Bears' potential draft gem checks all the boxes to create depth on the roster

Now that the Chicago Bears have addressed most of their needs in free agency, they will shift their attention to the 2026 NFL draft.

While they still have some spots to fill, they are also now in a spot where they can lean on the best player available as a strategy. If that happens, one name that may make sense for the team on Day 3 is DJ Campbell, an offensive lineman from Texas.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested the pairing while reviewing a draft gem for each team. This is a player outside the top 100 that could be a great fit.

"DJ Campbell is the kind of guard that gets overlooked in the draft process and ends up sticking in the league for years. He doesn't have flashy athletic testing. What he does have is three years' worth of starting experience in the SEC.

The 6'3", 313-pound guard is a physical run blocker who would do damage in Ben Johnson's multiple rushing attack. There are some limitations in his pass blocking that have led to penalties, but he doesn't have to be a finished product because Thuney and Jackson will give him time to develop."
Alex Ballentine

Should Chicago Bears be interested in DJ Campbell in 2026 NFL Draft?

This would be a great fit at the right price. Campbell has a lot of upside and potential, but has not yet ironed out his game. Falling to Day 3 makes sense, but being a fit for the Bears is even better.

The Chicago Bears have Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and even Luke Newman as depth, so they would not need Campbell in year one. However, neither is a long-term piece.

Thuney is 33, Jackson is 29, and both of them are signed for the next two seasons. Thuney playing beyond the next two years would be impressive, and Jackson may start to see a decline in play. Newman is quality depth, but right now that is all that he is, and there is no sure thing he could be more. Beyond that, they will eventually need two starting guards.

Campbell can sit for two years and work on his game. He can work under Thuney, a future Hall of Famer, and would likely improve dramatically in that time. When Thuney is done, the things that Campbell can learn can be applied on the field.

These are the types of shots that the Bears need to be taking with their Day 3 picks. They need to continue thinking about the future, not about plugging any holes. Finding a future starter with that pick would be huge, and Campbell has the talent to make it happen. Keep an eye on this player.