The Chicago Bears waited their turn and let the board fall to them with their No. 25 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.
With several teams trading up the board and several surprise picks ahead of them, Chicago was able to wait patiently and got one of the top players at a position of need. Thieneman split his collegiate career between Purdue and Oregon, and will bring experience to the safety spot where he will play alongside free-agent splash signing in Coby Bryant.
Thieneman can make plays in space, find the football, and has great coverage ability to be a big-time disruptor for Dennis Allen’s defense. His versatility will fall in line with what this coaching staff is looking for, and he’ll bring a big upgrade in the secondary in terms of high-level coverage.
Here are the top reactions to the Bears selection of Dillon Thieneman with the No. 25 overall selection:
Thieneman was best-case scenario for #Bears, a Day 1 starter who fills need position, a tremendous athlete with Midwest ties, versatile player who ideally fits Halas Hall culture. Things fell into place for Ryan Poles, who did exactly what he had to. Bears fans gotta love this.
Dillon Thieneman has the ball knowledge of an elite QB.His instincts are off the chart. pic.twitter.com/W5TMcn613p
Dillon Thieneman and Coby Bryant on the back end of Dennis Allen's defense. That's going to be a problem for opposing offenses.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) April 24, 2026
Perfect fit for the #BearsInterchangeable safety with range and ball skills. Length and deep coverage skills weren’t utilized in 2025 the way they were at Purdue. In Chicago he’s going to be able to showcase those skills. pic.twitter.com/uqaQOjAvmH
Most analysts had Thieneman as a top 19 player. He’s a plug and play safety and a no brainer pick by Poles
If Dillon Thieneman is what Ryan Poles believes he is, he will join a proud Bears safety tradition that includes Gary Fencik, Richie Petitbon, Dave Duerson, Roosevelt Taylor, Mike Brown, and Mark Carrier.
Thieneman to the Bears…Interchangeable safety in Dennis Allen’s scheme. Range over the top/deep half. Speed in the alleys. Can spin down to play the curl/hook. Good fit with Coby Bryant.
Dillion Thieneman is the perfect versatile defensive weapon for Dennis Allen's defense. A great pairing with Coby Bryant on the back end.Screw the positional value. He was the best player available on the board. Great pick
Experienced player that excelled at every stop he made in college. Great all around kit. This is a good player that raises the floor and ceiling of the defense immediately https://t.co/x6MWilwTWU
I loved Kevin Byard & Brisker but man Bryant & Thieneman looks like a really big upgrade!!!!
— Cork City Bears Fan (Ant) (@BearsCork) April 24, 2026
There was absolutely no reason he should have fell to us at 25!!!!!! LETS GO!!!
DILLON THIENEMAN IS A CHICAGO BEAR RYAN POLES DOES IT AGAIN pic.twitter.com/FpSpd6satC
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: NFL world reacts to Chicago's pick