Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman catches Caleb Williams’ attention

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Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman catches Caleb Williams’ attention

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 4, 2026 10:24 AM ET

Many Chicago Bears fans are already looking forward to next season after the team selected Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 in the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Oregon star is coming off a strong collegiate campaign, recording 96 combined tackles, including 44 solo efforts.

His addition will help fill the gap Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens left in the secondary. The three defensive backs joined different NFL teams this offseason in free agency. The franchise also signed ex-Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant, who is expected to mentor Thieneman as he transitions to the pro level.

The Bears entered the draft with a clear need at the position. However, they addressed it with a veteran and a rookie, giving head coach Ben Johnson a good mix of experience and youth at safety.

New Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman meets with the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman appears on Caleb Williams’ IG story

Caleb Williams joined the Thieneman hype train on Sunday. The quarterback reposted the rookie’s picture from his post-draft photoshoot on Williams’ Instagram story. The 21-year-old held a “Chicago Bears Times” newspaper featuring his image from the green room on the cover.

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Chicago’s safety unit played a key role in the team’s success last season. Byard led the league with seven interceptions and earned the title of the Bears’ Defensive Player of the Year. With the three-time Pro Bowler set to suit up for the New England Patriots in 2026, Thieneman and Bryant would have to pick up the slack. The Bears (11-6) reached the Divisional Round in 2025 but lost 20-17 to the Los Angeles Rams.

However, Williams’ Instagram story showed that he is excited to see Thieneman in action and prove that he deserves his first-round selection. Safety play could be the difference between winning and losing, and may provide the Williams-led offense with more opportunities to score.

Thieneman had two interceptions last season. He also recorded five passes defended, 1.0 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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