The Chicago Bears have reshaped their roster following the 2026 NFL Draft, and the depth chart is now a battlefield of competition, with rookies poised to challenge veterans and a new defensive identity taking shape under head coach Ben Johnson. The draft class, headlined by first-round safety Dylan Theamman, has injected a surge of athleticism and versatility into a team that finished last season with a 9-8 record but glaring weaknesses on the defensive line and in the secondary. The Bears’ front office, led by General Manager Ryan Poles, targeted players who can contribute immediately, and the ripple effects are already being felt across every position group.
At quarterback, the hierarchy remains unchanged, with Caleb Williams entrenched as the starter, backed up by Tyson Bagent and veteran Case Keenum. The addition of undrafted free agent Miller Moss, a former USC teammate of Williams, adds intrigue but little immediate threat to the depth chart. Moss is expected to compete for a practice squad spot, but the Bears have committed to Keenum on a two-year deal, solidifying the top three. The quarterback room is stable, but the real drama lies elsewhere, as the draft picks begin to carve out roles.
The running back position sees DeAndre Swift and Kyle Manungai returning as the primary one-two punch, but the arrival of rookie Xavon Thomas, a third-round pick listed primarily as a wide receiver, introduces a wild card. Thomas, described as a joystick-type player with the ability to line up in the backfield, could reduce the need for a traditional RB3. The Bears may opt to go light at running back on the 53-man roster, relying on Thomas for five to six snaps per game as a hybrid weapon. This strategy would leave Roshan Johnson, Deion Henkins, and Britain Brown fighting for a single roster spot or practice squad roles, with a cheap veteran addition still possible.
Wide receiver is a position of depth and competition, with Roman Wilson and Luther Burden III locked in as the top two. The free-agent signing of Khalif Raymond and the drafting of Xavon Thomas create a fierce battle for the WR3 role. Thomas, who ran a sub-4.3 40-yard dash at his pro day, is expected to contribute as a return specialist immediately, but his offensive role could expand quickly. The Bears may keep six receivers, leaving one spot open for the likes of Amari Kelly, JP Richardson, or Squirrel White. Thomas’s versatility could also impact the running back room, as his ability to take snaps in the backfield adds a layer of unpredictability to the offense.
Tight end is arguably the Bears’ strongest position group, with Cole Kmet and Coulson Loveland forming a formidable duo, and third-round pick Sam Roush adding depth and upside. Roush, a Stanford product, is expected to see around 300 snaps this season, up from Durham Smythe’s 240 last year. The Bears were fifth in 12 personnel and sixth in 13 personnel in 2025, and they are likely to increase their use of three-tight-end sets. Roush’s athleticism and blocking ability make him a reliable pass catcher and a potential mismatch for defenses that are going smaller and faster. This trio could become the best in the NFL in the near future, providing Caleb Williams with a safety valve and a red-zone threat.
The offensive line has undergone a subtle but significant transformation, with the addition of second-round pick Logan Jones from Iowa. Jones, a 51-game starter with zero penalties and only one sack allowed last season, is expected to compete with Garrett Bradberry for the starting center job. Bradberry is the incumbent, but Jones’s athleticism and run-blocking prowess could force a change during training camp. The Bears have unprecedented depth on the line, with Braxton Jones, Aussie Trapillo, Jonah Jackson, and Joe Tuni providing a solid foundation. Even if Bradberry holds onto the starting role, Jones is a candidate to take over in 2027, ensuring long-term stability.
The defensive line remains the team’s weakest unit on paper, but the draft added a wild card in sixth-round pick Jordan Vandenberg, a defensive tackle with impressive athletic traits. Montez Sweat and Booker are the edge rushers, but the interior is a concern, with Grady Jarrett, Javon Dexter, Neville Gallimore, and Contavia Street all needing to elevate their play. The Bears were a bottom-five defensive line last season, and the front office is banking on internal improvement rather than splashy additions. Vandenberg’s development could be a key factor, but expecting significant contributions from a sixth-round rookie is optimistic. The goal is to move from 29th to 22nd in defensive line performance, which would be a substantial improvement given the back seven’s upgrades.
Linebacker saw a notable change with the departure of Tremaine Edmunds and the signing of Devin Bush, who brings speed and athleticism to the position. TJ Edwards remains a steady presence, while DeMarco Jackson and Ruben Hip provide depth. Fifth-round pick Keshan Elliot is a potential steal, falling to 166th overall despite being projected as a top-100 talent. Elliot is a downhill run defender with instincts, but he needs to improve in coverage to become a three-down player. If he can develop into an average coverage linebacker, he could be the future Mike linebacker alongside Bush and Jackson. The Bears are prioritizing speed and versatility in the back seven, and Elliot fits that mold.
Cornerback is one of the deepest positions on the roster, with Jaylen Johnson, Tyreek Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and Terrell Smith all having starting experience. Fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad adds another layer of competition, challenging Stevenson for the starting job opposite Johnson. Muhammad, who weighed 190 pounds at his pro day after being 182 at the combine, is a scrappy, athletic corner with long arms and press coverage skills. He is not afraid to mix it up despite a thinner frame, and he could see playing time early in the season. The depth is so strong that special teams aces like Josh Blackwell and Jaylen Jones may struggle to make the roster, while Zay Frasier returns after non-football issues last year.
Safety has been completely overhauled, with first-round pick Dylan Theamman pairing with Kobe Bryant to form a dynamic duo. Theamman, who was a top-20 player on the Bears’ board, fell to 25th overall, and the team pounced. His versatility, along with Bryant’s and Kyler Gordon’s, gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a wealth of options for exotic looks. Elijah Hicks returns as a top backup, and Cam Lewis provides a safety-nickel hybrid role. Undrafted free agent Skyler Thomas could be a deep sleeper to make the roster. The safety room is now a strength, addressing a critical weakness from last season.
Special teams remain largely unchanged, with Tory Taylor at punter and Cairo Santos expected to retain the kicking job, though Gabriel Placencia, a lefty from San Diego State, could push him. The long snapper competition is the most intriguing, with Luke Elen and Bo Gardner vying for the role after Scott Daly was not re-signed. This is a minor battle, but it highlights the Bears’ attention to detail across all phases.
The strongest position group on the Bears is the tight end room, which boasts two starting-caliber players and a rookie who could become a starter in the future. Cole Kmet and Coulson Loveland are a top-tier duo, and Sam Roush has the potential to make this the best tight end trio in the NFL. The deepest positions are offensive line and cornerback, both of which have multiple players with starting experience. The Bears are building a roster that can compete in the NFC North, but the defensive line remains a question mark. If the rookies can contribute immediately and the veterans can elevate their play, Chicago could be a playoff contender in 2026.
The Bears’ draft class is headlined by Dylan Theamman, but the biggest impact from a rookie not named Theamman could come from Logan Jones if he starts at center, or from Xavon Thomas if he becomes a dynamic weapon. Keshan Elliot and Malik Muhammad also have the potential to carve out significant roles. The Bears are betting on youth and athleticism to close the gap with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. The depth chart is fluid, and training camp will be a battleground for roster spots. The Bears have added competition at nearly every position, and the result should be a more resilient, versatile team ready to take the next step.
