The world just made sense for Chicago Bears fans as their dreams came true with safety Dillon Thieneman falling to them at pick 25 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chicago desperately needed help in the secondary, and Thieneman was able to provide that and more with the Bears picking him. ESPN NFL writer Matt Bowen named Thieneman as one of the draft picks that landed with the perfect team and was the best fit for the Bears.
"With Thieneman and free agent signee Coby Bryant, coordinator Dennis Allen now has two interchangeable safeties with strong ball skills. Specifically, Thieneman's speed and range to track the ball deep give Allen more flexibility in the game plan to move late or disguise from two-high shells.
Thieneman can also spin down at the snap to cut on crossers in Cover 2-Man or patrol the underneath zones. The Bears get an upgrade -- and a scheme fit -- here with Thieneman, who had eight interceptions in college."
Dillon Thiememan is just perfect for the Bears
Thieneman was about as good a safety as there was in the nation last year with the Oregon Ducks, as he accumulated 92 tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack. He was named a first-team All-American for his play.
The future now shows that the Bears will have Thieneman teammed up with fellow new addition Coby Bryant in the secondary for at least the next three years. Bryant is great at play recognition and in coverage, while Thieneman can do it all.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is going to move Thieneman around like a chess piece as he will play in the box to blitz the quarterback and stop the run. Allen will also drop Thieneman back into coverage and help create turnovers.
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Chicago somehow got lucky to have a speedy, athletic safety like Thieneman to land right at their doorstep in the draft. The Bears have a bright future on defense, with significant improvement expected in 2026.
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