With needs on all three levels of the defense, the Chicago Bears basically weren't going to be able to go wrong when their turn came in the first round at pick No. 25. Ultimately, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman was there for the taking and a fairly easy choice.
There's been a lot of concern and consternation about the Bears not coming out of the draft with an edge rusher, especially when it was regarded as a pretty deep class at the position. But right or wrong, with hindsight as a benefit, they are comfortable projecting Austin Booker and Shemar Turner for bigger roles in 2026 while keeping an eye on remaining available options.
And Thieneman, with versatility and all-around skills in spades, is in line to make an immediate impact on a Bears' defense that needs a dose of all he can bring to the table.
Bears narrowed down to two options at No. 25 (and the best choice became clear)
In a look at the process that led to the Bears landing Thieneman at No. 25, Adam Hoge of CHGO outlined how the options were narrowed rather quickly.
"Reuben Bain Jr. is an example of an edge rusher the Bears did like, but they knew he was out of reach. There were more appetizing offensive tackles than edge rushers, but the predicted run on tackles held true. Six came off the board before No. 25, including three from No. 17 to No. 21."
"As the Bears' pick neared, Thieneman's name was left standing out. They liked edge rusher Keldric Faulk too, but Thieneman was the cleaner prospect. Faulk's character was outstanding, and he fit the Bears' brand of football, but more projection was required because his production was lacking in 2025."
"The gap between the players was big enough to only briefly think about trading down. They didn't want to trade back and not land Thieneman."
Hoge confirmed pre-draft rumors of the Bears' interest in Faulk. Perhaps, if the Minnesota Vikings had drafted Thieneman, like 99 percent of the mock drafters for the better part of a month had them doing, the Auburn edge rusher would have been the clear-cut choice at No. 25 for Chicago.
Faulk wound up being a first-round pick by the Tennessee Titans after they traded back into the opening round to take him No. 31 overall.
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Whoever the Bears took at pick 25, they had to be someone who could step into a big role right away. They were clearly, and correctly, as it apparently came down to him and Faulk as the two best options, Thieneman fit that bill.
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