Four of the eight rookies that the Chicago Bears drafted in the 2025 draft became starters for the team.
The Bears had seven draft picks this year, and there could be three potential starters: Dillon Thieneman, Logan Jones, and Malik Muhammad. Each player has a battle at training camp that they could realistically win.
Chicago Bears position battles involving rookies who can win it
Safety: Dillon Thieneman and Jordan Hicks
Chicago used its first draft pick at No. 25 to snag Dillon Thieneman from Oregon. The Bears allowed their previous starting safeties, Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, to walk away in free agency. Taking Thieneman that high meant it was an almost immediate sign that he would get the starting spot.
Still, Ben Johnson has made it abundantly clear that everyone is constantly proving why they deserve a spot on the team. Thieneman will be battling for the spot with Elijah Hicks, who is in his fifth season with the Bears. He played in 17 games last year, but never got a starting spot. With Brisker and Byard gone, it's anyone's spot to take. Hicks signed a one-year contract for this year, meaning he will want to show out to get another one.
One of Hicks' weak points is a strength for Thieneman. He lacks elite speed, which makes him struggle following the ball at times. It also makes him struggle when he has to get in man-on-man coverage; he can get caught with a speedy wideout. At the combine, Thieneman ran the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash time among safeties. He's been praised for his athleticism and instincts; he has the ability to follow anyone on the field closely and break up a play.
Cornerback: Malik Muhammad and Tyrique Stevenson
Malik Muhammad actually has a chance at having two starting roles. But let's stick with the one he was drafted for the comparison. CB1 is cemented with Jaylon Johnson, but CB2 is still to be fought for, and it could be the fourth-rounder's spot.
The news coming out of OTAs was that the Bears aren't necessarily pleased with what they're seeing from Tyrique Stevenson. But they are liking what Muhammad has been showing. Stevenson was struggling with reading coverage and having the speed to keep up with receivers. Keeping up with Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze isn't easy, but if the Bears want to compete as they have been, then it will only get harder, especially with receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in their division.
Muhammad's speed is his strength. He stood out at the combine, running a 4.42 40-yard time. While at Texas, he's had reps since his freshman year, which explains his ability to read defenses well. He's a fluid athlete with loose hips, which allows him to stick with any receiver.
Center: Logan Jones and Garrett Bradbury
Drew Dalman's unexpected retirement meant the Bears needed to find a new center fast. They traded for Garrett Bradbury, but also drafted Logan Jones at No. 57 from Iowa.
Bradbury came to the Bears off a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, where he started the whole season at center and didn't allow a penalty or sack all year. Still, he isn't an elite pass blocker and hasn't been known as the best anchor. The veteran has been good enough throughout his career to make an impact, but it could mean he takes a step back this season and serves as a mentor instead.
On the other hand, Jones was an elite pass blocker at Iowa. He won the Rimington Trophy in 2025, which goes to the best center in college football. His 50 career starts at Iowa proved that he can be a true anchor for the offensive line. Being 25 years old as a rookie can be an advantage for him as well because it shows he is physically ready to be an NFL center.
Read more: Bears rookie's biggest impact might be at a position he wasn't picked to play
Whether these players get the start right away, in the middle of the season, or not at all this season, they all have the potential to be starters. If Johnson chooses not to start them, they should each get reps this season and can make an impact from whatever is asked of them.
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