The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books as the three day event officially wrapped up in Pittsburgh on Saturday night. For the Chicago Bears, they welcome in a seven-player class to add to a roster that won the NFC North a year ago.
But even before these players appeared in a game, some criticized a few Bears selections.
Fans were not happy with the Bears taking a tight end and a wide receiver on day three, especially since the Bears didn’t draft an edge rusher at all. Now, there are some concerns with the pass rush but was Chicago really in a position to reach for someone who didn’t fit? The cost to move up was likely too much for Ryan Poles and instead, they stuck to their board to take their top targets.
And now, they are earning some praise.
Matt Miller has praise for Chicago Bears’ GM Ryan Poles
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
While Poles came under fire from Bears fans, he followed his draft board. Poles and the staff stuck with the plan and it’s clear that there wasn’t a defensive end or tackle worth trading up for. Now, after the draft, analysts are offering their take on the Bears’ haul and one had praise for Poles.
While appearing on 670 The Score Monday, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller praised how Poles is building this team.
“I’m that much of a believer in Dillon Thieneman, I’m that much of a believer in Logan Jones,” Miller said. “I’m that much of a believer in how they’re continuing to build this team. This was a good draft for Poles.”
The Bears did have some needs this offseason but they did come away with potential starters at safety, center and even defensive back. Plus, they added a tight end for more 13 personnel and some depth at linebacker and defensive tackle.
The verdict will be out for a few years but if Poles hits on this draft class as well, it could mean good things for the Bears.
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