The Chicago Bears raised eyebrows by focusing on offensive players during Day 2 of the NFL Draft, despite their defensive struggles last season. The team ranked 29th in the league in yards allowed per play in 2025 and were in the bottom third in nearly every major defensive category. With three picks on Day 2, the expectation for many was that they would address these defensive shortcomings.
Offensive Picks Dominate Day 2
Instead, the Bears selected three offensive players. General manager Ryan Poles drafted Iowa centre Logan Jones, even after trading for centre Garrett Bradbury. After trading back, the Bears picked Stanford tight end Sam Roush, despite already having Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. To conclude the night, LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas was selected at No. 89, even after the team signed Kalif Raymond.
Director of player personnel Trey Koziol said that the goal was to add competition with all the picks. These choices suggest a strong influence from coach Ben Johnson.
Poles Explains the Draft Strategy
Poles explained the team followed their board. He noted five defensive ends were drafted in the first 13 picks of the second round, with Zion Young going to the Ravens at No. 45, twelve picks before the Bears’ selection.
The Bears did add a Day 3 pick in the fifth round. Poles indicated the team believes they can find edge rushers on Day 3, and they will be counting heavily on their returning players.
“(Austin Booker’s) coming along with Dayo (Odeyingbo), (Montez) Sweat, Shemar (Turner). We feel good about those guys,” Poles said. “Obviously we have one more day, so we can continue to add. But we 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.”
Future Impact of the Draft Choices
The Bears hope their Day 2 picks will pay off in the long run. If they hit on their Day 2 picks, they have their starting centre for 2027 and beyond, a No. 3 tight end and special teamer who could take the No. 2 spot down the line, and a new return man who can eventually be the No. 3 receiver.
These are some “ifs” that don’t include what they got in Round 1 with safety Dillon Thieneman, a player who will definitely start this season.
The Bears anticipate Austin Booker’s development, along with Dayo Odeyingbo, Montez Sweat, and Shemar Turner. Poles stated they feel good about those players and see developmental upside.