Dillion Thieneman might be Chiefs' smartest second-round target in 2026 draft

Throughout the 100 Draft Prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs project, some conclusions have become more evident, one of which is where the strengths and weaknesses are in this rookie class and how it could impact the team's’ free agency strategy.

Safety Bryan Cook strung together his best season as a pro in 2025 and has several Chiefs fans wondering if extending him is the best choice. While Cook has been a nice player for the Chiefs, examining the draft class, especially with the depth at safety, the decision should be an easy one. Between Caleb Downs, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and Dillon Thieneman, there's a decent chance three safeties will be drafted in the top 50—and maybe even more.

Looking at the Chiefs’ salary cap, the amount of money allocated to linebackers and interior offensive linemen equals 22.84% of their cap spending in 2026. That’s not exactly the ideal cap-spending structure for adding a veteran safety contract. The Chiefs should look within (Jaden Hicks, Chamarri Conner, and Chris Roland-Wallace) and to the draft before spending more cap space on a veteran safety.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon

Age: 21 (on draft day)

Height: 6-00 (listed)

Weight: 205 LBS (listed)

Tape Exposure: Penn State (2025), Indiana (2025), Northwestern (2025)

Shades of: Justin Reid

Dillon Thieneman background

Thieneman attended Westfield High School in Westfield, Indiana, where he was rated as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports. He committed to Purdue out of high school and spent his first two seasons with the Boilermakers, logging 210 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and nine passes defended.

Thieneman entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season as a 4-star prospect and the top safety in the portal. He committed to play at Oregon, where he finished his career with 96 tackles, one sack, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and five passes defended. Thieneman declared for the NFL Draft on January 14, 2026.

Dillon Thieneman's strengths

Range

High-level athlete who can cover sideline to sideline in the deep quarter of the field. Has a great trigger downhill as well, with strong closing speed. Shows strong anticipation for the deep half of the field and creates a high impact with ball production (eight career interceptions).

Versatility

After seeing the impact a player like Nick Emmanwori can have on a defense, Thieneman’s value only goes up. He can play out of the slot, in the box, or as a free safety with no issues. Not only is he versatile, but his vision and instincts make him solid in many roles.

High Football Character

Thieneman never gives up on a play and is always rallying to the football. This is the exact type of player you want on the back end of your defense. He has reportedly received glowing reports from coaches (via Dane Brugler’s podcast) and is expected to be a high-level tester at the combine.

Dillon Thieneman's Weaknesses

Eye Discipline

At times, he can be a little too aggressive, crashing downhill and falling for eye candy. He needs to stay more disciplined in the play-action game.

Pursuit Angles

As a free safety, he needs to keep his angles of pursuit deeper. He has been caught out of position in some key moments (Indiana’s Roman Hemby) that led to explosive plays.

Lack of Thump

You’d like to see a little more power in his game as a tackler. Overall, he is a very solid tackler, but he never feels like he punishes players over the middle of the field or in the flat.

Why the Chiefs should draft Dillon Thieneman if they can

Dillon Thieneman has a chance to be a first-round pick, though that’s not certain. However, this feels a lot like the Brian Branch conversation in 2023, where positional value got in the way of drafting a really good player. If the Chiefs have a chance at him with their second-round pick, it’s a “sprint to the podium” type of moment, in our opinion. He allows the Chiefs to be more versatile in the secondary and brings a true free safety element that they might be losing in Bryan Cook. Thieneman is a darn good football player, and the Chiefs can’t pass on those types of guys in this draft.

Dillon Thieneman is a versatile defensive back who thrives in the box, nickel, or single-high. He flows downhill vs. the run, mirrors well in coverage, and uses strong ball skills to attack the catch point. Not a big hitter or block-shedder.

Round Grade: Green Chip (2nd Round Grade)