ClutchPoints
Despite the Chicago Bears making too many mistakes in a tough Divisional Round loss, the team has a bright future. A key step is the 2026 NFL draft, and here are the Bears’ top three targets after losing to the Rams.
Chicago turned the ball over in overtime and wound up on the short end of a 20-17 decision in Sunday’s game. But Coach Ben Johnson’s roster is solid overall. The Bears just need to add the right pieces.
Among the key needs are defensive line, linebacker, and safety. The Bears must avoid the trap of adding another offensive piece in the first round. They must address that defense first.
Chicago remained vulnerable in the middle of its defense. That’s why Allen makes the most sense. He’s 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds with a throwback mentality that fits the Bears’ tough-guy personality, according to Pro Football Network.
“C.J. Allen is the consummate old-school linebacker prospect with new-school athletic gifts,” PFN wrote. “He’s close to average size overall, but packs a ton of lean mass and contact power within his frame. Allen wasted no time becoming an impact player for Kirby Smart’s defense. And (he) was an impact starter in 2024 who helped call signals and get teammates in position.
“Allen’s quick ascent as a defensive leader bodes well for his NFL projection. And it’s the blend of mental and physical tools that generates allure. He’s incredibly rangy and explosive in pursuit. And as a blitzer, he can get depth in coverage and run with RBs, and he can navigate gaps with ease. He reads and reacts without delay, delivers punishing physicality as a block take-on defender, and has all the makings of a stud three-down defender.”
This is the type of player who will give the Bears versatility. That’s something the defense needs to keep pace with a young and very talented offense.
Allen has been a fixture for the Bulldogs and looks ready to take the next step, according to Sports Illustrated.
“Allen had been a mainstay on the Bulldogs’ offense for nearly three seasons and emerged as one of the team’s biggest leaders on the defensive side of the ball this year,” Christian Kirby wrote. “Not only will the loss of his playmaking abilities have a massive impact (on) Georgia’s roster, but his leadership will also be missed.”
Chicago needs help on the back end, and Thieneman seems like a good player to upgrade the secondary.
In the second round, he’s going to be a great grab for any team, according to Pro Football Network.
“Dillon Thieneman is perhaps the best consolation prize you could ask for if you’re unable to acquire Caleb Downs,” PFN wrote. “And in truth, some might prefer Thieneman’s value over Downs’ later in the early rounds. Thieneman was an immediate impact contributor as a true freshman at Purdue, accruing 106 tackles, 2 TFLs, 6 INTs, 2 PBUs,...
