In an exciting development for Chicago Bears fans, the team’s top draft pick, Dillon Thieneman, is set to make his way to the Windy City. Introduced at the iconic Halas Hall on Friday afternoon, Thieneman, a highly-regarded safety, has fans eager to see him in action.
As the 2026 NFL Draft continued into its second and third rounds on Friday night, the Bears were busy making strategic decisions to strengthen their roster further. With their 57th overall pick in the second round, they selected Logan Jones, a center from Iowa known for his solid skills and potential to bolster the team’s offensive line.
The Bears made a savvy move by trading their 60th overall pick in the second round to the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, they gained the 69th overall pick in the third round and an additional fifth-round pick at 144th overall. This trade reflects the team’s strategy to gain more depth and options as the draft progresses.
In addition to these maneuvers, the Bears also hold the 89th overall pick in the third round, positioning themselves well to acquire more talent and address their needs across the board.
Thieneman, who had a standout season at Oregon and also showcased his talents at Purdue, brings a level of versatility and skill that the Bears are eager to harness. His All-American status underscores his capability to make an immediate impact and compete for a starting position, addressing a critical need for the team.
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Thieneman was an All-American this past season at Oregon. He also played at Purdue. He fills an immediate need for the Bears and will compete for a starting slot.
Bears fans are buzzing about the draft, feeling pretty confident ahead of next season.
Several NFL experts are calling the Thieneman pick the best of the night for any team and they’re hoping that momentum continues Friday night.
Bears fans are excited and optimistic this morning with the Monsters of the Midway first round pick.
“I think it was a great pick,” Bears fan Joel Dziedzic said. “Based on what was there I think he’s going to do very well.”
“He’s going to bring some fresh blood to the team and he’s got swagger that we need to that we all love in Chicago,” Bears fan Victoria Maclean said.
No stranger to the Midwest, Thieneman hails from Indiana.
The Bears were determined to get faster on defense, and Thieneman certainly helps them do just that. He’s got great closing speed and is expected to be a perfect complement to line up alongside Coby Bryant at safety.
“Some speed that we need back in the safety, defensive backs,” Bears fan Daryl Glaz said. “I’m happy with it. I think he was the best one. A lot of people didn’t think he was gonna be around. But we got a steal.”
At 6 feet, 201 pounds, the Indianapolis native was Big 10 “Freshman of the Year” at Purdue the first of two seasons with the Boilermakers, before transferring to Oregon last year, hoping to step up his game for this NFL opportunity.
“I feel like making the leap to Oregon was kind of preparing me for the next level already, like I’m going to a new place, new coaches, new scheme, new environment,” Thieneman said. “So I’m kind of used to that change, and I know how to make it and what works for me and what doesn’t. So I’m kind of able to grow from that last experience. And I think hit the ground running.”
The Bears said he checked all the boxes, so they’re thrilled to make him their first round pick in this year’s draft.
“He was standing out, elevated on the board,” Bears GM Ryan Poles said. “We kind of work lateral to see who’s up there. And he was the number one on our priority list. We take the board obviously before all this kicks off and we sequence it. And he was the top sequence guy on our board.”
His head coach at Oregon said Thieneman is the best safety he’s ever coached, which says a lot.
Thieneman was Halas Hall Friday afternoon as fans wish for more stellar draft selections Friday night.
“I think we still need defensive players so defensive end, defensive tackle that would be great,” Dziedzic said.
“Keep up with the defense,” Glaz said. “I think the office has been great. It’s been explosive as it is. We need more defense line edge somebody get at the quarterback of the other team. None of sacks last year.”
Fans said they’re hopeful this team has Super Bowl potential.
The draft wraps up Saturday.
You can catch rounds two and three of the draft on ABC7 starting at 6 p.m. Thursday. Eyewitness News at 6 p.m. will be available wherever you stream ABC7.
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