Kevin Fishbain

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears exited the first night of the NFL Draft with a starting safety in Dillon Thieneman. They have three chances in a 32-pick span to keep adding playmakers to the defense, and they could also add to coach Ben Johnson’s offense. Several players who were popular mock draft picks for the Bears at No. 25 remain on the board — edge rushers T.J. Parker and Zion Young and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. Based on a variety of draft rankings, it seems unlikely that any of them would get to No. 57, but the Bears do have the...

The Chicago Bears exited the first night of the NFL draft with a starting safety in Dillon Thieneman. They have three chances in a 32-pick span to keep adding playmakers to the defense, and they could also add to coach Ben Johnson's offense.

The position that seemingly everyone slotted to the Chicago Bears early in their mock drafts so far has been ignored.

The Bears still need help on defense, but they added three players who could be long-term contributors at center, tight end and receiver.

The Bears drafted one starter and several potential 2027 starters. How does the draft class and free-agent haul impact the depth chart?

The Bears' highest-rated undrafted rookies play interior offensive line, and there's also some special teamers who could push for the 53.

The Bears surprised many by taking a tight end early in Round 3 of the draft, but Roush is a perfect fit for what they want to do.

What we saw and heard at the Bears' OTA practice, from Odunze in the spotlight to a focus on improving the coaching on the D-line.

We heard from left tackle Braxton Jones and safety Coby Bryant as the Bears wrapped up Day 2 of veteran minicamp.

With OTAs and minicamp in the books, here's our early projection of a 53-man roster to see which battles will take shape.