Bears bolster secondary with selection of Dillon Thieneman

Bears bolster secondary with selection of Dillon Thieneman originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears continued to reshape their defense in the first round of the NFL Draft, selecting safety Dillon Thieneman to bolster the back end of their secondary.

Thieneman arrives in Chicago with an impressive résumé, having earned All-American and All-Big Ten honors during his collegiate career at both Oregon and Purdue. Known for his instincts and range, he developed into one of the most productive safeties in college football, highlighted by eight career interceptions and a reputation for consistently being around the ball.

What stands out most about Thieneman is his ability to process the game quickly. He reads quarterbacks well, anticipates throws, and reacts with urgency — traits that translate well to the NFL level. His sideline-to-sideline range allows him to cover ground efficiently, making him a valuable asset in deep coverage. At the same time, he has the versatility to move into the box or slide into a nickel role, giving Chicago flexibility in how they deploy him defensively.

Bears target defensive  playmaker

The Bears’ selection reflects a clear emphasis on improving defensive speed and playmaking ability. In recent seasons, Chicago has looked to generate more turnovers and tighten coverage on the back end, and Thieneman fits that mold. His natural hands and ball skills make him a threat to capitalize on errant throws, while his quick downhill burst allows him to disrupt plays closer to the line of scrimmage.

There are areas for development. Thieneman can occasionally lose track of assignments in short-area coverage and is not considered a heavy hitter in run support. However, he compensates with solid pursuit angles and a willingness to engage physically. Refining his tackling consistency and discipline in coverage will be key as he transitions to the professional level.

For Chicago, this pick represents both immediate help and long-term upside. Thieneman’s instincts, versatility, and production suggest he can contribute early, particularly in sub-packages, while growing into a larger role over time.