The Chicago Bears are on the hunt for a safety, a position that has become a pressing need as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. While they recently brought in former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant, the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker have left a gap in their defensive lineup. With the draft looming, it's the prime opportunity for the Bears to bolster their secondary.
Draft analyst Chad Reuter from NFL.com has an intriguing scenario for the Bears: trading down with the Miami Dolphins and snagging Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the 30th pick. Reuter suggests that Thieneman's availability at this spot would be a stroke of luck for Chicago. Known for his athleticism and toughness, Thieneman is expected to make an immediate impact both in the box and deep coverage.
Landing Thieneman at the 30th spot could be a draft coup for the Bears. His performance at the NFL Combine turned heads, clocking a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and achieving a 41-inch vertical jump. Last season, he was a standout for the Ducks, racking up 92 tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack, earning first-team All-American and All-Big Ten honors.
Pairing Thieneman with Bryant in the secondary could be a game-changer for Chicago. While there might be minor areas for development, Thieneman's ability to deliver big hits and make plays all over the field makes him an exciting prospect.
This trade could also yield additional draft capital, potentially bringing in two or three more picks from the Dolphins. For a team facing salary cap challenges, these extra picks would be invaluable as they look to address other roster needs on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen would likely start Thieneman from day one, aiming to mold him into the complete safety the team envisioned Jaquan Brisker could be. This move could be pivotal for the Bears' future, providing a solid foundation for their defense.