The Chicago Bears got a steal in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the selection of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick. Thieneman is another speedy, versatile weapon for Dennis Allen's defense.
The Bears had a starting safety job to fill heading into the draft, and the best-case scenario unfolded for them in the first round as Thieneman fell right into their laps. Looking back, this could be another Colston Loveland or Luther Burden III impact addition in just one year.
Following the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, Chicago has remade their secondary with the selection of Thieneman and free-agent addition of Coby Bryant, who should be a dynamic duo in the defensive backfield.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1Grading every Bears pick in the 2026 NFL Draft2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1Grading every Bears pick in the 2026 NFL Draft2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)Here's what some expert draft analysts had to say about Thieneman during the pre-draft process and what Bears fans can expect to see:
"A one-year starter at Oregon (and three-year starter overall), Thieneman was a hybrid safety in former defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi’s scheme and wore a variety of hats (deep middle, robber, nickel etc.). A productive post safety at Purdue for two seasons, he transferred to Eugene for his junior season and earned a 2025 All-America nod for the Ducks, with both of his interceptions clinching victories late in a game (Penn State and Washington). He collected more than 300 combined tackles in three college seasons and averaged 7.9 tackles per start.
With his open-field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL because of his versatility making plays over the top in coverage or downhill versus the run. He shows impressive range and anticipation from the deep half of the field, as well as the intelligence to understand what opponents are trying to do. Although he doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, he can guard both sidelines and sort through routes. He can clean up some things in the run game, too — he has a nose for the ball and doesn’t hesitate flying to the contact point."
"Thieneman was a versatile chess piece in Oregon’s defense. He lined up in the box, in the deep half and over the slot. When he’s aligned in the back end, he can anticipate and range over the top to find and play the ball. He has excellent closing speed and takes good routes. He shows a fluid, smooth pedal when aligned in the slot. He’s quick to plant/drive on throws in front of him and he’s a reliable tackler most of the time. He will occasionally fail to break down and have a fly-by missed tackle. Against the run, he trusts his eyes and explodes into the alley. Overall, Thieneman does a lot of different tasks at a very high level. His skill set is highly coveted around the NFL."
"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. He’s 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."
"Speed/Range: Thieneman is a 4.3 athlete at the safety position, which shows on his film. He has great sideline-to-sideline range when playing the FS position. Thieneman is also explosive out of his plant-and-drive and has great closing speed to the ball carrier.
Run Defense/Tackling: Thieneman appears to be a sound tackler who has an effective and efficient technique. When closing from a distance, Thieneman has great closing speed to the ball carrier and uses his full body to make contact and bring down the ball carrier. He has sideline-to-sideline range in pursuit of ball carriers.
Alignment Versatility: Thieneman has played in multiple different alignments throughout his collegiate career, being able to play FS, SS, and nickel. There are snaps where he can play the single-high FS with the responsibility of roaming sideline-to-sideline and making a play on the football in the passing game. However, he can also walk down to the nickel position to effectively play the pass and insert into the run game.
Instincts: Thieneman showcases a natural feel for the game at various alignments, which helps him make plays in both the run and passing games. In the run and screen game, Thieneman is quick to diagnose and can get a quick jump on the football, playing downhill and putting himself in a position to be disruptive at or near the line of scrimmage to make the play. In the passing game, Thieneman will anticipate routes and jump them to intercept passes and turn the football over for the defense."
"Thieneman is a former three-star safety from Carmel, Indiana, where he was named the 2022 Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football as a senior before committing to Purdue, where both his brothers, Jake and Brennan, also played safety. He earned a starting role as a true freshman and won the Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year as the Big Ten’s top freshman while serving as their free safety. He played at Purdue for one more season before transferring to Oregon for his junior year.
He is of adequate size, at just over 6 feet and just over 200 pounds. At Purdue, he primarily played as a true deep, centerfield free safety, where he recorded six interceptions as a freshman. At Oregon, his role became much more diverse. He has good straight-line speed for range in deep coverage, but his hip fluidity and change-of-direction ability are not as impressive as his explosiveness.
