Bears rookie could make Ben Johnson look like a genius

Sure, Ben Johnson already looks like a genius after his turnaround with the Chicago Bears. In just one year, he took this team from the bottom of the NFC North straight to the top, without really having any learning curve for becoming a first-year head coach. That's impressive.

But, what Johnson did in the draft will also keep proving that narrative that he knows exactly what the Bears need.

Now, one of Johnson's most important rookie picks is getting some kudos ahead of the season starting. If this guy turns out to be as solid as the critics are saying, that's a great thing for Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles.

Dillon Thieneman could be a defensive star

In a feature published on Saturday, Dan Graziano, Pamela Maldonado, Matt Bowen, Mike Clay and Jordan Reid of ESPN discuss their take on the NFL rookies ahead of the new season.

For the Bears, they highlight safety Dillon Thieneman. Maldonado names him one of his top Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates.

"As a calculated long shot, the first-round pick is already Chicago's starting strong safety," he states in the piece. "He should be around the ball plenty after playing 40% of his snaps in the box last season."

Last season, Thieneman recorded 94 tackles in college, per ESPN. He also didn't get only 7.8% of his tries. Those are solid numbers.

"Safeties rarely win DROY, but the last one to do it was Mark Carrier with the Bears in 1990," Maldonado adds. "Thieneman is worthy of bringing the award back home given his immediate role."

So, a solid performance from Thieneman and DROY honors would surely make Johnson and Poles look even more like geniuses.

More NFL news:

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• Maxx Crosby may have found his perfect partner in mayhem
• Packers' Matt LaFleur may be in the hot seat after this season