Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears continue to scour the 2026 NFL Draft class for potential fits, and former Utah Utes playmaker Dallen Bentley is among those the team has created connections with along the way ahead of the event.
They have also had their eyes on the other side of the ball.
As the draft draws closer, the Bears’ list will only continue to grow, but Bentley is a notable potential target.
Bears Add Dallen Bentley to Pre-Draft Visit List
Dallen Bentley Met With Bears ‘Multiple’ Times
On SI’s Arye Pulli reported on the widespread interest in Bentley, naming the Bears among the teams the tight end has had “multiple interviews” at and after the combine in a post on X on March 22.
“With just three catches over his first two seasons at Utah, Bentley’s 48 grabs in 2025 came as a surprise,” Zierlein wrote. “He has the build of an in-line tight end but mostly uses his size to occupy defenders instead of digging into blocks. A heavy portion of his catches came against zone, so he will need to refine his route running and contested-catch technique to prove he can win on his own. Bentley’s NFL future could depend on his ability to play with more tenacity and technique as a run blocker since his catch production from 2025 might not translate.”
The Bears’ interest in Bentley could offer some clues to the long-term future of Cole Kmet, but Chicago lost veteran backup Durham Smythe to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.
Bentley is not expected to be a top-100 pick. The Bears drafted Kmet 43rd overall in 2022.
Kmet is also one of the leaders in the locker room and one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. That is a lot to replace, especially with such a raw prospect like Bentley, who lacks a track record of strong production.
Bears Linked to Pro Day Standout
Experienced former Oregon State Beavers defensive back Skyler Thomas joined Bentley on the Bears’ radar with just over one month to go until the draft.
“Oregon State @BeaverFootball safety Skyler Thomas excelled at Pro Day: 6’01, 210, 36 vertical, 10’1 broad, 6.79 3-cone, 4.59 40-yard dash @seniorbowl,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on March 21. “Met #Bears virtually. Invited #49ers #Seahawks local prospect days. Played the 4th most special teams snaps out of all players in #NFLDraft class (676).”
Thomas is also not a projected top-100 selection.
The Bears’ starting safeties from last season, Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, both left in free agency. Chicago has replaced them with Coby Bryant, and fellow free agent pickup Cam Lewis appears set to at least help fill the other spot.
Thomas could come in and develop behind them, either in the latter rounds of the draft or as a priority free agent.