Should Dillon Thieneman Be the Bears’ First-Round Target After NFL Combine Performance?

The Chicago Bears will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with multiple roster questions, but safety may be climbing the board faster than expected, especially after Dillon Thieneman’s performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Thieneman backed up his tape with elite athletic testing in Indianapolis, reinforcing what evaluators have seen over the past two seasons: range, closing burst, and fluid movement skills that translate to today’s NFL. His 40-yard dash and change-of-direction drills confirmed he’s more than an instincts-first defender; he’s a true space eraser.

So, should Thieneman be the Bears’ preferred target at No. 25 overall?

Why Dillon Thieneman Fits the Bears’ Offseason

Chicago’s safety room remains unsettled entering 2026. Both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. The Bears are scheduled to have zero safeties under contract.

General manager Ryan Poles has consistently emphasized youth, cost control, and positional flexibility at non-premium positions. Thieneman checks each box.

At Oregon, he demonstrated:

• The ability to rotate deep in two-high shells.
• Quick plant-and-drive mechanics when triggering downhill.
• Reliable tackling in space.
• Slot alignment versatility in sub-packages.

After his NFL Combine workout, concerns about top-end athletic ceiling largely disappeared. For a defense that values disguise and post-snap rotation, that range matters.

MORE: Clemson DL Peter Woods Sends Subtle Message to Chicago Bears at NFL Combine

Here's how Thienemen's NFL Combine went:

Height: 6-feet

Weight: 201 pounds

Hand Size: 9"

Arm Length: 31 3/8"

40 Time: 4.35 seconds

Vertical Jump: 41"

Broad Jump: 10' 5"

Is No. 25 Too Rich for the Bears to Draft a Safety?

This is where the debate really heats up for Chicago.

Safety is rarely treated as a premium Round 1 position unless the player projects as a true difference-maker. At No. 25 overall, Chicago must weigh positional value against the state of their roster on draft weekend.

If the Bears believe Thieneman can become:

• A defensive signal-caller.
• A turnover creator.
• A coverage stabilizer against elite tight ends and slot receivers.

Then the investment becomes easier to justify.

However, edge rusher and offensive line remain premium-value positions. If a comparable player can be found later at safety, Chicago could (and should) prioritize the trenches first.

How Dillon Thieneman’s Combine Performance Impacts the Bears’ Draft Board

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine often helps understand a prospect's ceiling. Thieneman’s testing likely locked him into the firm mid-to-late first-round range as a safety with elite athletic upside.

If the Bears view safety as a foundational need rather than a position that requires a patchwork solution, Thieneman at No. 25 is defensible. However, it would be hard to justify picking a safety over a left tackle if a potential starter slides that far.

The real takeaway? Dillon Thieneman’s NFL Combine didn’t just solidify his draft status; it forced Chicago to seriously evaluate whether safety deserves first-round capital in 2026.