The Chicago Bears entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a glaring need at safety, and general manager Ryan Poles delivered. He used the 25th overall selection to take former Oregon standout Dillon Thieneman, immediately drawing praise from analysts.
After a few strong preseason showings, Thieneman is proving that Poles made the right decision. The rookie already looks capable of holding down Chicago's starting safety role. Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic has been encouraged by Thieneman's performances, naming him one of the NFL's rookie winners from the preseason.
"Ben Johnson this summer compared Thieneman to a robot, in the best way possible, saying Thieneman’s work ethic from the start of spring drills through the end of camp was high level. Thieneman will be a day-one starter, as expected."
Dillon Thieneman is already delivering on Bears' draft investment
Thieneman didn't play much in the preseason, but he looked the part in his limited opportunities. Across three games, he played 40 defensive snaps. While he only logged three total tackles, he was excellent in coverage. He allowed just two catches on four passes thrown into his area and was credited with one pass deflection.
The rookie split his preseason snaps between deep safety and the box, showing off his positional versatility.
Thieneman built on his impressive performances in minicamp and training camp, giving the Bears no reason to question his spot in the starting lineup. He looks like the versatile, rangy safety that Poles expected to get when he drafted him.
With Coby Bryant sidelined for the majority of the season with a knee injury, Thieneman will immediately be pushed into a major role in Dennis Allen's defense. The Bears relied on their safeties to limit explosive plays and create turnovers last season. Now the weight rests on Thieneman's shoulders.
Considering the Bears' postseason goals and their generally shaky defense, there's an argument to be made that Thieneman has more immediate pressure on him than any other rookie in the league. He'll need to make an impact right away if this defense is going to be good enough to help drive a playoff appearance.
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While the sample size is limited, the rookie's preseason work has given fans hope he can be what the team needs this year. Poles called his shot when he took Thieneman in the first round, and it's already starting to look like he was right.
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