Bears Draft Safety Dillon Thieneman

0:00On April 24th, the Chicago Bears just made ways in the 2026 NFL Draft by snagging Oregon Safety Dylan Dieneman at pick number 25 in the first round. This marks their first defensive back taken that high since Rhoquan Smith back in 2018 and their first safety in round 1 since Mark. Carrier in 1990. It's a straight-up starter to plug their lone hole in the secondary, learning from past games where offense is lit up scoreboards, but defense is decided. The outcome. The enemy flashed elite athleticism at the combine with a 4.35 second, 40 yard dash, faster than anyone on the Bears roster, and a 41-inch vertical leap. On the field, he racked up eight interceptions, including six as a freshman at Purdue, before transferring to Oregon and finishing with 100, six tackles. The defensive coordinator Dennis Allen pushed for the speed and versatility, especially after signing free agent Kobe Bryant to beef up the back end.

1:02Fans and analysts are buzzing about the Bears prioritizing the secondary amid bigger needs of front, like edge rushers and a defensive tackle. The team hasn't topped 46 since 49 in 2021, dipped to 35 last year, and ranked 27th against the run. After being dead last the year before that, some question passing on prospects like Auburn's Keldrick Falk or Missouri's Zion Young at defensive end. Still, the enemy slots in as the second safety off the board behind Oregon's Caleb Downs, bringing starter-ready talent to a squad that led the league. In takeaways last season, Amhersty are sceptible, and the waste of this were first to get on, they lost Kevin Byard, and Jacwan Briskour in free agency, so this keeps their ball-hawking defense rolling without missing a beat. With the enemy locked in, the Bears' secondary looks primed to force turnovers and change gains, setting the stage for a defensive rebound as they chase those elusive playoff wins. You've been listening to NFL News today, AI-powered football coverage.