Dillon Thieneman: The Versatile Defensive Anchor Climbing NFL Draft Boards
When NFL teams start breaking down tape on Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, one thing becomes immediately clear: this guy just gets it. He’s not the flashiest athlete in the class, and he doesn’t carry the same pre-draft buzz as some of the more physically gifted safeties. But what Thieneman brings to the table is something every defensive coordinator craves - instincts, versatility, and a football IQ that jumps off the screen.
Thieneman was the backbone of the Ducks' secondary this past season, a steadying presence on a team that made a strong playoff push but ultimately came up short. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he’s got the frame to handle the physical demands of the position, and he’s proven he can impact the game in multiple ways - whether it's dropping deep in coverage, playing the run in the box, or disguising coverages to bait quarterbacks into mistakes.
He might not have the elite athletic profile of someone like Caleb Downs, but Thieneman’s tape tells a different story - one of anticipation, awareness, and adaptability. He’s the type of player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and that’s no accident. That’s film study, preparation, and a natural feel for the game.
A Swiss Army Knife in the Secondary
What really sets Thieneman apart is his ability to wear multiple hats in a defense. He’s lined up deep as a traditional free safety, slid into the box to play the run, and even covered the slot. That kind of versatility is gold in today’s NFL, where safeties are asked to do more than ever.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has Thieneman ranked No. 25 on his top 50 draft board, and his breakdown paints the picture of a player who can be moved around like a chess piece to counter what offenses throw at you. According to Jeremiah, Thieneman “lined up in the box, in the deep half and over the slot,” and showed traits like “excellent closing speed,” “fluid pedal,” and “reliable tackling.”
Yes, there are areas for improvement - his man coverage could use some tightening, and he’ll occasionally miss a tackle. But when you weigh that against his ability to read quarterbacks, take smart angles, and bring down ball carriers consistently, you’re looking at a player who can step in and contribute right away.
NFL Fits: Where Thieneman Could Land in the 2026 Draft
With his stock rising and his skillset fitting a wide range of schemes, Thieneman is firmly in the conversation as a late first-round pick - or a high Day 2 steal for a team that knows what it’s looking for. Here are three NFL teams that could be ideal landing spots for the Oregon standout:
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are at a bit of a crossroads in the secondary. Harrison Smith has been the heartbeat of that unit for years, but with retirement looming, Minnesota needs to start thinking about the next generation. Thieneman makes a lot of sense here.
If they go cornerback early - a real possibility - and Thieneman is still on the board on Day 2, that could be a home-run pairing. He wouldn’t need to be a savior from Day 1, especially if the Vikings bring in a veteran to ease the transition. But his football IQ and scheme versatility would allow him to contribute early and grow into a leadership role down the line.
Other first-round options for Minnesota: Mansoor Delane (CB), Jeremiyah Love (RB), Avieon Terrell (CB)
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has two first-round picks, and with that kind of draft capital, they have the luxury of addressing multiple needs. Safety is one of them - and if Caleb Downs is off the board, which is likely, Thieneman becomes a very real option.
The Cowboys don’t currently have a second-round pick due to a previous trade, so if they want to solidify the back end of their defense, they may need to pull the trigger on Thieneman earlier than expected. He fits what they like - a physical, smart defender who can play both deep and in the box. He’d bring youth and energy to a unit that could use a little more of both.
Indianapolis Colts
Indy made a splash by trading their first-round pick for All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner, and while that move raised eyebrows, it also signaled that the Colts are in win-now mode. If safety Nick Cross departs in free agency, the Colts will have a hole to fill - and Thieneman could be the answer.
Even if Cross stays, adding another versatile piece like Thieneman would only strengthen a secondary that already features one of the league’s top corners. With Gardner locking down one side of the field, a safety who can roam, disguise coverages, and support the run fits perfectly into what the Colts are building.
Final Thoughts
Dillon Thieneman isn’t the loudest name in the 2026 NFL Draft class, but don’t let that fool you - he’s one of the most complete safeties available. He’s the kind of player who makes a defense better the moment he steps on the field. His versatility, leadership, and football smarts make him a plug-and-play option for teams looking to shore up the back end.
Whether he sneaks into the first round or goes early on Day 2, one thing’s for sure: Thieneman is going to make some team very happy - and very tough to throw against.