DIllon Thieneman Bears
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Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL combine.
The Chicago Bears have made a litany of free agent moves over the past few days. While general manager Ryan Poles and his team have worked to patch holes across the entire roster, there has certainly been a focus on the defensive side of the ball. The Bears have added quite a few big-name defenders, includinglinebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, andsafety Coby Bryant.
Pro Football Focus had the Bears’ defense graded as the 13th-worst unit last season, so it’s understandable why Poles and Co. have targeted players to revamp this area of their roster. Despite their new additions, they may not be done searching for more defensive pieces.
Sports Illustrated listed Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman as a logical selection for the Bears’ 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dillon Thieneman Listed as a Perfect Fit For Bears’ Defensive Identity
Dillon Thieneman Stats
GettyOregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman recorded 92 total tackles, 5 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and a sack during the 2025 season.
“Speed. Physicality. Instincts.” These are the traits that embody the theme of the defenders Chicago has pursued in free agency, and, according to Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Perez, they are the same traits Dillon Thieneman embodies.
“The instinctive safety quickly built a reputation as one of college football’s most productive defensive backs thanks to his range and ball skills. His ability to read and react helps him generate turnovers, something the Bears have emphasized defensively,”Perez wrote.
“For defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, having a safety who can patrol the deep middle while still supporting the run is critical. Thieneman’s versatility makes him exactly that kind of player.”
Perez also notes that the2025 Second Team All-American defensive back would pair perfectly with Coby Bryant.
“Bryant brings physicality and versatility, while Thieneman offers elite range and instincts as a true center-field defender. That combination would give Allen the freedom to disguise coverages and move defensive backs around the formation, something modern NFL defenses rely on against high-powered offenses.”
After moving on from their previous safety duo of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, this new theoretical team-up could be just what Chicago needs in terms of stability and explosiveness on the backend.
Chicago May Still Not Be Done Adding Defenders in Free Agency
AJ Epenesa Stats
GettyDefensive end AJ Epenesa recorded 32 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions during the 2025 NFL season with the Buffalo Bills.
The Maxx Crosby debacle appears to have settled, for now. On March 11th, Crosbyposted on X that he is back being a Raider. While Crosby’s recommitment to Las Vegas cools down any thoughts of him landing in Chicago (for now), it also heats up the Bears’ options for adding another pass rusher.
It was no secret how invested Chicago was in the Crosbysweepstakes. Despite him no longer being in the running, it still makes sense that they could look elsewhere for some more help along the defensive line.
A player like former Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa would be a nicerotational piece addition to the front seven.
In terms of what value Epensa adds, ESPN’sMatt Bowen classified him as, “a long, powerful mover who can set the edge of the front with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He can also create disruptive plays, recording 24.5 sacks and four interceptions in six NFL seasons.”
Ryan Poles and the front office have made a clear attempt to push the Bears over the edge in terms of building a Super Bowl roster. It remains to be seen how they will continue to develop the team in hopes of making a 2026 leap that Bears fans have dreamed of for decades.