Chicago Bears analyst Harrison Graham has ignited the draft community with a bold declaration of five underrated prospects he believes could define the team’s 2026 draft class, targeting critical value on the second day of selections. In a detailed breakdown on his show “Chicago Bears Now,” Graham bypassed the typical first-round chatter to champion a quintet of players he argues are poised to outperform their projected draft slots, presenting a potential roadmap for General Manager Ryan Poles. His analysis suggests a strategic pivot towards high-floor contributors and explosive athletes who could immediately bolster the roster’s depth and long-term viability.
At the forefront is Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whom Graham labels a first-round talent likely to slip into day two. He vehemently disputes any athletic concerns, citing Rodriguez’s exceptional combine performance and instinctive, productive college career. Graham contends that while linebacker may not be the Bears’ most glaring need after free agency, selecting Rodriguez with the 25th overall pick would be a justifiable “best player available” scenario, and landing him at 57th would constitute the “steal of the draft.”
For the edge rusher position, Graham presents a clear day-two triumvirate: Penn State’s Deny Dennis Sutton, along with Gay Bakis and Derk Moore. He frames Sutton as a prototypical three-down end with proven production, good size, and a polished rush arsenal, offering a high-probability starter available in the late second or early third round. Securing any one of these three, Graham asserts, would represent a major victory for a defense seeking consistent pressure opposite Montez Sweat.
The backfield receives a compelling endorsement in the form of Michigan’s Mike Washington Jr., whom Graham ranks as a close RB2 behind Notre Dame’s Jarian Price. He highlights Washington’s explosive blend of size, speed, and pass-catching ability, projecting him as a true three-down workhorse at the professional level. While noting needed improvements in ball security and pass protection, Graham is captivated by the potential of adding what he calls a “juiced up runner” to Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme.
Versatility defines the next target, Arizona defensive back Traden Stokes. Graham sees a player capable of lining up at nickel, safety, or even outside corner, providing invaluable flexibility for Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen. His athletic profile, ball skills, and tackling willingness make him an ideal plug-and-play piece for a secondary that may have an opening at safety, allowing the Bears to creatively deploy Kyler Gordon.
Northwestern left tackle Caleb Tieran rounds out the list as the high-floor option. Graham acknowledges Tieran may not have the ceiling of others but praises his polish, size, and athleticism in pass protection. He suggests Tieran could immediately challenge Braxton Jones for the starting job, offering crucial stability at a position thrown into uncertainty by the injury to veteran Aussie Trapillo.
Graham’s analysis extends beyond his core five, offering tantalizing first-round preferences should the board break favorably. He expresses strong admiration for UCLA edge rusher David Baylor over higher-profile names, cites Oregon titan Jordan Tyson as potentially the draft’s best receiver if medicals check out, and views Illinois tackle Dylan Theamman as an ideal fit if he falls to the 25th pick.
The comprehensive preview sets the stage for a critical draft for the ascending Bears franchise. With multiple picks in the top 100, including the pivotal 25th overall selection, Graham’s “pounding the table” recommendations highlight pathways to add immediate impact talent without the premium first-round price tag. His focus on day-two value underscores a belief that championship rosters are built through astute evaluations in the draft’s middle rounds, where the Bears have significant capital to operate.
As the draft approaches, Graham’s identified crushes will be measured against the actual war room decisions at Halas Hall. The potential acquisition of any combination of these prospects—Rodriguez’s instincts, Sutton’s power, Washington’s explosiveness, Stokes’ versatility, or Tieran’s reliability—would signal a draft focused on foundational players ready to contribute to a team with clear playoff aspirations. The coming weeks will determine if the Bears’ brass shares Graham’s conviction on these specific talents as they look to construct a roster capable of sustained contention in the NFC North and beyond.
