Hello, Chicago Bears fans!  Welcome to week one post-2026 NFL Draft.  We have seen the Bears take seven players in the NFL Draft across six rounds.  So, who are these guys, and what did they have to say after they were drafted by the Chicago Bears?  I will be recapping what each player’s reaction to being drafted by the Bears was and what else they had to say in the moment this week.  I will paraphrase the questions and answers as best I can, rather than providing an exact transcript, but I’ll be as exact as I can.  First up is our first-round pick, the safety out of Oregon, Dillon Thieneman.

Question: How do you feel about suddenly being in Chicago for the next step in your career?

DT: It’s been a great experience. Going to the events in Pittsburgh [associated with the 2026 NFL Draft] has been incredible and I’m happy to be here.

Question: How did it feel walking down that corridor, knowing you’ve been drafted by an iconic franchise?

DT: I know this team has a lot of history. It’s been awesome to see that displayed in the building. I’m happy to get in and get to work.

Question: How do you feel about growing up for a bit in Chicago?

DT: I know a little bit. I was young when we were Bears but I’m excited to learn more.  We were Colts when I grew up but the Bears were in there.

Question: There were reports you connected with the Bears at the Combine. Can you speak on that?

DT: Yeah, overall, I thought there was positive energy going around. They asked me background questions, talked about film, and had me get on the white board a little bit.

Question: You said yesterday you were surprised to be picked by the Bears, since there had not been a lot of contact since the Combine. Did you have a point on the board circled you thought you might be going before the Bears pick?

DT: I had some ideas, but I just prayed I got to the right spot, and I think this was the right spot. The Bears showed their interest through a lot of avenues, and then it all worked out in the end.

Question: Dillon – when you made your transfer from Purdue to Oregon – what were you envisioning and what do you think you accomplished by that move?

DT: Going into Oregon, I had the goal that I would play one year and then go to the NFL.  I wanted to give everything I had so if I decided to stay at Purdue, it was right, and if I decided to go to Oregon, it was right as well.  As for accomplishments I think we accomplished a lot – I know we came up short – but I made some great connections with coaches and teammates I know I will have for the rest of my life.

Question: It sounded like the coaches were tough on you at Oregon, even in recruiting you as a transfer, how did that make you better?

DT: A lot of schools try to sugar coat it in recruiting, but in talking with Oregon, they didn’t sugar coat it. They told me that they thought I was a good player, but they identified what I needed to work on and they told me this is how we can get you better. They used examples of how they had developed guys in the past and showed how I could follow in their footsteps. Made it a very easy decision.

Question: What do you remember from your high school days and what Coach Jake Gilbert taught you – he said you outran guys in youth football?

DT: Coach Gilbert always liked talking about TNTs, Tank, No Talents, it’s always effort and attitude, so running the ball is about effort, no matter what your talent is.

Question: So, Gilbert also said your Dad told you “skate to where the puck is going to be.” What’s your interpretation of that?

DT: I don’t remember that as much but my thought on that is about – what is your feel for the game.  How is the pocket moving?  What are they trying to attack? Just be aggressive to the point of attack.

Question: You talked about the studies you put into your role and the roles of the defense. Where does your passion for football come from?  What makes you put in the work?