The 2026 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Dillon Thieneman NFL Draft Profile.
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Position: Safety
School: Oregon
Size: 6-foot, 201 Pounds
Class: Junior
2025 stats: 96 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended
Thieneman was a three-star prospect in the class of 2023 who signed with Purdue to stay in-state. He starred as a freshman for the Boilermakers with 106 total tackles, six interceptions and two passes defended. Despite his good play, Purdue won just four games. He returned to Purdue in 2024, totaling 104 total tackles and seven passes defended. The Boilermakers won one game that season and Thieneman decided to transfer to Oregon. With the Ducks in 2025, Thieneman racked up 96 tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended.
Following the season, Thieneman declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first-round pick.
Thieneman has good size and athleticism for the position. He stands at 6-foot and 201 pounds, which is decent enough for a safety. Thieneman ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and the speed is on display when he suits up. He accelerates well and also changes direction at a decent rate too. His range as a safety is among the best in the class.
He showed great ball skills during his college career. Thieneman finds the football in the air and is able to attack the catchpoint. He is able to come away with plenty of passes defended or interceptions. Thieneman goes up as if the ball is his and is able to make plays on it. Receivers will have to fight with him to win the football.
His play diagnosis is among his best skills. Thieneman sees running plays quickly and is able to come downhill to tackle ball carriers. He recognizes blocking schemes and is able to pursue ball carriers effectively. In coverage, he has great route recognition and can even jump routes to make plays on the ball. His awareness is great for a safety prospect.
Thieneman can match up with tight ends in man coverage, but can struggle against wide receivers or shifty running backs. He can struggle to open up his hips and transition, which allows receivers to create separation with him. It is best if he is used in zone coverage, but his man coverage can improve with some more work.
He makes so many tackles and shows good pursuit doing so, but there is some overpursuit as well. Thieneman can outrun the running back, giving the opponent some good cutback lanes. He can aggressively come downhill and fill a hole, but it isn’t always the right one. Thieneman will usually make the right call, but there are errors of commission.
His ability to get through traffic is impressive, but he can work on shedding to get to ball carriers quicker. Thieneman can add some more play strength to help with this, but he can also use his hands to help him shed. He already is a good run defender, but this will help him be even better in that area.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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