Chicago Bears Steal Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 After Stunning Draft Slide

The Chicago Bears pivoted in a big way at No. 25 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting former Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.

Once viewed as a near-lock top-20 pick, Thieneman’s unexpected slide turned into a gift for Chicago, landing them an immediate starter at safety to pair with free-agent addition Coby Bryant.

“Savvy three-year starter with NFL size, speed and alignment versatility,” Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report. “Thieneman is an extension of his defensive coordinator, aligning and adjusting the secondary to motion and pre-snap shifts. He’s an instinctive, rangy safety who can roll down into big nickel or robber positioning… Thieneman checks important boxes for teams looking to add versatile playmakers in the secondary.”

Thieneman backed up the tape with production in 2025, finishing with 96 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack.

For months, projections had the Bears targeting an edge rusher or interior defensive lineman in Round 1. But that outlook depended on the belief that Thieneman wouldn’t fall anywhere near this range.

The buzz around Dillon Thieneman became deafening after his breakout performance at the 2026 NFL Combine. He blazed a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash, posted a 41-inch vertical, and turned heads during positional drills.

Now, the Chicago Bears have Dillon Thieneman in Chicago, and he fills a critical need with rare versatility and high-end athletic traits.

The Chicago Bears landed one of the best all-around football players in the 2026 draft at one of their biggest positions of need. It doesn't get much better than that.

Grade: A