Bears GM Ryan Poles explains what he loves about Dillon Thieneman

The Chicago Bears had the best-case scenario unfold in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft as they landed Oregon safety Dion Thieneman with the 25th overall pick. Not only did Thieneman's selection address a big need at safety following the losses of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, but it was also the perfect example of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson taking the best player on the board. And looking at last year's draft class, led by first-round tight end Colston Loveland and second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III, it could yield similar results.

Following the selection on Thursday night, Poles shared his initial thoughts on Thieneman, whose tape "popped off" when the Bears were doing their homework on safeties during the pre-draft process. "Just the sense of urgency that he plays with, the speed," Poles said. "We talk about taking the air out of the defense or out of the offense.

His ability to close on the football, both in the run and the pass, stood out really, really quick. As we watched it, the comments you could hear: This guy is obsessed with football, plays fast. He's extremely smart, great leader and violent in the way that he plays the game.

Everything that we're looking for. Then on top of that, you have some versatility. If he has to, he can go over and play a little bit of nickel.