The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp with rookies set to report on July 25 before practices kick off next week at Halas Hall, where there are shaping up to be some intriguing position battles and depth chart positioning.
The Bears had an impactful 2025 draft class, led by tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III and running back Kyle Monangai, and they're hoping this 2026 draft class has a similar impact. There are potential stars in the making with this group, led by first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, as well as some offensive toys for head coach Ben Johnson with center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas.
With that in mind, here's a look at the rookies we'll be watching
when Chicago kicks off training camp in the coming days.
Dillon Thieneman, safety
Chicago landed a steal in Dillon Thieneman in the first round of the NFL draft. He has elite instincts and playmaking ability that should make him a difference maker in Dennis Allen's defense opposite fellow newcomer in veteran Coby Bryant. Last season with Oregon, Thieneman totaled 92 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups and one sack and earned First-Team All Big Ten honors. After the losses of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker this offseason, the Bears have shored up safety in a big way. Chicago's first-round pick will factor in immediately as a rookie starting opposite Bryant.
Logan Jones, center
The Bears have big plans for Logan Jones, who was the first center drafted and a prime Day 2 selection. But his impact might not be as immediate as other rookies on the roster. Following Drew Dalman's shocking retirement back in March, Chicago quickly pivoted by trading for veteran Garrett Bradbury, who has one year left on his current deal. While Jones will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job as a rookie, the expectation is that Bradbury will be the starter come Week 1. But the Bears eyed Jones as the long-term option at center. We'll see if that changes, depending on how things shake out in training camp and preseason. But, for now, Jones might have to wait his turn.
Sam Roush, tight end
While the pick of Sam Roush in the third round came as a shock, with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet already on the roster, it's a selection that has Ben Johnson's fingerprints all over it. Roush was one of the biggest standouts of the offseason, and it's clear the Bears have big plans for him as a rookie in an already-loaded tight end room. Roush likely won't factor into the passing game in a significant way -- Loveland will be one of Caleb Williams' top targets -- but his prowess as a blocker will prove key. Also, given Johnson's penchant for 12 and 13 personnel, Roush should get plenty of action. And if he has an impactful year, he could challenge Kmet for the TE2 role.
Zavion Thomas, wide receiver
There's no doubt the biggest impact rookie of the offseason was third-round wide receiver Zavion Thomas, who was one of the biggest surprise selections by the Bears in the draft. Like Roush, this selection was all Ben Johnson, who saw Thomas' speed and knew he could utilize him on offense. Thomas was a near-daily mention during the offseason program, be it rookie minicamp, OTAs or veteran minicamp, making plays and flashing his impressive speed. While Chicago's offense has an abundance of playmakers, led by Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, Johnson will find a way to get Thomas involved and set him up for some big playmaking opportunities as a rookie. He should also factor into the return game.
Malik Muhammad, cornerback
Chicago got a potential steal in the fourth round with cornerback Malik Muhammad, who is poised to make an immediate impact as a rookie. While many expect Muhammad to challenge Tyrique Stevenson for the starting outside job opposite Jaylon Johnson, Muhammad might actually be in line to start at nickel cornerback amid Kyler Gordon's injury struggles. During the offseason, the Bears worked Muhammad both outside and inside, which could very well be a contingency plan for the slender-framed rookie if Gordon misses extensive time. Gordon has yet to play a full season in four years in the NFL, so Muhammad is expected to see the field this season. The question is where he'll be lining up.
Jordan van den Berg, defensive tackle
Jordan van den Berg might be the Mr. Irrelevant of the Bears' 2026 draft class, but it sounds like the team has big plans for the rookie defensive tackle. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Chicago believes they're getting a "steal" in van den Berg, who was selected in the sixth round. Outside of Gervon Dexter, in the final year of his rookie deal, and Grady Jarrett, there are massive questions about the defensive interior. The Bears didn't make any significant moves to improve, with Neville Gallimore being their "big" free-agent addition. Van den Berg has the opportunity to make a name for himself as a rookie and work his way into the rotation.
Caden Barnett, offensive line
The Bears landed one of the top undrafted free agents in Caden Barnett, who garnered the nickname "Vanilla Gorilla" for the nastiness he brings to the offensive trenches. He has the athleticism that Ben Johnson, Ryan Poles and the Bears have coveted this offseason. Barnett also brings versatility to the table, having played both right tackle and right guard during his time at Wyoming. But Barnett isn't expected to crack the starting lineup as a rookie, which is why he's ranked so low on this list. But he provides solid depth and gets a chance to develop behind future Hall of Famer Joe Thuney while potentially factoring into the offensive line down the road.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 7 Bears rookies to watch during training camp
