The Chicago Bears used the 2026 NFL Draft to address several holes on their roster, especially on defense, but none greater than the starting safety spot with their first round pick Dillon Thieneman, a pick that has been praised among draft experts for the fit and talent.
Coming into the draft, many mock drafts did not expect Thieneman to be available at the Bears' selection, but as multiple teams moved up the board right in front of them, Chicago was able to select the best player that fit their needs.
As for the type of player that they are getting, Thieneman has been praised for his clean tackling ability, tremendous coverage skills, and the rookie himself said he pulls inspiration from Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg1 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)2 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones3 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush4 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas5 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad6 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott7 / 7Analysis, grades for Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg"Really his versatility, and I liked watching some of his interviews," Thieneman said. "If he knew where the ball was going, he would go switch positions with that player so that he could be in the play so he could have an impact for the team. So just having that knowledge of the defense, but then also the understanding what the offense is trying to do."
If Chicago can get anywhere near the level of play that Polamalu had, even in his early career, the selection of Thieneman would be an absolute home run selection. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will have plenty of unique opportunities and looks he can create for opposing offenses, given the presence of Thieneman and free agent signing Coby Bryant, the two players who will remake the Bears safety position.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman models his game after Troy Polamalu