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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Heading into the 2026 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears knew exactly what they needed to do, and for the first time in many years, it didn't involve worrying about a quarterback.
Instead, the team immediately made a big statement that they were committed to addressing defensive deficiencies from last season. With its first-round pick, Chicago selected Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who fell to them at No. 25, and the move is already receiving high marks.
Thieneman spent last season playing for the Ducks, where he recorded 96 combined tackles, 44 of which were solo. Add in his two interceptions and five passes defended there, and he makes plenty of sense as the Bears' first defensive player selected in the draft.
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In two seasons before that with Purdue, he racked up 210 combined tackles, one sack, nine passes defended, and six interceptions. After the Scouting Combine, Thieneman received a 6.3 draft prospect grade and "will eventually be a plus starter," according to NFL.com. His combine results included a 4.35 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical jump.
All of his college stats and the combine should give Bears fans confidence in his abilities to become an immediate contributor. Along with that, Newsweek listed the Bears among NFL draft winners, and several other major outlets also gave Thieneman a high grade as the pick.
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The NFL.com immediately graded the Bears' first-round pick an A, indicating it's a "marriage made in heaven" for Chicago and their pick. They contend Thieneman has athleticism and will help at a position the team needs after losing Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard.
The latter led the league in interceptions and left quite a void in the defense, but many expected his departure after that sort of season.
USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz graded the Bears' pick an A-, mentioning that Thieneman would be quick to establish himself as a playmaker for the defense. He also mentioned that he now joins offseason acquisition Coby Bryant as part of an upgraded Bears secondary.
CBS Sports didn't grade the Bears' selection of Thieneman quite as highly, giving the pick a B and noting it made sense to add to the secondary when he was still available at No. 25. They also pointed out that the Bears need to address the defensive front. Still, Chicago has more picks on the way.
The second round begins on Friday night, followed by the third round, with both receiving coverage on ABC and ESPN. Chicago holds the 57th and 60th picks in the second round, followed by the 89th pick in the third round.
That should hopefully give the Bears plenty of potential spots to add an edge rusher and defensive tackle.
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For more about the NFL Draft, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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