The Chicago Bears selected Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thieneman fills a critical safety gap for the team following key player departures.
Key points
Chicago Bears selected Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick
Thieneman addresses a safety gap after player departures
He is versatile, playing deep in coverage or in the box
Thieneman ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine
Thieneman was the best player available on the board when Chicago's pick came around, and it was an easy choice for the Bears. Thieneman addresses a big hole at safety following the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker this offseason, and he'll be paired with Super Bowl winner and free-agent addition Coby Bryant in the back end.
Thieneman is a versatile safety who can play deep in coverage or in the box, and he's a playmaker through and through. Speed has been the theme this offseason for defensive additions, and Thieneman certainly has that as evidenced by his 4.35 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine.
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)
Q&A
What position does Dillon Thieneman play for the Bears?
Dillon Thieneman plays as a safety for the Chicago Bears.
Why did the Bears select Dillon Thieneman in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Bears selected Thieneman to address a significant hole at safety after the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker.
What was Dillon Thieneman's 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine?
Dillon Thieneman recorded a 4.35-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Who will Dillon Thieneman be paired with in the Bears' defense?
Dillon Thieneman will be paired with Coby Bryant, a Super Bowl winner and recent free-agent addition.
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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 Images
Apr 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 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 Images
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)
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 Images
Nov 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 Images
Oregon 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.
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
1 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
2 / 19
Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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 Images
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Apr 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 Images
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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 Images
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WATCH: Dillon Thieneman gets call from Bears on draft night
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears safety Dillon Thieneman outran Justin Jefferson in 40-yard dash
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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)
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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.
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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 Images
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Nov 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 Images
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
Oregon 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.
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Bears draft Dillon Thieneman: Photos of Chicago's new safety
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.
Hereās a collection of all of the grades for Thieneman from various media outlets, where experts believe this was a massive steal and elite pick (including three perfect A+ grades) for the Bears and someone who will elevate this Chicago defense.
USA Today: A-
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: "Takeaways and a dynamic secondary were at the center of the Bears' defensive push last season. Yet after signing Coby Bryant and now drafting Thieneman, Chicago now looks even more formidable at safety. Thieneman flew under the radar a bit until a breakout performance at the combine, but he can handle a variety of coverage assignments. The interceptions might not trickle in as easily as they did during his freshman season at Purdue, but Thieneman shouldn't take long to establish his playmaker credentials."
The Athletic: A+
Scott Dochterman: "The Bears completely turned over their safety corps this offseason, then one of the positionās top prospects plopped in their laps. Thieneman can do it all for the Bears ā heās a hitter, can cover anyone ā¦ and heās from Indiana (perhaps the Bearsā new home?). This is a big-time win for GM Ryan Poles, and itās my favorite pick of the first round. Thieneman (6-0, 201) had a productive three-year career (two seasons at Purdue, one at Oregon). He was a freshman All-American in 2023 after intercepting six passes. Last year, he earned second-team All-American honors, with seven breakups and two interceptions. He was uber-productive, securing a combined 306 tackles in his three seasons. Plus, he ran a 4.35 40, benched 225 pounds 18 times and posted a 41-inch vertical jump at the combine."
NFL.com: A
Chad Reuter: "I linked Thieneman to the Bears inĀ my mock draftsĀ because of his athleticism and the team's need at safety following the departures ofĀ Kevin ByardĀ andĀ Jaquan Brisker. Thieneman can play as a center fielder, but heās versatile enough to move into the box as a run defender. It's a marriage made in football heaven."
CBS Sports: B
Carter Bahns: "The Bears had not taken a defensive player in the first round since 2018, which was the longest stretch of any team. The expectation was that the streak would end, but the question was whether they would address the defensive front or continue to rebuild their secondary after a free-agent exodus. The latter came to fruition when Dillon Thieneman was available to them at No. 25. He is a Day 1 starter for a team with a hole at safety."
Pro Football Focus: Elite
Pro Football Focus: "Thieneman didnāt often make it to Chicago in mock drafts, but the Bears will certainly be happy he was available here. Thieneman earned 89.0-plus PFF grades on multiple defenses ā 2023 withĀ PurdueĀ and 2025 with Oregon ā and can cover, defend the run and bring high-end athleticism. Given that the Bears came into this draft with a clear need at safety, this is an ideal scenario for Dennis Allenās defense."
Yahoo! Sports: B-
Charles McDonald: "This is another pick that was mocked incessantly in the lead-up to the draft, and it makes a whole lot of sense. Thienemen is a great athlete with a lot of smarts who was able to immediately jump into Oregonās starting lineup and be a plus player for the Ducks. He joins a talented defensive backfield that will likely be the spine of the defense once again this season."
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
Sports Illustrated: B-
Matt Verderame: "The Indiana native has been a steady riser throughout the draft process, being seen in that second wave of safeties alongside Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo. At Oregon, Thieneman racked up 95 tackles and two interceptions across 15 games last season, earning second-team All-American status. At the combine, Thieneman ran a blistering 4.35 40-yard dash with 1.52-second 10-yard split.
How he fits with the Bears:Ā Thieneman will pair with Coby Bryant on the back end of coordinator Dennis Allenās defense. The Bears needed to bolster their edge rush but decided to take the second safety off the board, perhaps helping Chicago as a versatile piece both in the box, as a centerfielder and in the slot."
FOX Sports: A
Rob Rang: "Thieneman is a steal at this point in the first round. He is among the cleanest players in this class, offering terrific instincts, speed and ball skills. As high as I am on Caleb Downs, I donāt think there was that much of a difference between the two. I love how the Bears have upgraded the coverage skills at safety with this selection of Thieneman and the free-agent addition of Coby Bryant."
Sporting News: A+
Vinnie Iyer: "The Bears had to love the fact the division rival Vikings and then the Eagles passed on Thieneman. Chicago didn't bring back Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker or C.J. Gardner-Johnson. After signing former Seahawk Coby Bryant, Chicago wasted no time reloading with elite playmaking at the position. Thieneman adds some dynamic athleticism they didn't have in Byard, who turns 33 in August."
Bleacher Report: A
Brent Sobleski: "In any other class, Dillon Thieneman would have been the incoming group's top-ranked safety. He just happened to be in the same class as Caleb Downs. That's OK. The Chicago Bears should be thrilled that he remained available until he was selected with the 25th overall pick. Thieneman fits the most obvious need on the Bears roster. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker started all 19 games last season as the squad's starting safety duo. Both left in free agency this offseason and signed elsewhere. Chicago did bring in Coby Bryant to offset one of the departures. Thieneman fills the other spot."
New York Post: A
Ryan Dunleavy: "A natural free safety with playmaking ability, Thieneman was thought to be a perfect fit for the Vikings. Instead, the Vikings will see him twice per year. He had six interceptions at Purdue in 2023 ā a sign of his sideline-to-sideline range."
Bears Wire: A+
Mike Pendleton: "The reason for the perfect grade is because general manager Ryan Poles never got anxious, never felt the need to trade up, and let Thieneman fall in their laps when he was frequently mocked to not be on the board leading up to the draft. Thieneman's playmaking ability, excellence in coverage at the safety position, and even more, clean tackling ability will make him a Day 1 starter after being a first-round pick, barring any extreme circumstances. Chicago knew what they needed to get done, and they got a player who wasn't expected to be there at their selection, it's a win-win across the board for both sides."
