Should the Chargers Consider Oregon's Dillon Thieneman for a Future-Proof Secondary?
The Los Angeles Chargers are facing some big decisions in their secondary. With veteran safety Tony Jefferson back on a short one-year deal and star Derwin James approaching his 30th birthday, it's time for the Chargers to think long-term about their safety position. Enter the 2026 NFL Draft and Oregon's standout safety, Dillon Thieneman.
Thieneman, a 21-year-old dynamo, made waves in 2025 with the Ducks. Appearing in 15 games, he racked up 92 tackles, broke up five passes, snagged two interceptions, and even added a sack to his impressive stat line.
His performance earned him a stellar 91.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, placing him sixth among a pool of 936 safeties. With a 91.1 coverage grade and a 75.9 run-defense grade, Thieneman was a force to be reckoned with, earning first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors.
Before his Oregon days, Thieneman was a Purdue Boilermaker, where he made an immediate impact. In 2023, he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, thanks to his 106 tackles and six interceptions. His sophomore season was equally impressive, showcasing his knack for deflections and a keen eye for the ball.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Thieneman didn't just show up-he showed out. Standing six-foot and weighing in at 201 pounds, he clocked a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash.
His athletic prowess was further highlighted by a 41-inch vertical and a 10-foot-5 broad jump, not to mention 18 reps on the bench press. This performance earned him an 81.0 total score from Next Gen Stats, with his athletic score leading all safeties at 86.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein has drawn comparisons between Thieneman and former Oregon star Jevon Holland, now with the New York Giants. It's easy to see why the Chargers might be interested.
Thieneman's versatility allows him to adapt on the fly, whether he's playing deep or dropping into the box. His instincts and football IQ could be exactly what the Chargers need to shore up their secondary for years to come.
With the 22nd pick in the draft, the Chargers have a golden opportunity to secure a promising future in their defensive backfield. Thieneman's blend of athleticism, intelligence, and proven production makes him a compelling option for Los Angeles as they look to build a robust defense for the future.