Full Breakdown
Bears Secure Safety Dillon Thieneman with No. 25 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026, 3:26:43 AM
Core Decision: First-Round Selection of Dillon Thieneman
The Chicago Bears used the 25th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. It marks the franchise’s first defensive first-round choice since linebacker Roquan Smith in 2018 and the first safety taken in the first round since Mark Carrier in 1990. The pick directly addresses the secondary void left by the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in free agency.
Background & Context
Chicago entered the draft after an 11-6 season that produced an NFC North title and a wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers. The Bears led the league in takeaways (33) and interceptions (23) in 2025, yet the loss of Byard, Brisker, and veteran Jonathan Owens left the safety position exposed. In the offseason the team signed former Seattle Seahawk Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract, creating a projected safety tandem.
Key Figures
- Ryan Poles – General Manager, who emphasized selecting the best player available.
- Ben Johnson – Head Coach, who highlighted Thieneman’s tape as a “playmaker.”
- Dennis Allen – Defensive Coordinator, expected to deploy Thieneman as a versatile box or free safety.
- Coby Bryant – Free-agent safety, now paired with Thieneman in the secondary.
Data & Statistics
- College Production: At Oregon (2025) Thieneman recorded 96 combined tackles (44 solo), 2 interceptions, and 5 passes defended. At Purdue (2023-24) he amassed 210 combined tackles, 1 sack, 9 passes defended, and 6 interceptions.
- Combine Performance: 4.35-second 40-yard dash (11th fastest overall), 41-inch vertical, 6.3 prospect grade from NFL.com.
- Analyst Grades: NFL.com – A; USA Today – A-; CBS Sports – B; Bears Wire – A+; Sports Illustrated – A+.
- Physical Profile: 6 ft, 201 lb, rated 91.0 on PFF’s defensive-back scale.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Poles said the organization “stuck with the board, let it fall to us, and landed a player who fits our defensive scheme without needing a trade.” Coach Johnson added that the Bears “loved everything you put on tape” and expect Thieneman to start immediately alongside Bryant. Defensive coordinator Allen described Thieneman as an “instinctive, rangy safety” capable of covering both box and nickel roles.
Criticism & Opposition
CBS Sports offered a more tempered view, assigning a B grade and noting that the Bears still require reinforcement on the defensive line. Some analysts argued that an edge-rusher might have better addressed the team’s biggest remaining need, though they acknowledged Thieneman’s value given his availability at No. 25.
Why It Matters
Thieneman’s speed and coverage ability aim to sustain Chicago’s league-leading turnover production while providing depth against the run. Pairing him with Bryant creates a two-safety package that could reduce reliance on cornerback Kyler Gordon for box duties and improve overall defensive flexibility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Thieneman’s exact tackle total at Oregon (96 vs. 95 vs. 92) and on the precise grade assigned by analysts (A, A-, B). No public statements from the NFL’s scouting department were provided, leaving the league-wide consensus on his draft value unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You ready to come back to the Midwest?” — Ryan Poles, General Manager
- “Hell yeah, I'm ready,” — Dillon Thieneman, Draft Pick
- “We loved everything you put on tape, man,” — Ben Johnson, Head Coach
- “His older brothers showed him the path and showed him the way. You know, there's grit and perseverance and this kid started grinding at a very young age,” — Ken Thieneman, Father
- “I'll tell you for a fact, I know some teams have it that way," he said of Thieneman being graded higher than Downs.” — Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst
What’s Next
The Bears hold second-round selections at No. 57 and No. 60 and a third-round pick at No. 89, with expectations to add an edge rusher or defensive tackle. Thieneman is slated to compete for the starting safety role in training camp and could see playing time in Week 1 of the 2026 season.
