Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman can end long-standing position curse last achieved by a Chicago defender, but doubters are circling
Chicago Bears first-round pick Dillon Thieneman has a shot to bring immediate impact to the team’s defense, but will it be enough to earn national respect that has previously overlooked his position.
The Chicago Bears believe they landed an absolute stud in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft after selecting Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick, a player that can be an immediate difference-maker for this defense.
Over time, Thieneman has Pro Bowl and possibly even All-Pro potential in this scheme given his versatility and how defensive coordinator Dennis Allen plans to use him.
As far as his rookie season, expectations would have to be lowered, even if he projects to be an instant high-level starter. That is, unless he plans to break a 35-year trend.
Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman faces an uphill climb if he wants to be Defensive Rookie of the Year
While rookies have earned Pro Bowl and even All-Pro recognition in recent years, the ultimate personal goal in Year 1 is being named as the AP Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, history is not in Thieneman’s side based on his position.
ESPN’s Ben Solak listed his favorites and long-shots from the 2026 NFL Draft class to take home the OROTY and DROTY awards. Thieneman was not mentioned on the list and neither was Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs. Solak explained why as it relates to Downs’ chances, but it extends to Thieneman as well.
“A safety has not won Defensive Rookie of the Year this century — they simply aren’t around the ball enough. Downs is a candidate to spend more time in the slot given the needs of Dallas’ defense. I am so tempted to keep him alive on the list, in that I believe he’s a spectacular player … but by the harsh reality of history, he must be cut.”
Ben Solak
ESPN
Some history is on Dillon Thieneman’s side
It is worth noting that the last time a safety was named Defensive Rookie of the Year, he actually played in Chicago when Mark Carrier took home the award in 1990, beating out James Francis and Junior Seau. A big reason why Carrier won the award is because he recorded a league-high 10 interceptions and league-high five forced fumbles along with 122 tackles. He also earned a Pro Bowl nod and was a second-team All-Pro.
If that’s what it takes for a safety to earn DROTY honors, it’s going to be a high bar for Thieneman to follow in those footsteps. Last season, Seattle Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori had just seven first-place votes after totaling 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 11 pass deflections, but he only had just one interception and zero forced fumbles.
Clearly takeaways will be the key stat if Thieneman, or Downs, want to break the rookie safety curse. Fittingly, Thieneman is set to join a scheme that led the NFL in takeaways and help replace Kevin Byard III at safety, who led the NFL with seven interceptions.
Thieneman had just three interceptions and two forced fumbles in his entire college career. If he wants a shot at breaking the DROTY curse at the safety position, he’ll need to use his violent nature to create takeaways, especially in the big games the Bears will undoubtedly be playing in.