Bears Day 2 mock draft after selecting Dillon Thieneman: Ryan Poles maneuvers the board and adds new pieces for Ben Johnson
The Chicago Bears enter into Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with three more Top-100 selections and general manager Ryan Poles could look to move around the board on Friday night.
Well, it’s safe to say the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft worked out to perfection for the Chicago Bears after sticking with the 25th overall pick and still landing Oregon do-it-all safety Dillon Thieneman.
You couldn’t have asked for a better start to the draft. Thieneman is an absolute stud and will be an immediate impact player for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit that can bring even more speed and versatility.
Going into Day 2 of the draft on Friday night, the Bears still have some glaring needs on the defensive front and three more Top-100 picks to work with. So, let’s get right into a Day 2 mock draft.
Day 2 mock draft for the Chicago Bears
Round 2, pick 57: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Fans are likely disappointed that the front office, once again, passed on adding a top impact pass rusher to the defensive line. In reality, that was a plan general manager Ryan Poles has been telegraphing all offseason when he noted the depth at the position and expressed interest in seeing things through with Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner.
I also believe DT is a bigger long-term need for this defense compared to DE. Which is why with the first pick in the second-round, I have the Bears landing an explosive interior pass rusher that fits DA’s mold perfectly in Gracen Halton.
Ahead of the 57th overall pick, I see a strong run of DEs taking place involving T.J. Parker, Gabe Jacas, Zion Young, Cashius Howell, and maybe more. If that’s the case, pivoting to a top DT that fits the scheme is a strong bet to make.
TRADE
I firmly believe Poles trades back from one of the two second-round picks. Poles noted the team explored moving back on Thursday night and it’s clear this team would ideally like to add another Day 3 selection if possible.
I have the Bears moving two spots back from the 60th overall pick with the Denver Broncos while picking up the 170th overall pick in the fifth-round.
Round 2, pick 62 (via DEN): De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
After making the trade down, the next two picks can be interchangeable depending on the grades the Bears have on these two guys. Let’s start with wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who showcases traits that head coach Ben Johnson would be pounding on the table for when looking at his blocking and YAC abilities.
Teams are a lot higher on this guy than consensus and I can see him easily landing in the second-round. Is wide receiver a top need for this team? Not really. But, you’re not telling Johnson no if he wants to take a reach to land his guy before someone else does.
Round 3, pick 89: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
With the other Day 2 selection, I see Johnson landing another desired target off his list for his offense in center Sam Hecht. Chicago spent plenty of time evaluating the incoming center class to find a long-term option behind Garrett Bradbury.
At the Kansas State Pro Day, offensive line coach Dan Roushar worked directly with Hecht and the team later brought him in for a Top-30 visit. I see the Bears drafting him in the second or third-round.
