LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears aren’t just looking for depth; they are staring down the barrel of a roster emergency. As the dust settles on Super Bowl LX and the league pivots to the 2026 offseason, general manager Ryan Poles faces a depth chart that is terrifyingly blank at one key position.
Zero. That is the number of safeties the Bears currently have under contract for the 2026 season. With the free agency frenzy looming in March, a new first-round projection offers a perfect and necessary solution.
In his latest mock draft for The Big Lead, analyst Jeff Risdon has the Bears selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the No. 25 overall pick. This isn’t a luxury pick; it’s a survival tactic.
Thieneman, who cemented his status as a first-round lock after a stellar 2025 campaign with the Ducks, fits the exact profile of a “Poles Guy.” He is athletic, versatile, and highly productive. After transferring from Purdue, Thieneman proved he wasn’t just a Big Ten standout but a national force, showcasing elite range as a single-high safety.
“Thieneman proved at Oregon, and Purdue before that, to be a do-it-all safety capable of playing single-high or either role in a split safety look,” Risdon notes. “Given Chicago’s current safety situation, he’s an easy projection.”
To understand why this pick is gaining traction, you have to look at the Bears’ financial reality. Both Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker are set to hit the unrestricted free agent market next month. While the Bears have publicly expressed interest in retaining Byard, the veteran’s market value could price him out of Chicago. Brisker, coming off the final year of his rookie deal, is also looking for a significant payday.
If Poles cannot secure a deal with either starter before the legal tampering period begins, the Bears could lose their entire starting tandem in a matter of days. Drafting Thieneman at No. 25 provides instant insurance and a long-term starter on a cost-controlled rookie contract.
The tension at Halas Hall is palpable regarding the secondary. Sources close to the team suggest the front office is wary of overspending on veteran defensive backs, preferring to build through the draft.
“The philosophy hasn’t changed. We want to reward our own, but the number has to make sense for the future of this franchise. We aren’t going to blink if we have to get younger.” — League Source familiar with Bears’ Front Office thinking
The NFL Combine in Indianapolis is just weeks away. Expect the Bears to be heavily scrutinized during defensive back drills. If Thieneman tests as well as scouts expect posting elite agility scores to match his game tape he might not even fall to No. 25. But if he does, Chicago shouldn’t overthink it. The card should be turned in immediately.
