When the Chicago Bears selected Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they may have found more than just a player—they may have found a defensive chess piece built for the modern game.

On the latest episode of the Making Monsters podcast, draft analyst Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports broke down why Thieneman is generating so much buzz. "There was a need for a guy that can be a little bit diverse," Roberts explained. "The great thing about Thieneman is he’s got experience going back to his Purdue days playing single-high free safety from depth, and then at Oregon he was asked to be more of a short-zone robber playing the box a lot more. He’s done a lot of different things, and he tested to verify the range we saw, especially his first couple years in college."

That versatility is exactly what makes Thieneman such an intriguing fit for the Bears. In today's NFL, where offensive schemes evolve rapidly, having a defensive back who can line up deep, drop into the box, or roam in zone coverage is like having a Swiss Army knife in your secondary. "He’s a very universally liked player because he doesn’t have to fit into one role," Roberts added. "Whether you’re a two-high system, a single-high system, whatever your preference, he can fit there."

This adaptability is what Roberts calls "bust-proof." In an era where defensive coordinators constantly adjust to new offensive trends, Thieneman's skill set ensures he won't be left behind. "No matter where the league goes from here offensively or defensively, I think he is a universal player who can fit any system you want to play," Roberts said. "That is very valuable in today's game."

For Bears fans, that kind of flexibility is a welcome sight. Whether the defense needs a rangy centerfielder or a physical presence near the line of scrimmage, Thieneman can deliver. And in a draft class full of question marks, it's reassuring to know that this pick looks like a sure thing—no matter how the game evolves.