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Bears select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at 25

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Chicago selected Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Thieneman, a Westfield, Indiana native who spent two seasons at Purdue before transferring to Oregon, entered the draft after earning All-American honors and posting standout combine metrics. The pick immediately bolsters a Bears secondary that lost multiple safeties in free agency this offseason; GM Ryan Poles described Thieneman as a violent tackler. This week the club added experienced depth via free agency and now adds a first-round rookie with a 4.35 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical to compete in offseason programs.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2023: Thieneman earns All-American honors at Purdue.
2025: Transfers to Oregon and posts All-American season.
February 2026: Posts a 4.35 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical at the NFL Combine.
25th April 2026: Chicago selects Thieneman with the No. 25 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Late April–May 2026: Thieneman joins the Bears for offseason activities and integration into the secondary.

Why This Matters to You

The Bears' pick of Dillon Thieneman could mean a stronger defense for the team. His impressive stats and All-American honors suggest he's a player to watch. If you're a Bears fan, keep an eye on his performance during offseason programs.

The Bottom Line

Chicago is making moves to bolster their secondary after losing safeties in free agency. Thieneman's addition could be a game-changer for the team's defense. Worth forwarding if you know a Bears fan eager for a stronger season.