Dillon Thieneman’s honest admission after being drafted by Chicago Bears

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Dillon Thieneman’s honest admission after being drafted by Chicago Bears

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 12:21 PM ET

The Chicago Bears had a glaring need at safety entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens all walked in free agency and signed with other teams. The Bears addressed it immediately in the first round on Thursday.

Chicago drafted Dillon Thieneman as the No. 25 overall pick. He had a strong 2025 season with the Oregon Ducks, helping the program reach the College Football Playoff semifinal. The 6-foot defensive back recorded 96 combined tackles (52 assisted and 44 solo) and two interceptions.

His speed and versatility stood out to Chicago. The 21-year-old impressed during the 40-yard dash in the NFL Scouting Combine in February. He recorded 4.35 seconds and showed in college that he can play both safety spots and nickel back. Thieneman is relentless and doesn’t give up coverage even to big-name receivers. The Bears will speed up his transition as he’ll likely start next season.

New Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman during the NFL Draft prospects clinic at Hazelwood Green Park.

Dillon Thieneman reacts to Chicago Bears’ selection

Draft experts projected Thieneman as a mid- or late-first-round pick. He landed with arguably the perfect team that would maximize his skill set immediately.

The 2025 first-team All-American expressed how he felt when the Bears selected him on Thursday. Thieneman made an honest admission about his reaction to landing with Chicago.

“Not surprised,” Thieneman said, via an Instagram story posted by the Bears. “I didn’t really know what was going to happen, so I didn’t really think about it too much.

“Once I got to this moment, I was like, ‘Whatever happens, happens.’ And I’m very glad to be picked by the Bears.”

Chicago was expected to select a safety with its No. 25 pick. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs was widely viewed as the top player at the position in this year’s class. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him at No. 11.

The Bears went with the next-best available prospect, and many draft experts and former players believe they made the right call.

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

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