Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears had an incredible comeback season in 2025-26, with the crew touchdown at No. 1 within the NFC North and making it to the playoffs.
However they did not go all the best way to the Tremendous Bowl, and that’s one thing that clearly nonetheless stings for Johnson. He is a perfectionist form of a coach, and regardless that it was simply his first 12 months with the crew, he had excessive, maybe too excessive, expectations.
So, the second the Bears have been out, Johnson went to the drafting board to determine what positions to beef up heading into the brand new season.
Now, one transfer that Johnson made within the NFL Draft is getting stellar evaluations.
Ben Johnson and Chicago Bears get reward for NFL Draft choice
In a characteristic for ESPN, Matt Bowen names the “best rookie team fits” within the 2026 NFL Draft class. He gushes over the Bears’ selection of security Dillon Thieneman at No. 25.
“With Thieneman and free agent signee Coby Bryant, coordinator Dennis Allen now has two interchangeable safeties with robust ball abilities,” he states within the piece. “Particularly, Thieneman’s velocity and vary to trace the ball deep give Allen extra flexibility within the sport plan to maneuver late or disguise from two-high shells.”
He adds: “Thieneman may spin down on the snap to chop on crossers in Cowl 2-Man or patrol the beneath zones. The Bears get an improve — and a scheme match — right here with Thieneman, who had eight interceptions in faculty.”
For the reason that Bears had an amazing season, they weren’t in a position to choose till No. 25 within the draft, and it virtually appears too good to be true that they nonetheless bought a participant as strong as Thieneman. Add to that how the Chicago Bears had a robust want at security, and this seems to be one other house run choice for Johnson.
