The moment every draft pick dreams about just became real for Dillon Thieneman, and the Chicago Bears made sure fans got to experience it, too.
In a video shared by the team, general manager Ryan Poles delivers the call informing Thieneman that Chicago is selecting him with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes moment that never gets old.
Dillon Thieneman’s reaction says it all: excitement, gratitude, and a clear understanding of the opportunity in front of him. And from Poles’ tone, it’s obvious the Bears believe they just landed a cornerstone piece for their defense.
These are the moments that define draft night. Not just the pick, but the human connection.
"Dillon's tape popped out," Ryan Poles said of Thieneman after the first round. "Just the sense of urgency that he plays with, the play speed … his ability to close on the football, both in the run and the pass stood out really, really quick. The guy's obsessed with football. He's extremely fast, a great leader, violent in the way that he plays the game; everything that we're looking for.
"He's a violent football player. He strikes. There's a knock-back element to his tackling. There's speed and there's violent speed in terms of just the explosion off the spot, and that's what he brings."
Landing Dillon Thieneman felt like wishful thinking for Chicago Bears fans before the 2026 NFL Draft kicked off. Thankfully, this wish came true.
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