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Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears didn't move up or down in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and they were able to get a fantastic player in Dillon Thieneman out of Oregon.
While safeties aren't highly valued by the NFL, Thieneman was still a major steal at No. 25 overall. But the new Bears defensive back provides a lot more than just great value at this pick.
As ESPN's Matt Bowen made the case for, Thieneman is a perfect fit for the Bears' defense. But why? The new Bears safety isn't just a value; he is a perfect fit thanks to two main reasons: his pairing with Coby Bryant and his versatility.
2 reasons why Dillon Thieneman is a great fit for Bears
"With Thieneman and free agent signee Coby Bryant, coordinator Dennis Allen now has two interchangeable safeties with strong ball skills," Bowen writes. "Specifically, Thieneman's speed and range to track the ball deep give Allen more flexibility in the game plan to move late or disguise from two-high shells."
Being able to pair Thieneman with Bryant is a huge plus for Dennis Allen's defense, as the pairing of Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard last year was a resounding success.
Bryant and Thieneman are an upgrade over Byard and Brisker, as the new safety duo is more athletic and game-changing defensive backs than last year's duo.
MORE: Coby Bryant has good odds to be a successful signing for the Bears
The other noteworthy reason why Thieneman will be a perfect fit is that Allen now has a very versatile safety at his disposal.
Not only is the former Oregon safety capable of covering deep when needed, but he is also able to get closer to the line of scrimmage and play underneath coverage.
The combination of Thieneman's pairing with Bryant in the secondary and his versatility that Allen can take advantage of is why the new Bears safety is a perfect fit for their defense.
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