Bears Eyeing Talented Defensive Backs in 2026 NFL Draft After Impressive Combine Workouts

The 2026 NFL Combine has made one thing abundantly clear: the premier defensive talent in this draft class resides not on the defensive line but rather at linebacker and safety. Following a standout performance by linebackers, the safeties took the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium, showcasing their skills to the 32 NFL teams in attendance. This raises an intriguing question for the Chicago Bears: how will this impact their draft strategy?

As the Bears look ahead to Day 2 of the draft, they might find themselves considering some tall cornerback prospects. Since 2008, Dennis Allen, during his tenure as a secondary coach, has seen 23 defensive backs drafted, with 15 measuring at least six feet tall. This trend suggests that the Bears could be eyeing taller cornerbacks who stood out during Friday’s workouts. Florida’s Devin Moore, standing at 6-3, clocked a respectable 4.5-second 40-yard dash, demonstrating improved movement skills that could translate well on the field.

Meanwhile, Washington’s Tacario Davis, just shy of 6-4, turned in an impressive 4.41 40-yard dash alongside solid jump performances. Despite some inconsistency in tracking the ball during drills, his physical attributes—akin to the wingspan of a small airplane—are hard to overlook. With a track record of 15 passes defended in 2023 while at Arizona, Davis could be an intriguing project for Bears’ defensive backs coach Al Harris.

On another front, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman has likely elevated his draft stock beyond Chicago’s reach. With a blistering 4.36 in the 40-yard dash and explosive jumps, Thieneman has solidified his status as a top safety prospect, leaving him potentially out of the Bears’ plans. The Vikings and Lions, both seeking safety help, could very well vie for his services, with Thieneman fitting in as a replacement for Harrison Smith or alongside emerging talents like Brian Branch on the Lions’ defense.

Though Thieneman may be off the board, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren remains a possibility for Chicago at pick No. 25. His speed and physicality have shown promise, suggesting he could thrive alongside a veteran like Kevin Byard, potentially making an instant impact. If Thieneman were to fall to the Bears at No. 25, however, it’s hard to imagine them not rushing to submit their card.

The Combine has illuminated the strengths and weaknesses of this draft class, particularly highlighting the abundance of safeties and linebackers ready to step in and contribute immediately. Given the lack of elite defensive tackle prospects, the Bears might consider bolstering their roster with veteran acquisitions instead of relying on a first-round pick at that position. This draft is about seizing opportunities, not merely filling needs, a strategy the Bears successfully employed last year when selecting tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III despite already having solid options at those positions.

In this deep draft, the Bears should be prepared to capitalize on the wealth of talent available at linebacker and safety, making it crucial to draft the best players rather than just filling specific gaps.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.