Bears draft Thieneman in first round, first defensive pick since Roquan Smith in 2018

Chicago ends eight-year wait for top defensive draft selection.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 241 min read

Chicago ends eight-year wait for top defensive draft selection. Video via @adamschefter on X

What happened: The Chicago Bears selected defensive back Dillon Thieneman in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This marks the first time the Bears have used a first-round pick on a defensive player since drafting linebacker Roquan Smith in 2018. Thieneman, a standout safety from Purdue, was taken at pick No. 14 overall.

Why it matters: The selection bolsters a Bears defense that ranked 18th in points allowed during the 2025 season. It signals a shift toward rebuilding the secondary amid ongoing roster turnover.

By the numbers: {"draft_pick": "1.14", "position": "S", "college": "Purdue", "bears_2025_record": "9-8", "defensive_rank_2025": "18th in points allowed", "pre_draft_odds_bears_win_total": "8.5 (o-120)"}

What to watch: Watch Thieneman's rookie minicamp performance and Bears' second-round pick for offensive line help.

Sources

@AdamSchefter 2026-04-24T02:32:46.193753+00:00

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