Why Bears selected Dillon Thieneman in Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears have made their first-round selection at No. 25 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it's Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.

Thieneman was a key piece to the Ducks' defense last year, tallying 92 tackles and two interceptions. The 6-foot safety transferred to Oregon from Purdue for the 2025 season.

That said, why did Chicago use a first-round pick on the promising safety?

Chicago lost Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard in free agency, so the team has a need at safety, as Cam Lewis is currently slated to be a starter there.

That need is now filled with Thieneman, a versatile safety who can play in the box, slot, and in the backend.

Thieneman should be a Day 1 starter for the Bears at safety next to Coby Bryant, and could also be a chess piece for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.