Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the last Bears first-round defensive pick before Dillon Thieneman?
The last Bears first-round pick on the defensive side before Thieneman was Roquan Smith, selected in 2018. That means Chicago went eight years without drafting a defensive player in the first round.
What happened to Coby Bryant that affected Dillon Thieneman's role?
Coby Bryant injured his knee during training camp and required surgery, putting him out for two months. This left Thieneman as the Bears' only projected starting safety, forcing the rookie to step into a bigger role earlier than planned.
What did Dillon Thieneman do in Thursday's joint practice against the Bengals?
Thieneman intercepted Joe Burrow on a seam route intended for tight end Mike Gesicki, showing great ball skills as the pass deflected off Gesicki's hands. He also appeared to record a sack late in practice during situational drills.
Who might pair with Dillon Thieneman at safety now that Coby Bryant is hurt?
The Bears are likely to pair Thieneman with either Xavier Woods, who signed with the team last week, or Cam Lewis, who was never a full-time safety during his time in Buffalo.
What makes Dillon Thieneman so valuable as a safety?
Thieneman is a rare two-way safety who combines blazing speed and instincts for deep coverage with the size and physicality to play near the line of scrimmage as a run defender or blitzer. That Swiss Army knife versatility forces offenses to account for him in multiple ways.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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