NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Oregon S Dillon Thieneman

The Chicago Bears selected Oregon S Dillon Thieneman with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Dillon Theineman's versatile skillset is being underrated as a true three-down impact defender in the NFL. He can line up anywhere, triggers downhill in a hurry, and gives the coaching staff his all whenever he's on the field.

He's a former 3-star recruit and a former 4-star transfer from Purdue following the 2024 season.

Thieneman broke into college football in a big way, earning second-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American honors as a freshman in 2023. He transferred to Oregon after his 2024 season and earned First-Team All-Big Ten and Second-Team All-American honors. In his three-year career, he compiled 306 tackles (188 solo), ten tackles for loss, two sacks, 8 interceptions, 14 passes defended, and two forced fumbles.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in B/R's Scouting Department.

Highlights

Dillon Thieneman highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Willing and able run defender in the box and from depth. He triggers and flows downhill in the run gamne and looks to make an impact.

— Defensive backfield alignment versatility from a two-high alignment to the robber. He has the range and instincts to give a defense single-high impact as well.

— He sees the field well from all levels and locates the football. Allows him to vary between playing the run and the pass.

— His backpedal and athleticism let him mirror and trigger on throws. Paired with his ball skills to attack the catch point, he can dislodge the football.

— Plays the game with top-tier effort and will track down ball carriers from any depth. He just loves to compete.

Areas of Improvement

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— Pursuit angles to properly line up the ball carrier when triggering downhill. That can change angles from reaching at the ankles to running through a tackle.

— He's a smart player and wants to quickly get downhill, but can get caught with eyes in the backfield. Needs to be a tick more patient on play fakes to not get taken advantage of.

— Processing speed and urgency when identifying route combinations will let him flow and pass off responsibilites at a better rate.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 8.0 (Key Contributor - Second Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson (8.1 in 2022), Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (8.3 in 2023), S Brian Branch, Alabama (7.8)

OVERALL RANK: 18

POSITION RANK: S2

PRO COMPARISON: Daxton Hill but wants to tackle

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'0 ⅛"

Weight: 201

Hand Size: 9"

Arm Length: 31 ⅜"

Wingspan: 78 ⅛"

40-yard dash: 4.35

10-yard split: 1.52

Vertical: 41"

Broad: 10'5"

3 cone: N/A

Shuttle: N/A

Bench: 18

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