Chicago Bears Earn ‘A’ Grade for Dillon Thieneman Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears didn’t just fill a need in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft; they may have landed one of the best values on the board in former Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.

And according to Bleacher Report, they nailed it.

Chicago earned an “A” grade for selecting Thieneman at No. 25 overall, a move that checks every box for a defense in transition.

Chicago Bears Earn ‘A’ Grade for Dillon Thieneman Pick

In a draft class that was considered top-heavy at safety, Thieneman was long considered a prospect who'd be long gone by the time the Bears picked at No. 25.

Bleacher Report made it clear: in most years, Thieneman would’ve been the top safety in the class. Instead, the Bears benefited from the board falling their way.

That kind of outcome doesn’t happen often, especially for a team picking in the mid-20s, and especially not for the Chicago Bears.

NEXT PAGE: Thieneman fills critical Bears' roster need

Dillon Thieneman Fills Critical Bears' Roster Need

The Chicago Bears entered the draft with a glaring hole at safety after both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker departed in free agency.

While Chicago added Coby Bryant to stabilize one spot, the other remained wide open.

Thieneman changes that immediately.

He projects as a plug-and-play starter with the range, instincts, and athletic profile to anchor the back end of the defense. The Bears relied on Byard's ball production in 2025, and replacing a player with his level of football IQ seemd impossible.

Not anymore.

NEXT PAGE: Versatility sets Thieneman apart

Versatility Sets Dillon Thieneman Apart

One of the most intriguing aspects of Thieneman’s profile — and a big reason for his high draft grade — is his versatility.

After transferring from Purdue to Oregon, he expanded his role significantly:

• Played primarily free safety in 2024
• Shifted to a more box-oriented role in 2025
• Showed the ability to handle both responsibilities at a high level

That kind of deployment flexibility is exactly what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen covets.

Still, his best fit appears to be as a true free safety: a rangy defender who can patrol the deep middle and eliminate explosive plays before they develop.

NEXT PAGE: Dennis Allen gets a defensive chess piece

Dennis Allen Gets a Defensive Chess Piece for the Bears

Dillon Thieneman’s arrival gives Allen options.

Pairing him with Bryant creates a dynamic safety duo with complementary skill sets. While Bryant can operate closer to the line of scrimmage, Thieneman’s range and instincts make him ideal for deep coverage responsibilities.

That balance is critical in today’s NFL, where defenses must disguise coverages and limit big plays.

Thieneman’s ability to move around the formation only adds to his value.

NEXT PAGE: Dillon Thieneman checks every box for the Bears

Thieneman Checks Every Box for the Chicago Bears

This is what a perfect first-round pick looks like:

• Fills a top need
• Delivers strong value at the selection spot
• Adds scheme versatility
• Brings immediate starting potential

The Bears didn’t overthink it. They let the board come to them, and capitalized.

If Thieneman develops the way many evaluators expect, he could become a long-term cornerstone piece of the Bears' Super Bowl run.