The Chicago Bears entered the 2026 NFL draft with a semi-clear idea of how the board would fall. General manager Ryan Poles knew there would likely be big runs at offensive tackle and edge rusher in the first 20 picks. That proved true. A good number of wide receivers would be mixed in as well. That means the Bears would have to stick closely to their board. Picking 25th overall meant they couldn’t afford to be too focused on positional value. Thankfully, the decision was made easy when Dillon Thieneman reached their spot. Many experts were shocked that the Oregon safety was still on the board, believing he’d be gone somewhere between the 12th and 18th spots.
The reaction from Minnesota Vikings fans, whose team picked 18th, proved they thought the same. Yet nobody had a better reaction than Dennis Allen. A new clip from an upcoming episode of 1920 Football Drive revealed that the Bears defensive coordinator was incredibly excited when he realized Thieneman would fall to them. Head coach Ben Johnson couldn’t resist teasing him once the pick was turned in. Allen openly admitted during the subsequent phone call with the young safety that he’d been literally sweating it out.
Allen knows what value Dillon Thieneman can bring to a defense.
Safeties might not get the same love as pass rushers and cornerbacks, but one thing is clear. When you have a really good one, it changes the entire landscape of a defense. Minnesota knew that with Harrison Smith, their decision to pass on Thieneman was all the stranger. Allen also has plenty of experience with good ones. His best defenses in New Orleans featured some very good safeties. It started with Vonn Bell, then included Malcolm Jenkins, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Tyrann Mathieu.
Thieneman is a rare specimen. He has the size and toughness to play down around the line of scrimmage, making tackles and taking on blockers. At the same time, his legitimate 4.3 speed enables him to drop into coverage and cut off passing lanes. Having players with that level of versatility is incredibly valuable. It will enable Allen to throw all sorts of different looks at opposing offenses with both Thieneman and Coby Bryant lined up everywhere. When the opponent doesn’t know what look you’re giving, you’ve won half the battle.
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Both Allen and the Bears made a little history together.
In his long coaching career, the defensive coordinator has never been present when his team drafted a safety in the 1st round. The closest he’s come is a few 2nd-round picks over the years, between Denver (Rahim Moore) and New Orleans (Roman Harper, Vonn Bell, and Marcus Williams). It is rather fitting that his first opportunity came in Chicago. After all, prior to last month, the organization hadn’t taken a 1st round safety since 1990. Crossing that line together is another classic example of the football gods having a sense of humor.
Whatever the case, Dillon Thieneman has all the makings of a good player. When drafting so late in the 1st, that should be the objective of every team. Swinging for home runs rarely pans out well. Go for the safest options and hope they work out better than expected. Thieneman has the capability to do that. His floor is that of a good starter who can probably play ten years in the league. His ceiling is the Hall of Fame. The Bears would be satisfied with either.
