As we creep ever closer to the start of the 2026 Chicago Bears season, questions persist about the state of their defense. One element of their roster that would go a long way toward quelling any existent concerns, though, is the ability on the part of Dillon Thieneman to develop quickly at the back of their secondary.
That the Bears were able to select Thieneman at the 25th spot of the 2026 NFL Draft read as something of a surprise due to projections that had him lingering more around the top 20. With the Bears letting each of Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard walk in free agency, however, they were pleased to be able to grab the former Oregon Duck at their original spot without needing to move.
The expectation was that Thieneman would form a new
tandem at the safety position alongside Coby Bryant. With the latter now out for most of the season (if not the entirety of it), there is even more of an onus on the rookie to adjust to the top level as quickly as possible. If there's a positive to be found among such an urgent mindset, it's that the development he'll need to showcase is already beginning to manifest, at least in the eyes of tight end Colston Loveland.
“He’s got a great routine," Loveland said. "I see him in the weight room before practice getting right, he does the same thing every single day. I got him a good amount early on, but he was always in position. By the end of camp, he started making plays on the ball. It was cool to see. He’s a great player, super fast, physical, and he’s grown so much throughout camp. I’m excited to see him go out there on Sundays.”
It's difficult to overstate the value of confidence for a rookie. And what Loveland is describing what is being demonstrated by Thieneman certainly reads as an increase in just that. With his positioning being in place from the jump, the fact that he's reached the point of, in practice, becoming more attack-oriented speaks to a psychological growth that is paramount for rookies that are immediately thrust into a starting role.
If Loveland's observation is any indication, Thieneman is on track to demonstrate exactly the type of speedy development that the Bears are going to need out of him in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Colston Loveland already sees growth in Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman
