Bears have an opportunity to land some impactful contributors for their roster at positions of need, including defensive tackle, edge rusher, cornerback, left tackle and center, among the best remaining players still on the board.
Ahead of night two, our Bears Wire staff is taking a crack at predicting what Chicago does with its pair of second rounders and third-round pick.
Round 2, Pick 57
Alyssa Barbieri: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
There are some top edge rushers still on the board, but it's unlikely that T.J. Parker or Zion Young fall to Chicago at No. 57. While Jacas could also be off the board by the time the Bears pick, he could be a trade-up candidate. He's an impressive power rusher with a high football IQ and a wealth of experience. Many believed Jacas could be a late first-round pick, and he has the tools to be an impactful player off the edge. If Jacas somehow manages to fall to the Bears, much like Dillon Thieneman, it would be a massive win for Ryan Poles for the second straight night.
Mike Pendleton: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Bears have to get an edge rusher in the second round, and well in reality, they have to address the defensive line as a whole with their two second round picks. Parker’s inconsistencies at Clemson last year hurt his draft stock, although he was projected to see his name come off the board in the first round. Parker needs to evolve his game at the next level before he can show off his true potential.
Vincent Parise: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
It would be shocking if the Bears don’t take an edge with one of their two second round picks. It wouldn’t even be surprising if they used the two pics to move up and get the one of their choice. R Mason Thomas out of Oklahoma is one to consider if they stick with the two that they have later in the round. Adding a guy like Thomas who can make quarterbacks think twice would change the entire outlook of the defense.
Preston Zbroszczyk:Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Chicago needs to address the defensive line, and at pick No. 57 Jacas who can set the edge in run defense and rush the passer. This past season at Illinois he had 11 sacks back-to-back seasons with 13.0 tackles for loss and has played in 12 or more games each season. The production is there for Jacas and he’d be a player who could compete for playing time in the offseason for Week 1.
Round 2, Pick 60 (from BUF)
Alyssa Barbieri: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Depending on how the board falls, there could be options to shore up the interior defensive line after addressing the edge. While it's unlikely Kayden McDonald falls to the bottom of the second round, Gracen Halton wouldn't be a bad consolation prize. He's got elite speed, a quick get-off and is a threat as an interior pass rusher. The Bears spent free agency adding depth, but Halton could be a key contributor behind Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett.
Mike Pendleton: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Sticking with the defensive line, if Chicago is able to land Christen Miller (or Kayden McDonald), they’ll have significantly upgraded their defensive tackle spot. I’ll slot in Miller at this spot, but I would like to predict a very bold trade, in which the Bears move up and grab McDonald, who is quite the shock to still be on the board heading into Friday.
Vincent Parise: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Not only should the Bears think about the edge in the second round, but the interior of the defensive line is important as well. A good player in this spot will help put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but also help stop the run, which is something the Bears need to work on this year. Kayden McDonald out of Ohio State has yet to be selected, but he is sure to go on day two. The Bears are a sensible destination.
Preston Zbroszczyk: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)
This is another pick I see Chicago taking based on the philosophy of best available. Scott is a versatile player with speed, play recognition and a tackling machine. He fits the Chicago Bears’ style of play.
Round 3, Pick 72
Alyssa Barbieri: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
The Bears need to find their center of the future following Drew Dalman's shocking retirement. With newcomer Garrett Bradbury, acquired via trade, under contract for only one season, Chicago needs to have a long-term plan in place. They've shown significant interest in centers this pre-draft process, including most notably Hect, who had a workout with Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar and assistant offensive line coach Kyle DeVan after his Pro Day. Chicago hasn't hit on third-round picks under Ryan Poles. That should change with Hecht.
Mike Pendleton: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
A player in which the Bears had meetings and interest early on in the draft process, if they can’t get their hands on the best fit at tackle in the second round, they should certainly target Hecht in the third round. He’s a great fit in Ben Johnson’s offense and is quick to reach the second level at the center position. With Garrett Bradbury on a one-year deal, it would make the most sense for Chicago to bring in a young player who can sit and learn for at least one season.
Vincent Parise: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Can Ben Johnson go two full draft days without using his influence to land a skilled offensive player? It’s hard to see. If Washington WR Denzel Boston is available in the third round, or even any high end playmaker at the position, the Bears may consider such a move. Their WR room is fine as is, but replacing DJ Moore’s production could be on their minds.
Preston Zbroszczyk: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
Hecht might be the only player Chicago makes a move up for, a guy they really want, and use a little aggression to make a move up and take. Light on his feet, athletic, Hecht can move laterally in the run game and when he locks onto his target with his hands inside pad level is hard to shed off. The way the first round board went it's tough to predict if Hecht will last into the third round, but if he does I expect Chicago to be aggressive.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Predicting the Chicago Bears' Day 2 picks