Dillon Thieneman to Bears, Fans React to Safety Joining Ben Johnson's Defense in 2026 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears addressed the team's secondary in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the No. 25 overall choice.

Fans reacted to the newest addition to Bears head coach Ben Johnson's squad.

Thieneman is coming off a 2025 season in which he operated as a key starter on a Ducks squad that owned the No. 4 pass defense in the country, allowing a mere 157.9 yards per game through the air.

In 15 games, he recorded 96 tackles, five passes defended, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and one sack.

Thieneman was ranked as the No. 2 safety and the No. 18 overall prospect in the 2026 draft class on the most recent big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Departement.

B/R NFL Scout Daniel Harms brought up Thieneman's versatility in his scouting report.

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

With Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard no longer in the mix, Thieneman and Coby Bryant are in line to become Chicago's new starting safeties in 2026.