Chicago addressed its secondary early in free agency, but the long-term picture at safety still feels unsettled. That became more obvious after losing All-Pro Kevin Byard. The Bears added short-term depth before the draft, but the next step may come by selecting a first-round safety.
Why the Bears Are Linked to Dillon Thieneman in the 2026 NFL Mock Draft
In PFSN’s latest three-round mock draft, writer Alec Elijah projected Chicago to select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the No. 25 overall pick. Elijah wrote:
“Chicago made a clear effort to stabilize its defense early in free agency, bringing in safeties Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis to reinforce the back end. But while those additions provide short-term help, the Bears could still be searching for a long-term answer at the position, something that puts Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman firmly in play in the first round.
“Thieneman’s football IQ jumps off the tape. He processes the game at a high level, takes smart angles, and is a reliable tackler in space. Whether playing deep, rotating into the box, or matching up in coverage, he brings a well-rounded skill set that fits the modern NFL.
“The secondary has remained a weak spot for Chicago, and adding a player of Thieneman’s caliber could be a step toward changing that narrative.”
That projection lines up with how Chicago’s roster is taking shape.
The Bears added bodies in free agency, but neither move solves the position in the long term. Byard’s departure leaves a gap in both production and leadership, and the current group still comes with questions. Thieneman offers a different kind of solution.
How Dillon Thieneman’s Versatility Fills the Bears’ Needs
His profile is built on consistency and awareness. Thieneman carries a 90.51 PFSN grade, ranks No. 18 overall, and is the No. 2 safety in the class. At 6 feet, 207 pounds, he brings range and physicality while showing the ability to move around the formation.
That versatility shows up on tape. He can play deep, come downhill, and hold up in coverage without looking out of place. More importantly, he processes quickly and rarely puts himself in bad positions.
As a true freshman at Purdue, he recorded 106 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. After transferring to Oregon, he remained productive with 96 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 5 pass breakups while earning first-team All-American recognition.
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Thieneman takes efficient angles, finishes plays, and limits mistakes in space. In coverage, he reads routes well and closes windows before they open. That kind of presence has been missing from Chicago’s secondary.
The Bears have talent, but the back end hasn’t been reliable. Thieneman doesn’t solve it all, but he gives them a player they can lean on.
