Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman has high praise for Caleb Williams

Dillon Thieneman is expected to play a key role for the Chicago Bears in 2026.

The Bears used their No. 25 overall pick on the former Purdue Boilermakers and Oregon Ducks star. Thieneman established himself as one of the top defensive ends in his class in his three years in college. Last season, the Westfield, Indiana, native recorded 96 combined tackles (44 solo) in his lone year with the Ducks. He added two interceptions, 1.0 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and five passes defended, en route to being named as a First Team All-American.

Thieneman fills a big hole for the Bears’ secondary after the team lost safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens in free agency. The rookie is expected to slot into the safety role opposite offseason recruit Coby Bryant.

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams draws Dillon Thieneman’s praise

While Thieneman will be a key cog on the defensive side of the ball, the 21-year-old knows full well that the Bears will only go as far as Caleb Williams takes them.

Thieneman hasn’t had much time to get to know the Bears’ cornerstone quarterback since he joined the team in April. However, the rookie has seen Williams in action during OTAs and in the team’s mandatory minicamp. This has been enough for Thieneman to form a strong opinion on the former Heisman Trophy winner.

“He’s good, he can dial it up,” Thieneman said of Williams. “He’s athletic and he can move, great eyes and everything. I think he can be good.”

Dillon Thienemen on if Caleb Williams can be scary:

“He’s good, he can dial it up. He’s athletic and he can move, great eyes and everything. I think he can be good.”

Praise to the QB1. pic.twitter.com/Zye2RE8OkW

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) June 13, 2026

Williams was very good in 2025. He took his game to a whole new level, which resulted in tremendous success for Chicago. Williams led the Bears to an 11-6 record and the NFC North title. They went all the way to the Divisional Round, too, where they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Rams.

Williams will need to keep his foot on the gas in 2026 if he wants to lead the Bears to even more success.

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