The Chicago Bears have made their first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, landing Dillon Thieneman with the No.25 overall pick.
“Wow. They get a versatile piece to pair with Coby Bryant. Excellent pick, high floor,” Clay Harbor said.
Many other instant reactions have called this a “dream pick” or “the steal of the draft.”
The pick comes after a first round that included the Rams selecting Ty Simpson at No. 13, along with several other surprises.
Now, general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears have added Thieneman, a safety out of Oregon, who was widely viewed as one of the most versatile defensive backs in this year’s class.
Bears Fill Major Need at Safety
Coming into the draft, one of Chicago’s biggest needs was in the secondary, particularly at safety, after offseason turnover left major questions following Kevin Byard signing with the Patriots and Jaquan Brisker with the Steelers.
That makes this selection extremely logical.
Thieneman brings elite athleticism and versatility, along with high-level production across his college career. During his time at Purdue and Oregon, he totaled 306 tackles and eight interceptions, showing the ability to cover ground quickly, read offenses and consistently make plays on the ball.
His combine performance only reinforced that profile, posting a 4.35 40-yard dash along with a 41-inch vertical, numbers that highlight his explosiveness and range.
There were other directions Chicago could have gone here, including edge rusher or offensive line, but Thieneman falling to No. 25 gave the Bears little choice.
Wow. They get a versatile piece to pair with Coby Bryant. Excellent pick high floor.
40-Yard Dash 4.35 10-Yard Split 1.52 Vertical Jump 41’’ Broad Jump 10’ 5’’
Freak athlete. Great tackler. Versatile piece. #DaBears #ChicagoBears
How Thieneman Fits in Chicago
Looking ahead, Thieneman should have a chance to contribute early as a starter.
He joins a unit that includes Coby Bryant and could help stabilize a group that lacked consistency and playmaking at times last season.
From a scheme standpoint, Thieneman fits what the Bears want to do because of his versatility and instincts. He has experience lining up deep, in the box and even in the slot, gives Dennis Allen flexibility to disguise coverages and adjust to different looks.
That should allow him to move around the formation and play multiple roles at the next level.
Ultimately, this pick reflects Chicago’s continued effort to build a more complete roster around Caleb Williams and supports a win-now approach as the team looks to build on its strong 2025 season.
With more selections still ahead on Day 2 and 3, the Bears now turn their attention to adding depth along the offensive and defensive lines as they continue shaping the roster for the 2026 season.
They will look to build on dream pick with two second-round selections (Nos. 57 and 60), along with one third-round pick, one fourth-round pick and two seventh-round picks.
Bears Land Dillon Thieneman as ‘Dream’ First-Round NFL Draft Pick