He has fantastic ball skills, evidenced by nine career interceptions and a forced incompletion percentage in the 67th percentile. In Oregon’s defense, he played a lot in the middle of the field with the freedom to move and flow with the play — a role in which he thrived with confidence. He is not the heaviest hitter, but he is a reliable tackler, including from deeper alignments. His wins above average (WAA) mark was among the highest for players at his position in 2025, driven by consistency as a run defender and strong forced incompletion production."
"Dillon Theineman's versatile skillset is being underrated as a true three-down impact defender in the NFL. He can line up anywhere, triggers downhill in a hurry, and gives the coaching staff his all whenever he's on the field.
He's a former 3-star recruit and a former 4-star transfer from Purdue following the 2024 season.
Thieneman broke into college football in a big way, earning second-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American honors as a freshman in 2023. He transferred to Oregon after his 2024 season and earned First-Team All-Big Ten and Second-Team All-American honors. In his three-year career, he compiled 306 tackles (188 solo), ten tackles for loss, two sacks, 8 interceptions, 14 passes defended, and two forced fumbles."
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Purdue Boilermakers fumbles a punt in the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 13: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after beating the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 01: Terrance Carter Jr. #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders makes a catch defended by Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in the second quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)EUGENE, OREGON - MARCH 17: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks looks on during Oregon Ducks Pro Day at Moshofsky Center on March 17, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) and Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Antonio Stevens (11) tackle Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Jack Lausch (12) Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.Nov 2, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn ImagesNov 29, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) intercepts a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesOregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl.Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.1 / 19Bears HC Ben Johnson had perfect reaction to Dillon Thieneman pickPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)1 / 19Bears HC Ben Johnson had perfect reaction to Dillon Thieneman pickPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)2 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images3 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images4 / 19Bears 2026 NFL Draft: Instant analysis of Chicago's rookie classApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images5 / 19Coby Bryant had the best reaction to Bears' pick of Dillon ThienemanPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon celebrates after being selected twenty-fifth overall pick by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)6 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)7 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyMADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Purdue Boilermakers fumbles a punt in the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)8 / 19Bears reveal rookie safety Dillon Thieneman's jersey numberEVANSTON, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 13: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)9 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetySEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after beating the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)10 / 19What draft experts said about new Bears safety Dillon ThienemanMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 01: Terrance Carter Jr. #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders makes a catch defended by Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in the second quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)11 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)12 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)13 / 19Bears safety Dillon Thieneman outran Justin Jefferson in 40-yard dashINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Dillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)14 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyEUGENE, OREGON - MARCH 17: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks looks on during Oregon Ducks Pro Day at Moshofsky Center on March 17, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)15 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyPurdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) and Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Antonio Stevens (11) tackle Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Jack Lausch (12) Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.16 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyNov 2, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images17 / 19Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safetyNov 29, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) intercepts a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images18 / 19Bears earned 'elite' grade for Dillon Thieneman selection in NFL draftOregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl.19 / 19Highlights of new Bears safety Dillon ThienemanOregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.Todd McShay, The Ringer"Thieneman is an experienced three-year starter with loads of reps at free safety, slot cornerback, and in the box. He has a unique blend of size, speed, explosive traits, instincts, and ball production. His performance at the combine—including a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical, and 10-foot-5 broad jump—was nothing short of sensational, and NFL sources told me his interviews were similarly impressive. Thieneman was a high-impact starter during his two seasons at Purdue (2023-24), racking up 210 tackles, eight pass breakups, six INTs (all as a freshman FS in 2023) and two forced fumbles. He transferred to Oregon for the 2025 season, where he played a high percentage of snaps in the slot and in the box (569, compared to 262 at FS) and finished with 92 tackles, five pass breakups, two INTs, 3.5 TFL and a sack. By comparison, he played nearly two-thirds of his snaps at free safety (1,173 snaps) during his first two seasons at Purdue (only 418 at slot or in box).
Thieneman’s football IQ really stands out, especially in coverage. He has excellent range in deep-zone coverage, fast eyes, early jumps, and elite closing burst to the ball. I love the angles he takes attacking the football in the air. He trusts his hands. He has a fast trigger versus the run and is at his best facing the quarterback, planting and driving downhill, and using proper angles and savvy to clip ballcarriers in a hurry.