WATCH: Dillon Thieneman gets call from Bears on draft night

Yahoo Sports3h ago11 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Dillon Thieneman was selected by the Chicago Bears as the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, filling a crucial need in their secondary. He received the call from the Bears' management, marking the realization of his NFL dream.

Key points

Dillon Thieneman was drafted 25th overall by the Chicago Bears.
He addresses a need in the Bears' secondary.
Thieneman is a versatile safety with elite instincts.
He will pair with free-agent addition Coby Bryant.
Thieneman received the call from Bears' management on draft night.

Chicago BearsDillon ThienemanKevin ByardJaquan Brisker

WATCH: Dillon Thieneman gets call from Bears on draft night

The Chicago Bears let the board fall to them, and they winded up with one of the biggest steals of the first round in safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Thieneman addresses a massive need in the secondary following the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker this offseason. Thieneman is a versatile safety who thrives in coverage or downhill against the run. He has elite instincts and playmaking ability that should make him a difference maker in Dennis Allen's defense, where he'll serve as a 1-2 punch alongside free-agent addition Coby Bryant.

One of the best moments of the NFL draft is when a player receives the call from their new team, welcoming them to the NFL as their dream is officially realized. The same was true for Thieneman, who got the call from general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Ben Johnson and president/CEO Kevin Warren.

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

Who is Dillon Thieneman and why was he drafted by the Bears?

Dillon Thieneman is a safety drafted by the Chicago Bears as the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to address a significant need in their secondary.

What position does Dillon Thieneman play and what are his strengths?

Dillon Thieneman plays as a safety and is known for his versatility, elite instincts, and playmaking ability, excelling in both coverage and run defense.

How does Thieneman's selection impact the Bears' defense?

Thieneman's addition is expected to enhance the Bears' secondary, particularly after the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, providing a strong pairing with Coby Bryant.

What was the moment like when Dillon Thieneman was drafted?

Dillon Thieneman experienced a memorable moment when he received the call from Bears' management, officially welcoming him to the NFL and fulfilling his dream.