Chicago Bears rookie gets major accolade prediction before Week 1

The Chicago Bears found a new building block for their defense when they selected Dillon Thieneman in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, he’ll be entering his rookie season a crucial member of the secondary.

The NFL world at large have taken notice of Thieneman and his fit in Chicago. He placed third on Pamela Maldonado of ESPN’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year predictions. Furthermore, Thieneman was projected to tie for the rookie lead in interceptions with two.

“As a calculated long shot, the first-round pick is already Chicago’s starting strong safety,” Maldonado wrote. “He should be around the ball plenty after playing 40% of his snaps in the box last season. Thieneman recorded 94 tackles in his final college season, while missing just 7.8% of his attempts.”

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

Chicago completely switched up their safety room over the offseason, letting 2025 starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker walk in free agency. The Bears then brought in Thieneman and Coby Bryant as their replacements.

With Bryant having to undergo knee surgery, Thieneman will only need to step up further. If he can handle the lead room, the safety winning DPOY becomes only more realistic.

Chicago Bears counting on Dillon Thieneman 

In his first collegiate season at Purdue, Thieneman put up an eye-catching six interceptions to go alongside 106 tackles and two passes defended. He earned Third-team All-American honors for his effort.

Thieneman then caught the eye of Oregon, where he would transfer and play his two final seasons. In 2025, the safety made 96 tackles, five passes defended and a pair of picks. He elevated his status to First-team All-American.

The Bears seemed intent on changing things up at safety in 2026. Thieneman was a core piece of that plan. Now, the rookie must prove be an immediate difference maker in Chicago’s secondary.

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