Bears Draft Oregon S Dillon Thieneman in Round 1 of 2026 Draft
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles stood his ground and came away from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with former Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman.
Thieneman joins a revamped group on the backend of a beleaguered Bears defense. The Bears led the NFL in takeaways, but their defense ranked 29th overall. They struggled to rush the passer and stop the run amid injuries at cornerback.
Thieneman spoke candidly about how he hopes to impact the Bears.
Bears’ Dillon Thieneman Sends Message After Going 25th Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Dillon Thieneman Bringing Speed to Bears’ Defense
During his post-draft interview with local media, Thieneman told Clocker Sports of his playmaking ability, “If I can use my speed, I’m gonna go get that ball.”
That speed is something the Bears have targeted, allowing both Jaquan Brisker (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Kevin Byard III (Buffalo Bills) to leave in free agency. They signed Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis in free agency, but the latter is better-suited as a sub-package option.
Thieneman spoke with reporters about his ability to play “in the post” at free safety.
Then, he recorded 6 interceptions and forced 2 fumbles. His turnover numbers fell off in the two seasons that followed. Still, Thieneman gained valuable experience playing “boundary” and “field” roles in the Ducks’ defense.
That will suit him well under Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who likes to utilize his safeties interchangeably.
Bears secondary coaches Al Harris and Matt Giordano get an intriguing piece to mold.
Dillon Thienemans Speed, Versatility Stand Out
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler called Thieneman a “A durable, versatile safety who could start in almost any coach’s defensive scheme,” ranking him as the second-best safety in the class and projecting him as a first or second-round pick.
He compared Thieneman to New Orleans Saints safety Justin Reid. Reid is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. Brugler said it was “because of his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender. He projects as a durable NFL starter and has versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Jevon Holland of the New York Giants, another versatile DB.
“Savvy three-year starter with NFL size, speed and alignment versatility. Thieneman is an extension of his defensive coordinator, aligning and adjusting the secondary to motion and pre-snap shifts. He’s an instinctive, rangy safety who can roll down into big nickel or robber positioning. He has a good feel for play design and route concepts in zone but has average change of direction to match breaks in man,” Zierlein wrote.
“Not a big thumper near the line, but he rushes into the action with a relentless pursuit that should allow him to keep stacking high scores in the tackle columns. Thieneman checks important boxes for teams looking to add versatile playmakers in the secondary.”
Meanwhile, NFL.com’s Chad Rueter projected the pick back on April 5.
“General manager Ryan Poles should be happy to regain his fifth-round pick from Buffalo while moving down just one spot,” Reuter wrote on April 3. “The move ensures he can land the athletic Thieneman, who’ll join Coby Bryant in replacing departed starting safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard.”
